A feast for the senses
The ROM Ball celebrates Canada 150 in style
When the likes of Canadian icon Bryan Adams and crooner extraordinaire Rufus Wainwright are going to be in Toronto on the same night — let alone in the same room, one can’t help but want to be there, too.
Hundreds of patrons shelled out upwards of $ 15,000 per table to attend the ROM Ball to celebrate Canada’s 150th and celebrate they did. With champagne and smart cocktails flowing all night, it was hardly surprising that everyone turned up in their black tie best to have a rollicking good time. Event chair Simona Shnaider led the charge and guests were wowed by Bill Fughlum’s artfully decorated tables that captured
gorgeous blooms and stunning colours that one could expect to see from coast to beautiful Canadian coast. Wainwright’s set, which he performed before supper, was pitch-perfect. Collaborations on view with acclaimed artists and Canadian treasures — Barry Ace, Edward Burtynsky and Charles Pachter — hit a visual high as well. But it was the exhibit “Canadians” by Bryan Adams that had patrons documenting every moment on Instagram as they posed and preened in front of the large- scale portraits. The display which was on for one night only, featured 28 portraits of national icons, including: Margaret Atwood, Michael Bublé, The Weeknd, Joni Mitchell, Wayne Gretzky, Michael J. Fox, Linda Evangelista and Her Majesty the Queen, among many more. Most recently, Adams photographed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, backstage at the Juno Awards in Ottawa.
“The ROM Ball was truly a celebration of our generous supporters and corporate sponsors, who enable the museum to share Canadian art, culture and nature with the world,” said Susan Horvath, President & CEO, ROM Governors. “This elegant event is our bi-annual signature fundraiser, and the next ROM Ball will take place in 2019.” Major sponsors included CIBC as Presenting Sponsor, Simona Shnaider as Canadians Exhibition Sponsor and Mantella Corporation as Entertainment Sponsor. The ROM Ball truly was a feast for all the senses!