All decked out
Art got festive at Christmas tree–themed G Party Gala
Toronto’s designer crowd flocked to the Gardiner Museum for its 26th annual Christmas-tree themed bash, the G Party Gala. Curator Dee Dee Eustace, dressed as a silver sparkly Christmas tree herself, hopped around the party with that boundless energy, and it was packed to the rafters. I had arrived hoping to bid on a tree and take it home as has been the case for many years with the spirited 12 Trees of Christmas auction. However, the trees, created by some of Canada’s leading designers and artists, will stay on display through the Christmas season. Sadly, there weren’t any real trees to take home, although everyone seemed rather taken with the Hermès tree, fashioned out of colourful silk scarves, and other “trees” which really were re- imagined as art instalments. Other fantastical creations on display were by Michael Adamson, Bruno Billio, Justin Broadbent, Sophie DeFrancesca, Trevor Godinho, Hunter Lewis Lake, Jenn E. Norton, The Stratford Festival, Susanne Shaw for Holt Renfrew, The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, and Jane Waterous. Proceeds benefit the Gardiner Museum’s education programs and community outreach. Always a scrumptious and flashy affair, the 19th annual Bloor Street Entertains wowed as Toronto’s finest retailers and galleries came together with the city’s renowned chefs
and decor experts to create a most bespoke evening. It’s always a treat as Toronto’s Mink Mile opens its doors after hours to welcome patrons with an opportunity to dine in their favourite stores and galleries in support of Canadian HIV and AIDS research. The evening culminates at the ROM with dancing and a luxury silent auction. Founded in 1987, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research raises awareness to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV infection and AIDS.
It takes a village ... and it is the involvement of dedicated partners and sponsors, including the chefs, venues and florists that have made Bloor Street Entertains into the extraordinary event it is today. Because of their support, the event has raised more than $5 million for CANFAR since its inception. For the second year in a row sports icons teamed up with Raptors president and general manager Masai Ujiri, as he honoured his hero, Nel
son Mandela, at his signature Giants of Africa party. Founded in 2003, Giants of Africa was created to make a difference for kids in Africa using basketball as a tool. The organization’s mission is to use the game to educate and enrich the lives of the African youth by providing quality facilities, coaching and instruction. “Nelson Mandela knew that sport has the power to inspire and unite people in a way that little else does,” said Ujiri. “We are honoured and humbled to be able to celebrate his legacy on Dec. 5 for the second consecutive year.” To commemorate this special celebration, the Toronto Raptors team store sold limited edition ‘ The Giant of Africa’ Tshirts featuring Mandela’s five pillars: being a leader, fighting for freedom, creating a better future, committing to the community and using sport to inspire change.
Guests were thrilled to mix and mingle with living legends on hand to spread good cheer. Needless to say, everyone had a ball! 12 Trees G Party in ; CANFAR — Bloor St. Entertains in The Giant of Africa tribute in 12 Trees G Party photos by Ryan Emberley; CANFAR — Bloo r St. Entertains photos and The Giant of Africa tribute photos by George Pimentel photography