Playing, for the children
An evening with athletes, plus a little Sunshine
You know you’re in for an impressive night when you are surrounded by some of the best athletes in the world, not to mention a few titans of industry.
The Right to Play Dinner in honour of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky and business leader Michael Cooper lived up to expectations. Over 1,000 guests decked to the nines packed the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to celebrate two men who do so much for their communities. Right to Play is an organization that helps children in three key areas: quality education, staying healthy and building peaceful communities.
“When I started Right To Play 16 years ago, I thought the world would be a better place for children by now,” said Right To Play founder Johann Koss. “The simple fact is, it’s not. That is what makes this event so powerful – it’s our opportunity to come together and make a real change in children’s lives
through play.”
The event featured a virtual reality trip to programs in Ethiopia’s Dollo Ado refugee camp, which immersed guests in the struggle of children’s daily life, and the transformative impact that play is having there. Additional videos by Toronto-based Skin and Bones Film Company punctuated the evening, transporting guests to Right To Play programs in Ghana and Ontario’s Eagle Lake.
With the help of title sponsor TD Bank, $ 1.4 million was raised.
Everyone loves a night that’s all about fundraising for kids in need. Which is why Sunshine Ball co- chairs Claire Kilgour Hervey and Angelina Pun decided to invite a bunch of their favourite people to the Four Seasons Hotel for the 10th annual soiree to support Project Sunshine Canada.
After a spirited cocktail hour that involved an extensive silent auction, it was a challenge to get guests to take their seats at their lounges for the buffet supper. So much fun was had and gobs of money raised.
“Without the funds raised through the Sunshine Ball over the past 10 years, we would not be able to continue doing what we are passionate about,” said Caroline Bell- Ritchie, Project Sunshine Canada board president. “And that is helping children be children regardless of illness, hospitalization or the fear and stress that can accompany those things. We are truly grateful for all the support of those who made this year’s event such a success.”
The event, sponsored by BMO, raised over $ 160,000 in support of programs for families facing medical challenges in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Canada. Right to Play in red • Sunshine Ball gold •