19th Annual Venetian Ball Hosts Unforgettable Performances by 50's Teen Idols Frankie Avalon, Lou Christie, and Fabian
TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Venetian Ball played host to a nostalgic evening for more than 1,000 guests as Frankie Avalon, Lou Christie, and Fabian, the original Italian teen idols, took the stage for an unforgettable performance celebrating the best in Italian culture.
Now in its 19th year, The Venetian Ball boasts a rich history of delighting guests with delectable treats, beautiful masks, glamorous ball gowns, exquisite auction items and one-of-a-kind entertainment, while embracing the spirit of Venice's Carnevale.
Following a performance by Toronto's Simply Grand, host Kevin Frankish of Breakfast Television was joined on stage by Canadian impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon, who delighted guests with his extraordinary renditions of favourites including Mick Jagger and Maroon 5.
Co-chairs Rudy Bratty, Chairman and CEO of The Remington Group, and Edward Sorbara, Principal of the Sorbara Group, returned the gala to its traditional format by welcoming guests to an evening of Italian excellence.
"The Venetian Ball continues to be one of the city's most anticipated fundraising events; one that not only allows us to celebrate the passion and intrigue of our Italian culture, but helps fund the invaluable work of Villa Charities," said Bratty. "I am thankful for the continued support of the community, and look forward to celebrating our success as we look forward to our next major milestone, the 20th anniversary of Venetian Ball in 2013."
This year, guests were treated to food stations from Toronto's top restaurants and catering companies including Alexander; Bottega; Alfa Cappuccino; Astoria; Bella Casara Quality Cheese; Caliber Fine Wines & Spirits; CC's Creations; Centro; Cocomira; Culinary Studio; Galvanina; Halpern; Italpasta; Lady York; Lavish Cupcakes; Mokarabia; Niagara Food Specialties; Nino D'Aversa Bakery; Noble Estates; Ristorante Boccaccio; Ristorante Sotto Sotto; Seventh Heaven Event Catering; Sweets and Things; Terrace Banquet Centre; The Country Kitchen; and Toschi.
At 7:00 p.m., guests were led into the immaculate, Carnevale-inspired room to feast on an unforgettable dinner, enjoy the live auction that included tickets to the 70th Venice International Film Festival and the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, and dance the night away.
"Each year The Venetian Ball presents Toronto with a celebration of culture, arts and community," said Sorbara. "From surprise performances, to first-class auction items, The Venetian Ball sets the bar for gala's in the city. I am honoured to participate in such a worthy event."
The Venetian Ball raises funds to support the important and unique work of Villa Charities, a family of organizations that has grown its mandate of providing care for seniors to include support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues.
About Villa Charities
Since its formation in 1971 to provide culturally sensitive care for an elderly Italian Canadian population, Villa Charities has extended its mandate to include support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Building on its rich Italian Canadian heritage, and by living life with Italian passion, the Villa Charities family of organizations has grown to include Villa Colombo Services for Seniors, Columbus Centre, VITA Community Living Services, Mens Sana Families for Mental Health and Villa Colombo Vaughan Di Poce Centre. Recognizing its relevance across generations, Villa Charities is launching new initiatives to promote quality of life, health and wellness, youth engagement, the creation of new knowledge and investment in new technologies. For more information, visit www.villacharities.com.
Performance photos from the evening: http://wtrns.fr/Q7JZf3PnVOuH_M
*Photo credit: Gregory Varano, Photojournalist on behalf of Villa Charities
SOURCE: Villa Charities
and additional photos, please contact:
Kelly Olive
MAVERICK PR for Villa Charities
Office: 416-640-5525 x 230
[email protected]
Stefanie Polsinelli
Villa Charities Inc.
Office: 416-789-7011 x 320
[email protected]
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