3rd annual Diwali - A Night to Shine 2013 Raises Over 3.7 Million in support of UHN

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - On Saturday, October 19^th Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation (TGWHF) hosted the 3^rd annual Diwali - A Night to Shine 2013, presented by Sun Life Financial in support of UHN at The Carlu.

The evening raised over $500,000 net benefitting two important program areas within UHN: the HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice and the Sun Life Financial Banting and Best Diabetes Clinics.  UHN has led the fight to cure diabetes since Banting and Best first discovered insulin and tested its efficiency at Toronto General Hospital almost a century ago.

Diwali Co-chair Dr. Michael Baker, Rose Family Chair in Medicine, announced the new gift of 3 million dollars by G. Raymond Chang and the Chang Family to the HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice.  "We are deeply honoured by the continued generosity and support of the Chang Family.  This donation will ensure the long-time growth and sustainability of this program and the commitment to education and practice that it embodies." said Dr. Baker.

450 of GTA's corporate and philanthropic community attended the sold-out event.  Diwali, the South Asian 'Festival of Lights' symbolizing good health, hope, luck and prosperity is one of the most important celebrations on the Indian calendar.  "We are proud that in three short years Diwali - A Night to Shine has become a corner-stone fundraising event for TGWHF and a must-attend community event.  We owe our gratitude and growing success to our South Asian community supporters, enthusiastic volunteer committee, in particular event co-chair Mr. Raj Kothari, Managing Partner, Greater Toronto, PricewaterhouseCoopers and our generous sponsors representing all of Toronto's diverse communities." said Tennys Hanson, President and CEO, Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, "their continued dedication to excellence remains a constant source of hope and inspiration." continued Mrs. Hanson.

As guests entered The Carlu's grand hall decorated in Indian finery, the sounds from strolling flutists, guitarist and dhol drummers transported them into another world embarking on a journey of India's past, present and future.

The event took its inspiration from the famous book, the 'Discovery of India' written in 1946 by the late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister after independence in 1947, based on a series of letters he wrote to his daughter Indira while serving a prison sentence for fighting for his country's freedom.

The evening was narrated by the character of Pundit Nehru played by Canadian actor Huse Madhavji (Saving Hope, Call me Fitz).  As Pundit Nehru (Huse) pondered the ancestral gifts of India, guests enjoyed a glimpse into India's legacy through yoga, dance, music, fashion and food.

The gala was catered by 10tation Event Catering in consultation with Chef Kamal Kumar.  Guests enjoyed a meal where each course represented periods throughout India's history.  From the sweet, sour and fruity sensations of the Vedic period in 5000 BC, to the mainly vegetarian Mauryan era, the rich and creamy main course inspired by the Mughal and Colonial periods, to the dazzling finale with the fragrant and flavourful teas and divinely decadent desserts of modern India.

A Live Auction and raffle which included trips to Barbados, Vegas, Gold and rare wines ensured memories and good times had by all will continue in the coming year.

Gracing our presence, guests included: Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, Indian Consul General, Mr. Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation, Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Financial Canada, Jamie Sokalsky, President and CEO Barrick Gold and Nancy Sokalsky, Anita Majumdar (Midnight's Children, Bollywood Star 2014), Francis D'Souza, Libby Znaimer, Harry and Evelyn Rosen and Christine Magee.

For further information about this year's event please visit www.uhndiwaligala.com

ABOUT TORONTO GENERAL & WESTERN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital as well as for their respective research arms, Toronto General Research Institute and Toronto Western Research Institute. The Foundation's vision is to enable global leadership and innovation in health by developing and sustaining strong relationships with University Health Network stakeholders.

Image with caption: "Canadian Actors Anita Majumdar (Midnight's Children, Bollywood Star 2014) and Huse Madhavji (Saving Hope, Call me Fitz) pose at Diwali - A Night to Shine gala on Saturday, October 19, 2013 (CNW Group/Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131022_C5895_PHOTO_EN_32352.jpg

Image with caption: "Diwali - A Night to Shine event co-chairs, Dr. Michael Baker, Rose Family Chair in Medicine and Mr. Raj Kothari, Managing Partner, Greater Toronto, PwC (CNW Group/Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131022_C5895_PHOTO_EN_32351.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation

For further information:

For additional information and images please contact:                           

Megan Goldwell
Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Special Projects
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
T: 416-340-5240 Direct Line
M: 647-985-5556
[e-mail]