/R E P E A T -- Toronto citizens and corporate elite pay tribute to Central Tech on 100th birthday bash/

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - The historic Central Technical School (CTS) in downtown Toronto is getting ready to celebrate its 100^th birthday in style this weekend, and the school, students, parents, alumni and community are now in final party preparation mode.

The CTS Alumni Association (CTSAA) has joined forces with the Friends and Neighbours of Central Tech (FANCTS) to spearhead the planning for the gala weekend which takes place at various venues between October 16-18 including an open house at the famed Bathurst Street school. The festivities kick off with opening ceremonies at CTS Friday afternoon, moving afterwards to a pub night in Little Italy. Saturday will feature various activities at the school which will include decade room tours, a marketplace and French Cafe followed by a gala dinner at Meridian Banquet Hall. Celebrations will close with a brunch on Sunday in the school's elegant Room 208.

CTSAA President Christine McCurry commented: "Our Association has been working hard on this event for the last four years and everyone is getting excited. CTS alumni have always been proud of their school, and we are especially proud of the way that our graduating classes of skilled tradespeople have helped to literally build this city over the last 100 years."

In addition to myriad social events, organizers are also planning a huge silent auction at CTS and other venues which is expected to boast $40,000 worth of fantastic items to bid on,- courtesy of the generous surrounding business community. All raised funds will be invested in student needs and future CTSAA activities to support the school.

Neil Stephenson, FANCTS Co-Chair, remarked: "The response from the local merchants and indeed the whole Toronto business community has been absolutely incredible. Businesses have been lining up to offer a special birthday gift to the school in appreciation of its century of faithful service to the city."

Donors and corporate sponsors not only include neighbourhood heavyweights like David Mirvish, Lindvest, Daniels Corp., Hot Docs, Westbank, The Porretta Team/Forest Hill Real Estate, Bad Boy and Splendido, but also prestigious national brands such as WestJet Airlines, BMO, Fairmont Hotels, TTC-ATU Local 113, Scotiabank, LG Electronics Canada, Loblaws, Metro, McDonald's, MLSE, VIA Rail, TD Bank, George Brown College, OCAD University, Ryerson University and the University of Toronto.

The President-elect of the Student Council Valentyn Lyevyentsov summed it up: "I feel lucky to be able to serve as Student Council President for this upcoming school year. Our school will be buzzing with excitement all year long".

All are welcome to attend the open house which runs October 16-18.

SOURCE Central Tech Alumni Association

CONTACTS: Christine McCurry, President, CTSAA: [email protected], (416-662-9682); Neil D. Stephenson, Co-Chair, FANCTS: [email protected], (416-516-7344); Leo Darmitz, Fundraising Chair, CTSAA: [email protected], (905-891-2748); Valentyn Lyevyentsov, CTS Student Council President: [email protected], (416-333-1667)