BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS 2008

On Wednesday, November 26, 2008, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) will be celebrating the 12th annual Bloor Street Entertains gala fundraiser, which is expected to raise more than $500,000 for HIV/AIDS research in Canada. 

Since its inception in 1996, Bloor Street Entertains has contributed an impressive $3 million towards the funding of investigatory HIV/AIDS research provided through grants awarded by CANFAR.  One of Toronto’s most visible and prolific fundraising events, this unique and glamorous black-tie evening sees the high end retail and fashion stores, galleries and museums in the Bloor-Yorkville area transform into exquisite dining rooms, host to intimate dinners for more than 900 people prepared by the city’s most luminary chefs.

Celebrations continue after dinner at The Party at the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s premier cultural and social destination, where more than 1,500 people come together in further support of the evening’s fundraising festivities. Party goers can look forward to special entertainment, unique libations, and a silent auction featuring rare, exotic and luxury items.

As the cornerstone event for many of Toronto’s urban professionals and vanguard socialites, attendees include celebrities and dignitaries from across the city, led by prominent Canadian co-chairs. This year’s event will be co-chaired by husband and wife team: real estate developer and co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts, Howard Sokolowski and celebrated journalist Linda Frum.  In recent past years, co-chairs have included the Hon. Belinda Stronach and Salah Bachir as well as Andrew and Valerie Pringle.

“We are delighted to be co-chairing the 12th annual Bloor Street Entertains Gala since we believe that by supporting CANFAR we are helping great Canadian minds help the world.  The medical research conducted by the scientists who are funded by CANFAR is a critical component in the global fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS,” said Linda Frum. “We are proud to give our support to a Canadian organization that has already made significant contributions towards finding a cure for AIDS and we hope that you will join us.”

Bloor Street Entertains was named the top fundraising event in Toronto by BizBash Magazine's Top 100 Toronto Events in 2007, and was voted Canada’s Best Fundraising Event in 2004 by the Canadian Event Industry ‘Star’ Awards.