This year, our guests were Steppin’ Out in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation at the 23rd annual Teddy Bear Affair on Saturday, November 14th, with patron sponsors, CGI and CIBC Children’s Foundation. The evening was an incredible success and more than $1 million dollars were raised in support of Canada’s abused and neglected children and youth.   The evening took guests back to a time when elegance and glamour were the name of the game. Sleek design and art deco accents transformed the Metro Toronto Convention Centre into an era when swing was in and the cool cat sounds of Benny Goodman and Bing Crosby brought ballrooms and nightclubs to life.   Between Canadian crooner and headliner Matt Dusk and Swing Shift, the house band, toes were tapping to the beat of swing music late into the night.  The Dance Company brought the room to life with their lively and upbeat routines.   The Teddy Bear Affair was once again hosted by Breakfast Television hosts Kevin Frankish and Dina Pugliese who kept the crowd laughing with their witty banter and hilarious improv.   In keeping with tradition, bears of all sizes played a big role in the evening.  Our Collector Bear’s, sponsored by Royal Bank, were dressed to impress and ready to go to a good home. These 12 bears are each hand-crafted by our team of talented bear designers and are featured in our annual calendar. The Tiffany & Co. raffle bears were also in high demand with incredible raffle prizes of Tiffany & Co. jewellry valued at over $25,000.   Over the last 23 years, the award-winning Teddy Bear Affair has raised over $18 million for some of the most disadvantaged children in our communities.  One hundred per cent of proceeds go to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, enrichment opportunities and education programs.    To be a part of the magic in 2010, contact Niki Gastis at 416-923-0924 x 226 or niki@cafdn.org or Ann Barnard Ball, Executive Director at 416-923-0924 x271 or aball@cafdn.org.    Visit our new Teddy Bear Affair website at www.teddybearaffair.com to see pictures of the evening.