Teddy Bear Affair Raises Record Breaking Amount for Children's Aid Foundation
Annual gala hit a high note by raising $1.7 million for children in need
TORONTO, Nov. 22 /CNW/ - On November 17, 2007 the 21st annual Teddy Bear
Affair struck the right chord with over 1,100 generous guests and raised
$1.7 million for the Children's Aid Foundation. This is the largest amount
ever brought in by the event, and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go
directly towards helping high-risk children across Canada.
"We are thrilled by the fundraising results of this year's gala," says
Sheilagh Johnson, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Foundation. "All
funds raised at this event are directed to programs for children and youth in
the areas of prevention, enrichment and education. Thanks to the generous
contributions from our guests and supporters, the Children's Aid Foundation
will be able to help hundreds of thousands of Canadian kids escape poverty,
abuse and neglect."
Guests were enticed by exquisite live and silent auction items open for
bidding throughout the evening which had a significant impact on the record
total raised. Live auction highlights included:
- A stunning new condominium from Cresford Developments which closed
at an astounding $210,000, and
- A Chrysler Town and Country luxury minivan which brought in
$41,000.
Silent auction items included:
- A signed guitar by legendary musician Sting,
- Elaborate vacation getaways,
- A dream kitchen from Miele Deluxe Kitchens, and
- One of a kind blues-themed teddy bears such as "The Blues
Brothers" bears.
Guests were entertained by Canadian rock-music icon Tom Cochrane who had
guests on their feet during an electric live performance. Other artists
featured that night included 15 year old blues prodigy Alex Tintinalli and
Juno award nominee Sophie Milman who also mesmerized the crowd with their
soulful stage presence. The evening was topped off with dancing when classic
rock tribute band The Carpet Frogs, hit the stage.
Toronto's elite were out in full force supporting the cause. Dina
Pugliese of Breakfast Television and Ken Shaw of CTV News co-hosted the
evening. Other notable Canadians included Toronto Chief of Police Bill Blair,
Minister of Children and Youth Services and of Women's Issues the Hon. Deb
Matthews, John Sherrington, Vice Chairman of Scotia Capital and Chairman of
the Children's Aid Foundation Board and Susan Storey, Managing Director of
CIBC World Markets and past Chair of the Children's Aid Foundation, who
delivered a captivating speech.
About the Teddy Bear Affair
Winner of the 2007 Canadian Industry Awards Best Fundraising Event, the
Teddy Bear Affair is recognized as one of Toronto's best social events. The
ongoing success of the evening is a direct result of the Foundation's ability
to create an exciting and memorable experience for some of Canada's most
influential and charitable people.
About the Children's Aid Foundation
Founded in 1979, the Children's Aid Foundation is a national charity
dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and high-risk children
in Canada. The Foundation works with Children's Aid Societies and other child
welfare agencies across the country to fund prevention, enrichment and
education programming.
For further information: or to book an interview, please contact:
Christine Smith, Children's Aid Foundation, (416) 923-0924 X 230; Heather
Brown, Edelman, (416) 979-1120 X 238
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