The MPI Toronto Holiday Gala officially kicked off the festive season on December 6 with The Nutcracker, generously hosted byPeterandPauls.com and Universal EventSpace. More than 400 guests celebrated the magic of the holidays with a sweet evening of networking and dining. Guests enjoyed an incredible reception first with a host bar and plenty of hors d’oeuvres served from the built-in kitchen stations in the lobby area, followed by an amazing dinner byPeterandPauls.com and Universal EventSpace. The entertainment was provided in the reception by a classical trio and LED Drummers sponsored by Bongo & B Entertainment led the guests into the ballroom. During dinner, there were dancers entertaining the audience with a shadow dance performance.

 

The ballroom looked spectacular with draping provided by Enzo Mercuri Designs and the theme décor/centerpieces provided by Stardust Events. Chairs and dining arrangement were provided by Detailz Couture.

 

Throughout the evening, S4 Entertainment and AV did an amazing job with keeping all the screens lit with the appropriate images. Universal EventSpace has a large number of options with screens from the outside of the building, in the lobby area, in the ballroom and even in the washrooms. The lighting available definitely highlighted the ballroom and provided many options for the event.

 

New this year was our Holiday Gala after party, an opportunity for guests to socialize and enjoy the delicious desserts back in the reception area. This Land of Sweets was filled with loukoumades, soft serve ice cream, fresh fruit plus a Truffle and Baci Station. A DJ in the lobby lounge for the after party was provided by S4 Entertainment and AV. Shadow dancers and greeters were provided by TDC Entertainment Inc and the Tin Soldier who led the attendees into the after party was provided by Carol Priest Entertainment. During dinner, Detailz Couture flipped the reception area into a lounge with great soft furnishings to provide a casual relaxed atmosphere for our guests to continue networking.

Marquee sponsors, Ottawa Tourism and the Shaw Centre, not only made generous contributions, but they also sent everyone home with delicious baked cookies! 

 

Fortunately for some whose phones needed charging, Vernon Technology Solutions provided two charging stations.

When our guests departed, they were treated to a very nice canvas bags with some great goodies inside, provided Peter and Paul’s Gifts.

 

Thanks to D.E. Systems who provide our online registration for all chapter events and to The Image Commission for providing the photography, both for the chapter’s use and for our evening’s guests to have their pictures taken and then have available to take home. Watch the MPI Toronto Chapter website for photos of the event.

 

Thanks to Vicki Zeppa for managing the live auction. There were three great packages this year. The first was a trip on Porter Airlines to Quebec City with VIP transfer to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu for four luxurious nights in a deluxe Jacuzzi room following by one night on the Gold Floor at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac including dinner for two at Le Champlain.

 

The second trip is taking the lucky bidder via WestJet to Vancouver for a four-night stay at the Westin Bayshore plus two $100 gift cards to use at any GLOWBAL Group Restaurant. While in Vancouver the bidder will enjoy using two Vancouver Experience Packages courtesy of Tourism Vancouver.

 

The third trip is on Delta Airlines, first class, to Los Angeles. While there the lucky bidder will enjoy two nights at Terranea Resort including a round of golf and access to The Spa/Spa pool for one day, two nights in a one bedroom suite at the Los Angeles Athletic Club including breakfast and two nights at The Beverly Hilton.

 

The MPI Foundation Canada was given the opportunity to have one live auction prize to raise funds for the Foundation which supports chapter grants and scholarships for our members. They offered an Eastern Corridor Package with two nights at Caesars Windsor including a $100 dining credit plus surprises, VIA One passes for two, a $200 credit towards a one night stay in Toronto plus a swag bag, courtesy of The International Centre and Business Events Toronto, and two nights Club Level at the Sheraton Le Centre Montreal Hotel with breakfast and hors d’oeuvres.

 

We would also like to thank the generosity of so many organizations who contributed prizes for the raffle and silent auction. Without your support we would not be able to provide funds to Breakfast With Santa Foundation and to our own Educational Reserve Fund.

 

The Holiday Gala Committee would like to thank all of the wonderful sponsors who made this year’s event such a success as well as all of you who attended, participated in the live and silent auctions and gave generous donations of unwrapped toys.  Your efforts made a huge difference to the Breakfast with Santa Foundation and the MPI Toronto Chapter Educational Reserve Fund. MPI Toronto has been a proud sponsor of the Breakfast with Santa Foundation for over 15 years and due to your magnificent contributions, they have been able to operate the Foundation plus add more programs to positively impact the lives of children in distress in our community. Thank you for making their dreams come true!