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Held in conjunction with the Toronto International Film Festival every year since 1995, the Gala is the most successful fundraiser for the organization.
Since inception the Best Buddies Galas have raised more than $6,000,000 to support the Best Buddies Mission.
The Gala is a chance to honour an individual who has dedicated his or her life to the community and non-profit organizations. In the past, our honourees have included Burt Reynolds, Academy and Emmy Award winners Lou Gossett Jr. and Lauren Bacall, to name a few!
The Gala is also a chance to honour the recipients of the Spirit of Friendship Award, a buddy match which exemplifies the true meaning of friendship.
With speeches from the award recipients, a participant in the program and the chairs of the organization, attendees gain a better understanding of the Best Buddies program and the true power of friendship.
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PAST REVIEWS of the Best Buddies Annual Galas
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2009
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The beautiful and glamorous Four Seasons Hotel played host to the 2009 Evening with the Stars Gala on Wednesday, September 2009, hosted by Kim D'Eon and Rick Campanelli from "ET Canada."
Nearly 400 guests came together to help raise $500,000 for the Best Buddies program.
Famed musician Leroy Emmanuel entertained guests through the swank affair.
Canadian director Norman Jewison introduce the star of the evening, screen legend Ann-Margaret, who spoke of the importance of the Best Buddies program, drawing upon the personal experience of her son, who volunteers with individuals with disabilities.
Long-time Best Buddies supporter Ray Cowling was honoured and thankend for providing a $500,000 donation through the newly launched Best Buddies legacy campaign.
Alham Fahkry and Alvin Lee of Stephen Lewis S.S. in Thornhill were awarded with the “Spirit of Friendship” award. Their speech inspired the gala guests, and gave a clearer picture of what the Best Buddies program is all about.
TIFF Party Beat: 15th Annual Best Buddies Gala
The Sex Kitten Puts Down Her Whip
Ann-Margret shocked by 'Mad Men'Appearance
Photos on Life.com
See the 2009 Photo Gallery
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2008
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It was a new venue but the same glamorous evening as nearly 400 guests attended the 14th Annual Best Buddies Gala at Muzik in Toronto. The event, held on September 10th, raised $850,000 for the Best Buddies program.
The evening began with guests mingling in a beautiful outdoor lounge and continued as dinner was served under Muzik’s spectacular 60-foot glass dome in the wonderfully decorated former horticultural building.
LMT Connection and Chantal Kreviazuk provided the musical entertainment for the evening.
The evening’s honoree was the Academy Award winning star of stage and screen, Ms. Shirley MacLaine. MacLaine was honoured for her contributions to various charities through her illustrious career. During her acceptance, MacLaine reminded all of the guests that everyone at the gala was only their because of, and for, the individuals with intellectual disabilities. While we may think we are assisting the buddies, she said, the true teachers in our world are those with intellectual disabilities.
Kateryna Aksenchuk and her buddy Costantino Corigliano from the Ryerson University chapter in Toronto were honoured with the Spirit of Friendship award. The pair has been friends for more than two years. Both spoke about how the friendship has truly improved their lives.
Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine honoured at Charity Gala in Toronto
An age of enlightenment
Buddy, can you spare a celebrity?
See the 2008 Gala Photo Gallery |
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2007
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Our 13th annual Gala was incredibly successful, featuring special guests Burt Reynolds and songstress Chantal Kreviazuk.
On September 10th, sponsors and supporters came to the Carlu Hotel in Toronto, with the presence of E-talk Daily’s Tanya Kim. The event raised $650,000 for the Best Buddies program. It was a spectacular evening, including the screening of the excellent film, Fugitive Pieces and fine dining accompanied by the enchanting music of Ms. Chantal Kreviazuk.
Best Buddies were proud to honour Mr. Burt Reynolds and his contribution to non-profit organizations.
Media coverage from the event:
Burt Reynolds to be honoured in Toronto
Burt Reynolds to get lifetime achievement award from Best Buddies Canada |
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2006
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Award winning actor Louis Gossett Junior was the guest of honour for the 12th annual Best Buddies Gala.
The event, held on Wednesday September 13th, 2006 at the unique and sophisticated historic Carlu in downtown Toronto. The evening raised over $600,000 for our programs. The Academy Award and Emmy Award winner was honoured for his dedication to social services and equality for all.
The evening was hosted by Global Television News’ anchor Leslie Roberts and featured special performance by Jimmy Rankin and Cindy Gomez.
The evening’s platinum presenting sponsor was GMP Securities L.P., and without their support, and the support of all our donors, the evening would not have been possible.
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2005
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Special guest Lauren Bacall was honoured at this 1930s themed Gala.
The 11th annual Best Buddies gala was held on Monday, September 12th, in conjunction with the Toronto International Film Festival. Following the premier of North Country, guests attended the Gala at the fabulous Carlu Hotel.
Ben Mulroney hosted the evening and Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver spoke at the event.
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2004
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Acclaimed producer and actor Robert Evans was honoured at the 10th annual Best Buddies Gala. The event, held at the Kool Haus on Monday, September 13th.
Sasha Lazard, whose song, “Miles Away” was chosen as the featured song in the trailer for the 2004 Toronto Film Festival, performed at the event.
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2003
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A riveting performance by Cirque Sublime marked this event. Over 400 people from Toronto's business and film communities were attended the 9th annual Gala on Monday September 8th, 2003 over $450,000 was raised to support Best Buddies Friendships across the country.
Guests views the TIFF premier of The Company directed by Robert Altman and starring Neve Campbell. Before the event, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception catered by Daniel et Daniel at Roy Thomspson Hall. Following the film guests proceeded to a remarkably transformed BCE Place, Allen Lambert Galleria for a sumptuous dinner catered by L-EAT and a riveting performance by Cirque Sublime.
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2002
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A star studded guest list attended the 8th annual Best Buddies Canada's Gala fundraiser, raising more than $300 000. Toronto society showed up in full force to attend the event, which featured the premiere of the film Moonlight Mile, followed by an elegant gala party hosted at Acqua Ristorante.
Guests dined on the creations of chef Robert Buchanan while listening to the sultry jazz sounds of the Jason Crawford Trio featuring Barbara Edwards. Among those in attendance were former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, former Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin, Mr. and Mrs. John Welsh, The Honourable James Bartleman with his wife Marie-Jeanne Bartleman, Best Buddies International founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver, and television personalities Jeanne Becker, Adrienne Gold and Leslie Roberts and singer Deborah Cox.
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2001
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Crooner Michael Bublé entertained nearly 400 guests and Laura Paresky donated her art at the 7th annual Best Buddies Conference. Anthony Kennedy Shriver and members of the Best Buddies International Board of Directors attended the event on September 10th.
The event raised $160,000 in support of Best Buddies Canada. The evening began with a reception at Roy Thompson Hall, followed by the premiere screening of the British film Last Orders. Following the film, guests moved on to dinner at Acqua, one of Toronto's leading restaurants.
One guest said: “The evening was exciting and inspiring, knowing such a wonderful charity is so well supported.”
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2000
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In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival, the 6th annual Best Buddies Gala welcomed 300 supporters, raising over $140,000 to support the chapters.
The evening began with a cocktail reception at Roy Thompson Hall before the premiere screening of The Luzhin Defense. After the film, attendees came to the Acqua Ristorante to enjoy a lavish dinner and receptionist, while being entertained by Michael Bublé.
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Hilary Weston, and husband Mr. Galen Weston were among the guests at the event.
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1999
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Arij Gasiunasen was honoured with the Founders’ Leadership Award for his inspirational leadership facilitated the startup of Best Buddies Canada for the 5th annual Gala. More than 300 guests attended the screening of Sunshine, starring Ralph Fiennes, Rosemary Harris, and Rachel Weisz.
More than $135,000 was raised thanks to the guests and sponsors, $12,000 of which came from a silent auction, the first time such an event was held in conjunction with the Gala. |
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1998
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At the 4th annual Gala event, AMJ Campbell Van Lines President, and Best Buddies board member, Tim Moore, presented the 1998 Spirit of Friendship Award to Chantelle Simmons and Margeurite Burke from the Queen’s University Chapter.
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1997
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The 3rd annual Gala, held on Monday September 8th, raised over $125,000 and featured an award presentation by Best Buddies founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The event, held at the Design Exchange, the former home of the Toronto Stock Exchange, included raffle packages valued at more than $12,000. |
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1996
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The 2nd annual Gala featured the introduction of the Spirit of Friendship Award, presented by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. More than 300 people attended the Gala, raising $100,000 for the program. |
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1995
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The inaugural gala welcomed more than 400 guests and raised $80,000. The event was held in conjunction with the Toronto International Film Festival, and featuring a screening of The Stars Fell on Henrietta, starring Robert Duvall and produced by Clint Eastwood.
Anthony Kennedy Shriver delivered an inspiring address to the guests and the party following the screening at Acuqa Ristorante was sensational drawing a diverse crowd.
Honoured guests included Eunice and Sargent Shriver, parents of Best Buddies founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, actress Kirstie Allie and director James Keach.
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