FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2015, KLEINBURG ON—On Saturday, June 6, 2015, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s fourth annual signature fundraiser, the Moonlight Gala, returns to dazzle 500 distinguished guests with an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing under the stars. This year’s Moonlight Gala will be headlined by international Latin jazz sensation, Amanda Martinez.
“We are thrilled to welcome our supporters to this year’s Moonlight Gala as we celebrate a record-setting year for the McMichael and continue to build for the future,” said 2015 Gala Chair, Diane Wilson. “In the past year, we welcomed 116,000 thousand visitors to the gallery, and through the generous support of our business and community partners, and Patrons Council members, we were able to bring diverse exhibits such as Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse and Vanishing Ice: Alpine and Polar Landscapes in Art, 1775-2012 to the McMichael. This annual fundraiser is critical to maintaining those efforts.”
Emceed by co-host of Canada AM, Beverly Thomson, guests will be treated to a culinary extravaganza, captivating jazz performances and a live and silent auction featuring exceptional items. This one-of-a-kind fundraising event provides guests with a unique experience to explore the McMichael’s iconic art collection and its stunning surrounding landscape. Last year’s event raised more than $200,000.
John Bianchini, CEO of Hatch said his firm takes pride in their support of the gallery, given the impact and significance the McMichael Canadian Art Collection has on the cultural reputation of the region, including its focus on preservation and presentation of Aboriginal art. “The Moonlight Gala is a special opportunity to support the McMichael Collection and Canadian art,” said John. “As one of the Gala’s presenting sponsors this year, we are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of our communities through arts and culture.
“We’re committed to making an impact where it matters most. As presenting sponsor of Moonlight Gala with a focus on conservation, we are proud to support the McMichael Canadian Art Collection to help preserve our cultural heritage,” said Frank Rochon, Vice-Chair of Deloitte.
Martinez, the Gala’s headline entertainment, has earned three Latin Jazz Artist of Year nominations from Canada’s National Jazz Awards. Her music is a unique blend of her Mexican and South African roots mixed with Latin soul. Other performers include returning Gala-favourite jazz band, The Collective, and JUNO Award winner, Sophie Milman.
Throughout the night, guests will have opportunities to bid on select items and luxury vacations in the live and silent auctions including trips to London and New York.
Proceeds from the McMichael Moonlight Gala support excellence in educational programming, the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and help keep the McMichael an extraordinary place to visit.
Honorary patrons include Jeanne Beker C.M., Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Karen Goldenberg C.M., Roberta Jamieson C.M., Catherine Nugent, Charles Pachter O.C., Felice Sabatino, and Cherry Tabb.
McMichael Moonlight Gala Acknowledgements: The McMichael would like to express its gratitude and acknowledge the event donors, sponsors and supporters:
Hatch Engineering (Presenting Sponsor), Deloitte (Presenting Sponsor), Merit Travel (Ultimate Escape Sponsor), RBC (Cocktail Reception Sponsor), TD Bank Financial Group (Concierge Sponsor), Kleinberg Crown Estates (Community Sponsor), Crowe Soberman (Red Carpet Sponsor), American Standard – DVX (Luxury Design Sponsor), Herzig Eye Institute (Photography Sponsor), Nashville Developments Inc. (After Dinner Reception Sponsor), CityZen (Urban Lifestyle Sponsor), Corporate Patrons: Canadian Shield Capital, CIBC, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton LLP, Kearns Edgewater Financial Services Inc., Kiani Foundation, PowerStream, Norton Rose Fulbright, John Paul & Co, PIMCO, Jones Collombin, Iain MacInnes/RBC Dominion Securities, Timbercreek Asset Management. Media Partners: CP24, JAZZ.FM91, The Globe & Mail. Media Supporters: View the Vibe, Zoomer. In-Kind Donors: Air Canada, EastDell Estates Wines, KeyGordon, Maverick PR, Steam Whistle. Food stations generously donated by: Aura by Cashew & Clive, Daniel et Daniel, Encore Catering, On The Move Catering & Events, Presidential Gourmet, Seventh Heaven, Dolcini by Joseph, and Via Allegro Ristorante. Event Donors: Alpine Graphics, Canada Dry Mott’s, Dimitriadis Design Build, Dolcetti on the Hill, FAEMA, Goldrich PrintPak Inc, New York Fries & South Street Burger, Lindt, Ninutik (Maple Sugar), Via Allegro Ristorante.
EVENT DETAILS
What: McMichael Moonlight Gala 2015
When: Saturday, June 6 from 6 pm to midnight
Where: McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, ON
Price: $350 per ticket
Tickets can be purchased online at moonlightgala.mcmichael.com
About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of over 6,000 artworks by Canadian artists, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on 100 acres of northern landscape and hiking trails at 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan. For more information: mcmichael.com.
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Media Contacts:
Wendy Campbell
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905-893-1121 ext 2201
wcampbell@mcmichael.com
Annabel Lee
MAVERICK
(416) 650-5525 ext 224
annabell@wearemaverick.com