Sixth Annual Moonlight Gala Most Successful to Date for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

 

KLEINBURG, ON—The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is excited to announce that its signature fundraising event – Moonlight Gala 2017 – has raised in total over $675,000 toward the conservation and preservation of more than 6,000 Canadian artworks in the McMichael’s permanent collection. Presented by Assante Wealth Management Group of Seven Wealth Advisors, the sold-out event on Saturday, June 3, 2017, hosted 700 guests and took place on the McMichael’s spectacular grounds, which were transformed into a glamorous outdoor party for an evening of dining and dancing under the stars. CTV News Toronto co-anchor Ken Shaw hosted the evening.

An historic celebration, Moonlight Gala 2017 marked the meeting of three important anniversaries: Canada’s 150th birthday, the commemoration of Tom Thomson’s passing 100 years ago, and the conclusion of the McMichael’s 50th anniversary.

Each year the Moonlight Gala raises much-needed funds for the McMichael’s permanent collection, ensuring that the McMichael continues to thrive for decades to come. As the only art gallery devoted to collecting Canadian art, the renowned McMichael’s permanent collection includes works by some of Canada’s most iconic artists, including Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.

“It has been a great pleasure and honour for me to chair this historic Moonlight Gala for the McMichael,” said Gala Chair, Tina Tehranchian. “I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, who have made the gala such a great success, and to our outstanding committee, Kim Good, and the awesome development team at the McMichael. What makes this gala extra-special for me is the fact that the Assante Wealth Management Group of Seven Wealth Advisors have formed a record-setting partnership with the McMichael. I thank my Assante colleagues and the executive management team at Assante for their generous support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection,” added Tehranchian.

Guests of Moonlight Gala 2017 were wowed by a culinary extravagancy, a live auction, and spectacular performances by leading Canadian artists Rik Emmett & the Guitar Circle (Dave Dunlop, Calum Graham, Brooke Miller, Don Ross and Emma Rush), the dynamic Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra, Humber College Musicians, and a special ensemble performance by five of seven world-renowned guitar makers from The Group of Seven Guitar Project exhibition.

This year’s record-breaking Gala helps the McMichael continue to share The Art of Canada* through important exhibitions such as the upcoming Passion Over Reason: Tom Thomson and Joyce Wieland show, opening on Canada Day 2017.

Honorary Council Patrons: Christopher Bredt & Jamie Cameron, and Dr. Esther Farlinger.

Honorary Patrons: Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Shantelle Bisson and Yannick Bisson, Hon. Julian Fantino and Liviana Fantino.

The McMichael would like to express its gratitude and acknowledge the event donors, sponsors and supporters: Assante Wealth Management Group of Seven Wealth Advisors (Presenting Sponsor), Miller Thomson (150th Anniversary Sponsor), Air Canada, Merit Travel, One Ocean Expeditions (Official Travel Partners), Deloitte (Conservation Partner), Hatch (Corporate Benefactor), Tacc Developments, Jim & Lina DeGasperis Foundation (Community Partners), Merrill Corporation (Gala Program Sponsor), Crowe Soberman (Red Carpet Sponsor), City of Vaughan, Torontoism.com (Guest Welcome Sponsors), Collins Barrow (Candy Station Sponsor), TD (Entertainment Sponsor), Turtle Creek Asset Management (Imaging Sponsor).

Media Supporters: CP24, The Globe and Mail, JAZZ.FM91, Pure Luxury.

Event Donors: Contemporary Furniture Rentals Inc., Hummingbird, Steinway Piano Gallery Toronto, and Via Allegro Ristorante.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Simona Panetta
Media Relations and Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2210
spanetta-kerr@mcmichael.com

Nick Foglia
Director, Communications & Marketing
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2265
nfoglia@mcmichael.com