It was my second time at the Curve Ball gala and it’s pretty clear why it’s one of our favourite events of 2013. Taking place on the baseball turf on the Rogers Centre with more than 1,000 VIP guests, it’s a fun one-of-a-kind baseball themed gala where guests get to mingle and rub shoulders with star athletes and alumni from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The evening started off with a Grand Slam Cocktail reception enjoying bubbly on the field and ballpark themed food while perusing the silent auction and getting personalized baseball cards on the spot.

Dining area for the Curve Ball gala

Dining area for the Curve Ball gala

Brett Lawrie with fans

Brett Lawrie with fans

José Bautista

José Bautista

Roberto Alomar, Toronto Blue Jays alumni

Roberto Alomar, Toronto Blue Jays alumni

R. A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays

R. A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays

Curve-Ball-Gala-Blue-Jays-JaysCare-BestofToronto-2014-019

Other notable people in attendance this year included Jim Treliving (Dragon’s Den) and John Tory and once again the Curve Ball hosts were Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell and Evanka Osmak.

Live entertainment was provided by the amazing musical group, Soular. Their music ranged classic dance themes to get everyone pumped to soothing grooves over dinner.

Soular

Soular

Soular

Soular

The evening ended with ball-parked themed treats to take home like popcorn and Big Chew bubble gum. What a nice touch!

Ball park-themed treats to end the night

Ball park-themed treats to end the night

All the best to our Toronto Blue Jays, with an overwhelming victory over Baltimore with a final score of 11-3 yesterday. Let’s hope they keep up the good work this season!

ABOUT CURVE BALL AND THE JAYS CARE FOUNDATION
The Curve Ball is one of many charitable events the Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation hold each year to pump money and resources back into communities across the country. Provincial-wide, underprivileged youth have been able to participate in baseball programs in properly equipped facilities and get instruction from their favourite Blue Jays players. The dedicated efforts of the Jays Care Foundation led to the Blue Jays being named the 2012 recipient of the MLB Commissioner’s Award for Philanthropic Excellence.

The Jays Care Foundation has invested more than $8.2 million in Canada’s children and communities.

For more information visit http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/community/

In Photos: London, Calling at the Starlight Gala 2014
Kristin Kreuk, The Sheepdogs, Naughty by Nature at The Pink Party 2014

Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net