Photo: Nick Lee

More and more, young professionals are getting involved in charitable causes, and so what a great idea it was for the Children’s Aid Foundation to conceive an event targeted at young professionals. Hence, the first ever Suitcase Party was born, held at The Citizen on February 11th, 2015. It was a very exclusive event, with only 650 tickets available which sold out quickly.

Those who chose to purchase VIP tickets were able to attend the VIP hour from 6-7 pm. During this time guests enjoyed open bar privileges with wine and beer. Complimentary cocktails were served by sponsors Gentleman Jack and Blue Hour, including an Irish-inspired creation using the captured smoke from burning wood chips, La Hora Azul-Blue® Tequila Anejo, espresso, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and butterscotch schnapps, finally topped off with sponge toffee crumble.

Food served throughout the night included mini grilled cheese sandwiches, fries, and fresh oysters from King West favourite, Rodney’s Oysters. There were also popsicles and fruit bars to snack on.

Silent auction items

Silent auction items

At 7 pm, the venue started to get packed, with the remaining young professionals arriving, every one of them dressed to impress. They came to not only support the Children’s Aid Foundation, but also for the chance to network with the leaders in their industries, and each other. Aside from networking, attendees could participate in the silent auction for various items geared to the young professional crowd, including tickets to OVO Fest, a Canada Goose jacket, tech gadgets, and sports memorabilia. They also had the chance to be playful and have their pictures taken at one of two photo booths, hosted by Notable and Air Canada.

Air Canada was the official airline sponsor, hence the travel-themed name of the event. Three sets of lucky winners were drawn on the night, going on one of three luxury getaways to either Miami, Las Vegas, or New York. Another desired prize was the 18-karat gold diamond ring, courtesy of sponsor Royal de Versailles.

Congratulations to the organizers of the first ever Suitcase Party for a successful sold-out event. A good time was had by all, and more importantly, over $53,000 was raised for the Children’s Aid Foundation, going towards Canada’s most abused and neglected children.

For more information:
http://www.cafdn.org
http://www.cafdn.org/suitcaseparty/
Twitter: @cafdn @suitcasepartyto #suitcasepartyto
Instagram: @cafdn #suitcasepartyto
Facebook: cafdn

Also checkout our coverage of another Children’s Aid Foundation event, the Teddy Bear Affair 2014 gala, held last fall.

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John Tan

John is an avid traveller, but equally loves being a tourist in his own city. With camera in hand, he enjoys discovering the sights, sounds, tastes, and everything else that Toronto has to offer. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram (@iam_johntan) to see what he's been up to lately.