Having a laugh with Austin Powers

The 19th annual Starlight Gala took place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel once again last Saturday, April 5, 2014 with the interesting theme of “London Calling”, named after the UK’s punk rock band, The Clash. Sponsored by Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us Canada, this important fundraising event raised $500,000 to fund Starlight Canada’s programs goal of “bringing joy to children who need it”.

Carla Collins, comedian and host of the Starlight Gala 2014

Carla Collins, comedian and host of the Starlight Gala 2014

The red carpet featured guests such as members from The Trews, who performed at this year’s JUNO Awards, and JUNO nominee Melanie Durrant. Other friendly faces included supermodel Stacey McKenzie, Aliya-Jasmine Sovani and host for the evening, comedian Carla Collins. Radio personalities included Mike Chalut (Proud FM) Taylor Kaye (Kiss 92.5), and Rudy Blair (680 News).

Thanks to the gorgeous host Carla Collins for calling me “hot” – she really is a comedian!

UK-inspired entertainment from the evening included choir boys from the Theatre Dance Company, from the a Toronto-based Spice Girls tribute band called Wannabe rocked on stage with their energetic performance. UK-personalities included The Queen, Palace Guards and a hilarious Austin Powers personality (new radio host, Del Morgado Show) to the backdrop of English decor with Buckingham Palace gates, a recreated Covent Garden Market and a Mini Cooper with the Union Jack flag. Lovely details!

The money raised from the Gala will go towards funding Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programming, which includes fun kits (essentials for unexpected hospital stays), hospital grants (funds for hospitals across the country to use on what kids need most), Fun Centres (portable stations equipped with a DVD player, Nintendo Wii, games and movies) and Day Brighteners (tickets to sports games, concerts and more).

Congrats to Starlight Canada for another successful fundraising event! Photos below and also here’s photos from Starlight Gala 2013. To donate to Starlight Canada and find out more about how Starlight helps visit starlightcanada.org.

Wannabe, Spice Girls Tribute Band

Wannabe, Spice Girls Tribute Band

Members from the Spice Girls Tribute Band, Wannabe

Members from the Spice Girls Tribute Band, Wannabe

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Choir boys from the Theatre Dance Company

Choir boys from the Theatre Dance Company

Carla Hernandez and Austin Powers having a laugh

Carla Hernandez and Austin Powers having a laugh

ABOUT THE STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Starlight is the only charity in Canada that helps seriously ill children in and out-of-hospital from diagnosis through the course of their care journey.

Starlight has been helping Canadian children and their families for over 20 years.

Watch this short video to watch the magic that happens when you donate to Starlight Canada.

Tweets from the evening

Also check out our photos from last year’s Circus-themed Starlight Gala 2013.

The tastes from Spring Thaw by the Canadian Chefs' Congress
In Photos: The Curve Ball gala takes over the Rogers Centre for the Jays Care Foundation

Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net