Cathay Ball celebrated the Mon Sheong Foundation’s 50th anniversary

A festive atmosphere, black ties and fashionable dresses, a banquet of food and a feast for the eyes. The 23rd annual Cathay Ball in support of Mon Sheong Foundation marked its 50th golden anniversary as Toronto’s first and largest Chinese charity.

Photo: James Hsieh

The significance of this milestone was showcased in an on-site photo exhibition of foundation’s fond memories and events looking back at 50 years of service to the community.

Founded in 1964, the Mon Sheong Foundation is dedicated to promoting Chinese culture, language and philosophy through caring for the elderly, and programs for the youth. The Foundation has three state-of-the-art long-term care facilities, adult daycare programs, Chinese school, youth groups, and community & volunteer services centres in Toronto, Scarborough and Richmond Hill.

This year’s Cathay Ball 2014 on Saturday, November 1st, started off with a reception where guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres among the silent auction displays with over 100 unique items. A raffle and a special draw were also up for grabs including top prizes of limited edition designer items and business class round-trip tickets from Toronto to Hong Kong, valued at $10,000 each.

Over 1,300 guests filled the dining room at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to capacity. This sold out event raised over $500,000 which will be used towards the Mon Sheong Foundation’s ongoing services, programs and centres.

This year’s notable persons in attendance were Cathay Ball’s 2014 Honorary Chair and former Canadian senator, Vivienne Poy, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, C.S. Leung, Deputy Consul General of People’s Republic of China in Toronto, Zhang Chuanbing.

Entertainment for the night began with elegance and tradition with performances from the Yang Yang Dance Studio and the Little Pear Garden Collective. A nod to Toronto’s highly multicultural society, Kadara Capoeira Canada impressed the crowd with an energetic drum and capoeira performance. In contrast, guests were then soothed with the beautiful voice of Eleanor McCain with the Laura Lynn Band in accompaniment.

Congratulations to the Cathay Ball chairs, organizing committee, staff and volunteers for another great Cathay Ball.

For more info visit www.monsheong.org

Lead photo by James Hsieh. Photos below courtesy of the Mon Sheong Foundation.