As many charity galas are coming back, so is the 34th annual Dragon Ball in support of the Yee Hong Foundation with an estimated 1,000 guests in attendance at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event was on Saturday Jan 21, 2023, just in time for Lunar New Year. Not too surprising, dignitiaries including Toronto Mayor John Tory and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti were honoured guests. (They join a long line of significant appearances at Dragon Ball galas, including PM Justin Trudeau, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and the late former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.)
Dr. Joseph Wong, Founder and Chair of Yee Hong Foundation remarked, “While the provincial government recognizes the urgent need for more long-term care by providing grants and mortgage subsidies to assist the not-for-profit sector, it is not enough. We still need to raise $80 million to begin construction of three new, already-approved Yee Hong centres. The collaborative efforts of everyone in the community is critical to this immense undertaking. We hope to break ground on the first new centre this fall in Scarborough.”
Some of the many entertainment attractions for the evening came from Chinese Collective Arts with dancers in colourful costumes in the theme of Year of the Rabbit. Also, the evening featured an amazing interactive magic show by Louis Yan, an internationally recognized champion magician. Active seniors and seniors with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic health conditions participating in the Yee Hong “I Can Dance” fitness program debuted at the gala to demonstrate the joys and benefits of dancing. Another highlight of the evening was the attractive costumes and beautifully choreographed dance transitioning from harsh winter to spring by Kulkat Entertainment.
Check out our full gallery of the evening below!
The Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation is the fundraising, communications and public relations arm of the Yee Hong community, which raises funds to cover the operational expenses of services and programs of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, and the capital to build three new centres in the near future. Please visit yeehong.com/foundation for details and to get involved.
Photos by Nick Lee