Dolce Vita luxury magazine » 2008

Start Your Engines: Racing to help SickKids

Dolce Staff Writer — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:27:26 +0000

Driving in style took on a whole new meaning for participants in the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup. The fundraiser, held on September 13, 2008, was the largest of its kind in Canada, raising over $1 million for SickKids Foundation. With their luxury vehicles and celebrity navigators, drivers visited a series of pit stops with clues to complete tasks, take photos and accumulate treasures. “It brought together many philanthropic individuals who believe in a great cause,” says Michael O’Mahoney, president of SickKids Foundation.

Dolce Vita Magazine was honoured to attend The Winner’s Circle, a lavish wrap-up gala and awards ceremony at the Williams estate, where guests reminisced about the Rally’s overall success. “The smiles on the faces of the participants and celebrities made my evening,” remarks William Irwin, president of Rosseau Asset Management – the event’s primary sponsor. The exclusive Scavenger Cup was organized by award-winning event management team Solutions With Impact. www.rallyforkids.com

Photos: 1. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), and rally driver Jim Williams, Williams Telecommunications Corp. 2. Celebrity navigators in the Rally for Kids with Cancer 3. Actress Kelly Carlson (Nip/Tuck) poses for photographers 4. Toronto Maple Leafs’, Curtis Joseph and Nik Antropov 5. Actor Ving Rhames and rally driver Oliver Bock 6. Former NBA player Jerome “JYD” Williams and his wife, Nicolette. 7. Jerome Williams points out a sweet ride 8. Rally driver Kiki Mckenna and former CFL quarterback Damon Allen 9. Mike “Pinball” Clemons and rally driver Elisa Salvatore 10. Goldie Hawn, honourary chair of Rally for Kids 11. The Winner’s Circle gala, a star-studded affair 12. Lisa Hock and event organizer Joel Hock, Solutions With Impact 13. Former Maple Leaf Tie Domi and actor Ving Rhames 14. Singer Matt Dusk and television host Ben Mulroney

Opening Night: The Sound of Music

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:57:12 +0000

Recently, the much-loved musical The Sound of Music opened at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, followed by a gala reception to celebrate the show. In attendance were producers Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and David Mirvish, along with very special guests Johannes von Trapp, youngest child of Captain and Maria von Trapp; Mary Rodgers, daughter of composer Richard Rodgers, and Melinda Walsh, granddaughter of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein. www.planetmall.ca/som

Photos: David Mirvish and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Florence Kauffman with her daughter, Michelle Levy; Stars Elicia MacKenzie and Burke Moses; Robert Luck (consulate general of Austria Commercial Section; Mary Rodgers, Melinda Walsh, Johannes Von Trapp, Lynne von Trapp; Joe Pantalone (deputy mayor, city of Toronto) and Teresa Andaloro; MPP Norman Sterling and his wife, Joan. Photos by Aline Sandler / Michelle Levy Productions.

Glamorous Trotting: A World-Class Sporting Event

Dolce Staff Writer — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:40:32 +0000

One of the most prestigious and anticipated sporting events took place this past summer, and along with more than 25,000 people, Dolce Vita Magazine was there. On July 27th 2008, Cartier International Polo featured its Coronation Cup between England and Australia. The horseback sporting event was held at England’s Windsor Great Park, formerly the private hunting grounds of Windsor Castle. After a sudden death defeat in 2005, England was vigilantly determined to emerge victorious, defeating Australia 10 to 9.

As the largest polo day in the world, the event received international visitors, musicians, athletes, Hollywood celebrities and royalty, including Prince Charles of Wales. The Prince formally congratulated Luke Tomlinson, captain of the English team, by presenting him with the Golden Jubilee Trophy. For a man born into a family of polo players, Tomlinson’s win was a major achievement, making the British proud to celebrate everywhere. www.cartier.com

Photos 1. Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and Holly Branson take a moment to pose during the exclusive Cartier event 2. Harry Potter’s Emma Watson takes a moment to smile for photographers and fans 3. Dolce & Gabbana supermodel David Gandy enjoys the revelry with a friend 4. Prince Charles congratulates Luke Tomlinson, English team captain 5. A sous-chef prepares an elaborate meal in Anton Mosimann’s kitchen

Adults in Toyland: Casino Night

Dolce Staff Writer — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:11:49 +0000

On Nov. 5th, 2008, the Hassenfeld committee presented Adults in Toyland: Casino Night, which was held at the NYU Langone Medical Centre. Raising awareness for The Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the event raised $500,000, which will fund integrative care programs for the 850 children treated there each year. The centre, which was established in 1990, is a national leader in outpatient treatment of childhood cancers and blood disorders, named in memory of former chairman of Hasbro Inc., Stephen D. Hassenfeld. All patients of the Hassenfeld Centre are offered medical services, combining world-class medical therapies and psychosocial support services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Over 600 people attended the memorable event, to help raise funds to support programs for treatment, transportation and lodging costs. Cumulatively, over $3 million has been pooled for the centre through charitable events and fundraisers. http://hassenfeld.med.nyu.edu

Photos: 1. Dylan Lauren, Susan Block Casdin, Hassenfeld committee co-chair, Sylvia Hassenfeld, NYU Langone Medical Center trustee 2. David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine and Melissa Milke 3. Stephanie Jones, Bianna Golodryga, Good Morning America 4. Steven Jaffe, Hassenfeld Committee co-chair, Kelly Mack, Hassenfeld Committee co-chair, Dr. Robert I. Grossman, dean and CEO of NYU Langone Medical Center, Patti Kim, Hassenfeld Committee co-chair, Dr. William Carroll, director of the NYU Cancer Institute 5. Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, Dori Cooperman 6. Patti Kim, Hassenfeld Committee co-chair, Chase Bailey, and friends.

2nd Annual Virgin Unite Gala

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:45:42 +0000

Sir Richard Branson returned to the city recently to host the 2nd Annual Virgin Unite Canada: The Mad Hatter’s Ball, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. In addition to the one-of-a-kind entertainment, guests had the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime auction items like a trip into space on board Virgin Galactic. www.madhattersball.ca

Photos: Kathy Griffin; celebrated actor Maury Chaykin; legendary Canadian rocker Ronnie Hawkins; Andrew Black (president and CEO, Virgin Mobile Canada); Sir Richard Branson (founder of the Virgin Group of Companies). Photos by Dustin Rabin / Michelle Levy Productions

The Canadian friends of the Shabtai Levi Home

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:32:19 +0000

Over 900 of the who’s who of Toronto’s philanthropic scene gathered at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, as The Canadian Friends of the Shabtai Levi Home presented “Music from the Past for the Future of the Children.” Attendees revelled in the ambiance of the ‘50s and ‘60s through the diner-themed décor, and the menu of hamburgers, hot dogs and s’mores. Altogether, over $700,000 was raised. http://shabtailevihome.ca

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Event co-chairs Cynthia Small, Esther Michaels, Marya Grad and Ellen Goldstein; sponsors George and Judy Frankfort; Sponsors Fred Sorkin and HSBC Grace Kwok SECOND ROW: Sponsor Harry and Pnina Turk; sponsors Wendy and Gary Goldman; sponsors Mike and Jintana Mansour THIRD ROW: Sponsor Eli Reisman (Great Gulf Homes Charitable Foundation), Vanessa Kimel, Dragana Maznic and sponsor Ron Kimel (Westdale Properities); sponsor Hy Penn (Shimmerman Penn LLP), sponsors George and Kitty Grossman. Photos by Aline Sandler / Michelle Levy Productions.

ISREELIZED at Tryst Nightclub

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:44:00 +0000

To shine a light on Israel’s blossoming film industry, the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation hosted ISREELIZED at Tryst Nightclub, the city’s new hot spot. The event featured a performance by Chantal Kreviazuk, and remarks by renowned Canadian filmmaker and guest of honour Robert Lantos, who was honoured for his work in building bridges between the Canadian and Israeli film industries. www.isreelized.com

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Performers; actor/director Paul Gross, Victor Loewy and Frank Seracusa SECOND ROW: Robert Lantos, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Consul General Amir Gissin; celebrated filmmaker Atom Egoyan. Photos by George Pimentel /Michelle Levy Productions.

Opening Night Jersey Boys

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:15:59 +0000

Celebrities and VIPs walked the red carpet on the opening night gala for the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Spotted were Aubrey Dan, president of Dancap Productions, and Michael David, president of Dodger Theatricals. www.jerseyboysinfo.com

Photos: Actress Ashley Leggatt (Life with Derek), actor Albert Shultz (co-founder and present artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company); Suzie McNeil (singer/songwriter, Last Woman Standing on Rockstar: INXS); Anna and Leslie Dan; Aubrey Dan (president Dancap Productions Inc.), Steve Gouveia (plays Nick Massi), Joseph Leo Bwarie (plays Frankie Valli), Andrew Rannells (plays Bob Gaudio), and Marla Dan, Jeremy Kushnier (plays Tommy DeVito); Councillor Mike Feldman and his wife, Sue. Photos by Aline Sandler / Michelle Levy Productions.

17th Annual Bell Celebrity Gala

Michelle Levy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:52:31 +0000

Over one thousand guests, including more than a hundred celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, sports and media attended the 17th annual Bell Gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Oct. 23, 2008. The circus-themed gala was a huge success, meeting its goal of raising $1 million for SickKids Foundation. Finger Eleven, Hedley, Serena Ryder, Kreesha Turner and Suzie McNeil were this year’s entertainment headliners, while Keshia Chanté performed at the after-party. www.celebritygala.ca

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tie Domi and Rod Black; CityTV’s Kathryn Humphries, CFL star Damon Allen and his wife, Desiree, and The Tragically Hip’s Johnny Fay; Steven Page, George Stroumboulopoulos and Ed Robertson SECOND ROW: Multiple WWE Women’s champion Trish Stratus and WWE star Edge; Jacob Hoggard, lead singer for Hedley; Ving Rhames and guest. Photos by YourADonline/ Michelle Levy Productions.

Inaugural Awearness Event

Michelle Levy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:27:39 +0000

Awearness, a unique event where guests have the opportunity to buy fabulous designer clothing at discounted prices, was held for the first time this spring at the Liberty Grand. Founders and chairs Elana Waldman and Michelle Levy greeted society ladies, celebrities, and VIP’s. Over $185,000 was raised to support ovarian cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital. The remaining clothing will be posted on eBay to raise more dollars for PMH. The link to the eBay auction will be posted soon at www.awearnesscanada.com

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Actors Michèle Duquet and Wendy Crewson; Beverly Thomson Co- Host Canada AM CTV; Sheila McCarthy (Little Mosque On The Prairie); Actors Amanda Brugel (Paradise Falls) and Charlotte Sullivan (M.V.P on CBC); Sponsors Shauna Keen VP H.I.T. Fit and Robert Daniels CEO H.I.T. Fit SECOND ROW: Trudy Bundy and Yetta Bregman; Actress Jennifer Dale; Founders and Co- Chairs Elana Waldman & Michelle Levy with Simona Shnaider; Sandy Waldman and Ellen Schwartz; THIRD ROW: Shoppers Mary Shechtman and her sister Honey Sherman; Actor Justin Louis (Grey Gardens ) with Brooke and husband actor Art Hindle; volunteer Rebecca Levy; Libby Znaimer. Photos by Aline Sandler / Michelle Levy Productions.