Dolce Vita luxury magazine » Events

Russian Standard Vodka Launch

Madeline Stephenson — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:55:31 +0000

Billionaire entrepreneur Roustam Tariko was the centre of attention on May 12, 2010, when he led the official launch celebration of Russian Standard Vodka in the Canadian market. ONE Restaurant in swanky Yorkville, Toronto played host for the evening, as guests swarmed an immaculate ice-sculpted bar to order cocktails that exceeded Russian standards.

Celebrities, media and vodka connoisseurs spent the night clinking glasses, sampling hors d’oeuvres and jiving to jazz as Tariko, the brand’s renowned founder, spoke optimistically about his high expectations for Russian Standard Vodka in its new market. Based on its reputation as a world leader in authentic Russian premium vodka, the luxury label is looking forward to a successful future in the North.
www.russianstandardvodka.com, www.citylifetv.ca

TOP LEFT Russian Standard Vodka founder Roustam Tariko, left, raises his glass in the company of prominent guests. TOP RIGHT Miss Universe Canada Director Denis Davila with Miss Universe Canada, Mariana Valente. ABOVE LEFT Roustam Tariko with supervising producer of ET Canada Leslie Wasserman and Brett Wilson of CBC’s Dragon’s Den. ABOVE RIGHT Russian Standard Vodka goes all out with a high-flying ice bar.

Brazilian Carnival Ball

Madeline Stephenson — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:54:01 +0000

The world’s largest Brazilian gala and one of Canada’s most successful fundraising events ran its 44th annual course on May 8th, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Founded by the late Anna Maria de Souza, the Brazilian Carnival Ball brings prominent people and humanitarians from various communities together to celebrate Brazilian culture and raise funds for various causes.

An astonishing $3.2 million was raised in support of this year’s beneficiary, Toronto East General Hospital Foundation. To date, the carnival has amassed over $55 million for different objectives. www.brazilianball.com, www.citylifetv.ca

TOP LEFT Rochelle De Goias with Event Co-Chair Duncan Jackman. TOP MID Elaborate Brazilian costumes adorn entertaining dancers. TOP RIGHT Event Vice Chair Michael Burns, Benefactor Dinner Chair Helen Stevenson, and Event President and CEO Ivan de Souza. MID LEFT Ambassador of Brazil to Canada Paulo Cordeiro de Andrade Pinto and wife, Vera Pinto. MID RIGHT Ken Shaw, Joyce Faust and Julian Fantino ABOVE LEFT Event chairs Michael Cooper, Duncan Jackman, and Blake Hutcheson ABOVE CENTRE Consul General of Brazil in Toronto Américo Dyott Fontenelle and wife, Tereza Fontenelle. ABOVE RIGHT Steve and Tanya Anthony.

AFRIKA: Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation Gala

Annette Wong — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:53:27 +0000

Join the safari for a wild adventure with the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation. On March 4th, 2010, guests gathered together with members of MPCF, including Toronto Raptor players Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Calderon, Marco Belinelli, as well as Rod Black from TSN and CTV Sports, former CFL player Damon Allen, and many more. Guests enjoyed cocktails in the jungle reception before experiencing a night with celebrities and community leaders. The event was a success with proceeds going to Free the Children foundation. www.mpcf.ca/gala

TOP LEFT, FROM LEFT Anna Marie Bryant (Michael Clemons’ mother), Diane Lee-Clemons, Rachel, Rylie, Raven and Michael “Pinball” Clemons. TOP RIGHT Jose Calderon (Toronto Raptors), Reggie Evans (Toronto Raptors), Natasha Borota, co-founder of The Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation, Antoine Wright (Toronto Raptors). MID LEFT Ferris Rafauli, president and founder of Grandeur Custom Homes Inc., Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Jim Williams, president and CEO of Williams Telecommunications Corp. MID CENTRE Rod Black, CTV and TSN sportscaster and emcee of the gala with wife, Nancy. MID RIGHT, FROM LEFT Guest Catherine Johnston and Cynthia Mulligan, reporter, CityTV. ABOVE LEFT Aaron Douglas, star of The Bridge. ABOVE MID Hedo Turklogu (Toronto Raptors) and Terry Power, country manager, Randstad Canada. ABOVE RIGHT Performers entertain guests.

8 Ball Classic at downtown BMW Toronto

Michelle Levy — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:52:01 +0000

The 8 Ball is Toronto’s premier charity billiard event, sponsored by Senator Homes, TD Water House and BMW Mini Canada. Over 300 guests enjoyed fine wines from Halpern and fabulous food from North 44, Sotto Sotto, Noce and Edo Sushi. Funds raised support the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at University Health Network.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP ROW: Presenting Sponsor Senator Homes’ VP Paul Breda and Susan Sellan. TOP MID: Architect Dermot Sweeny and Paul Dalla Lana. TOP RIGHT: Renee Paquette (TV Host The Score). ABOVE LEFT: Linda Goldsack and Dr. Tirone David ABOVE MID: Mayor Robert Grossi and his brother Paul Grossi ABOVE RIGHT: Lou Rocca and Sean Frankfort. Photos by Sandler/ Michelle Levy Productions.

An Intimate Evening with Sarah Palin

Michelle Levy — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:51:10 +0000

Sarah Palin, one of the most talked-about political figures of our generation, chose Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton for her first public speaking appearance in Ontario. An Intimate Evening with Sarah Palin featured a wonderful four-course dinner, live auction, and an excellent keynote address by Governor Palin, followed by a question and answer session.

TOP, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sarah Palin and Michelle Levy; Peter Mercanti, Sam Mercanti (Chairman, Charity Of Hope); Lisa Mercanti-Ladd MID, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Dennis Concordia; Mike Harris, Joey Mercanti ABOVE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PJ Mercanti, Gabriella Mercanti, Ron Joyce, Daniella Mercanti-Mulas and Diana Morosin; Hon. Lincoln Alexander; Sasha and Thomas Weisz (President and CEO Effort Trust). Photos by Joe Bucci , Brent Perniac / Michelle Levy Productions.

The Massive Party for the AGO

Michelle Levy — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:50:07 +0000

Co-chairs Gillian Hewitt Smith and Dan McClure played host at the Massive Party: Speakeasy, Toronto’s sixth annual ultimate art party in support of the Art Gallery of Ontario. With 1,800 guests in attendance, the AGO was transformed into an opulent, sexy streetscape, taking the notorious party underground. Live music continued into the wee hours of the morning.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kevin Barnes (President, GMP Investment Management) and his wife, Julie; Lead sponsor Mark Christensen (Director, Institutional Equity Sales GMP Securities) and Carolyn Lawrence (President,Women of Influence ); Co-Chair Gillian Hewitt Smith ( Senior Advisor,Corporate Affairs RBC ) with husband, Paul Smith (CEO Grey Horse Corp.); Co-Chair Dan McClure with his wife, Susan Witteveen (Executive Managing Director BMO Financial). Photos by Aline Sandler/ Michelle Levy Productions.

Top Gun Black Tie Ball at the ROM

Michelle Levy — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:49:10 +0000

Attendance topped 400 at the inaugural Top Gun Black Tie Ball at the ROM. Sponsored by Lazarus Partners Charities and Brendan Wood International, the swanky dinner brought together an array of industry leaders to acknowledge and honour outstanding achievement in Canadian business and finance.

TOP, LEFT: Founder Brendan Wood (Chairman, Brendan Wood International TOP RIGHT, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kara Wood, Stewart Borden (Partner BWI) Patrick Wood (VP CIBC Wood Gundy) ABOVE, LEFT: Ricardo Pascoe (Co-President and Co-CEO National Bank Financial) and his wife, Karen ABOVE, RIGHT: Henry Brenzel (Managing Director BWI), Kim Parlee ( Co-Anchor, Business News Network), Andrew Bell (Co-Anchor, Business News Network). Photos by Sandler/ Michelle Levy Productions.

Cartier’s International Dubai Polo Challenge

Madeline Stephenson — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:48:05 +0000

Sportsmen, celebrities and royalty rallied in the Middle East at Cartier’s International Dubai Polo Challenge on March 26, 2010. Cartier’s prestigious fifth annual event was hosted at the renowned Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club and supported by Jordanian princess and active United Nations ambassador, Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Horses galloped, glasses chimed and guests commingled as some of the top international polo players contended for Cartier’s coveted Maillet d’Or trophy – eventually awarded to event home team Desert Palm. Cartier pleasantly interrupted the swing of things to sign over a cheque with a significant sum to UNICEF.

Despite the unrivalled exquisiteness of a Cartier watch, no one appeared to have an eye on the time. www.cartier.com

TOP LEFT Polo elite strive to win Cartier’s Maillet d’Or trophy. TOP MID Nicolas Roux and Louis Feria. TOP RIGHT Polo enthusiasts are entertained by a close competition. ABOVE LEFT Louis Feria, managing director of Cartier Middle East and India, poses with Cartier’s polo team. ABOVE RIGHT Cartier insignia at the Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club.

Yoga in Motion

Michelle Levy — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:38:36 +0000

More than 400 eager participants stretched, danced, and united at the 2nd annual Yoga in Motion to raise over $200,000 for life-saving breast cancer research at Mount Sinai Hospital. The all-day fitness marathon, held at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, was led by some of the top fitness instructors in the Greater Toronto Area.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT; TOP ROW: YIM Celebrity Ambassadors Rachel Wilson, Angela Asher, and Brittany Bristow. TOP MID: YIM Ambassador Marla Shapiro TOP RIGHT YIM Celebrity Ambassadors Leah Pinsent and Peter Keleghan ABOVE LEFT: Amber Payie (emcee), and Barbara Kerbel (President, Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary) ABOVE RIGHT: Mika Midolo (emcee) and Sandy Braz (YIM Co-Founder). Photos by System 4 / Michelle Levy Productions.

Book Lover’s Ball

Annette Wong — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:55:09 +0000

Joining renowned authors such as Catherine Gildiner, Nino Ricci, Anne Michaels, Vincent Lam, Lawerence Hill, Tish Cohen, Linwood Barclay, and many more acclaimed writers, marvelous guests twirled into the Fairmont Royal York on Feb. 11, 2010. With unique themes that blended eight diverse books, the night was a blast. Delectable hors d’oeuvres started the night, following a delicious dinner and flaring fashion show inspired by epic settings in literature.
www.bookloversball.ca

TOP LEFT John Cruickshank (publisher, Toronto Star) and wife, Jennifer Hunter. TOP MID David Rocco’s Dolce Vita host David Rocco with wife, Nina. TOP RIGHT Fashion show model. ABOVE LEFT Diana Swain (host, CBC News Toronto), right, with Alexandra Blum (director, Global Brand Partnerships, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.) ABOVE MID Toronto Mayor David Miller. ABOVE RIGHT Heather Rumball (president, Toronto Public Library Foundation).