Photographs by G.C. Eyre and Article by C. Smith © 2008 All Rights Reserved
CANFAR held its 11th annual Bloor Street Entertains (last year's dinner and party at the ROM was cancelled due to an OCAD student piece of art depicting a
bomb) on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. This is an annual gala fundraiser expected to raise in excess of a half million dollars for AIDS Research. This
unique fundraising gala saw boutiques in the Bloor Street area roll out the red carpet and transform into dining rooms that host black-tie dinners.
Celebrations continued at The Party at the ROM, where over 2500 people come together to take part in the annual fundraising activities.
The Party
The party following dinner was held at the Royal Ontario Museum ( see Sources and Links ) and although it started slow was packed and attended by over 1500
festive revellers. This party included an open bar, desserts and entertainment; namely, the band Soul Stew and the entertainment included a performance by
Farley Flex's newest find, Daniel Panetta, a jazz virtuoso at the young age of 16, who was featured in the Remy Martin Lounge. Highlights of this evening
include a unique silent auction featuring rare and exotic items, with all proceeds benefiting CANFAR. This year's event was co-chaired by husband and wife
team: real estate developer and co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts, Howard Sokolowski and journalist Linda Frum.
CANFAR
Founded in 1987, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research raises awareness to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV and AIDS. CANFAR is the
only organization in Canada whose sole purpose is raising privately funding HIV/AIDS research and finances institution-based AIDS researchers at
educational, hospital and health facilities, research institutes, and established community service organizations across Canada. CANFAR has provided over
$13 million to HIV/AIDS research projects and expects to raise $500,000 from this gala.
CANFAR's Bloor Street Entertains was a fantastic evening for a worthy cause. It was a great effort on the part of all the sponsors, organizers, business
that donated auction items, stylists and makeup artists, celebrities, bar staff, waiters, security, journalists to support CANFAR!. So if you didn't go
this year, you must to next year and check back here for details!

Howard Sokolowski and Linda Frum.





