Toronto, ON, April 16, 2011 - Toronto's annual Brazilian Carnival Ball marks its 45^th anniversary with another exhilirating evening of dance, music and camaraderier. For this year's gala, the Ball has chosen to support the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history.

Toronto's most prominent arts, fashion, political and business communities will generously help to raise awareness and funds in support of the ROM. To date, the Ball has raised more than $57 million for numerous causes in health care, research, education and culture. This year's event is inspired by the Baroque period and will evoke an evening of historic grandeur and glamour. Talented and beautifully styled dancers from the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival will perform and dance with guests throughout the evening.

This year's Chairs include Neena and Vijay Kanwar, Founders of KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres. Honorary Chairs are philanthropist and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Darryl Sittler and his wife Luba Sittler, and Her Worship Mayor Hazel McCallion, City of Mississauga. The Chairs and Honorary Chairs are pleased to be involved with such a prestigious and influential cultural institution and to have the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the ROM.

"Every year I am left truly speechless by the generosity and kindness of this city. Anna Maria would be so pleased to know that Torontonians still support and look forward to this event celebrating Brazilian culture that she created 45 years ago," says Ivan X. de Souza, President and CEO of the Brazilian Carnival Ball and husband of the late Anna Marie de Souza.