42nd Brazilian Carnival Ball 2008 Celebration

The 42nd Brazilian Carnival Ball was held on Saturday (May 24, 2008) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). It is Canada's preeminent charity gala and the largest and most spectacular Brazilian gala in the world! The mission of the Brazilian Carnival Ball is to raise money for a variety of important causes in health care, research, culture and education in both Toronto and Brazil. This is accomplished by providing an authentic Brazilian extravaganza, with an entertaining evening of fun and excitement for all who attend. The Princess Margaret is recognized as one of the top five cancer research centres in the world and is home to leading specialists in areas such as surgical oncology, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, hematology, radiation therapy, and psychosocial oncology. Proceeds from this year’s Brazilian Ball ($7-million) will benefit the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, whose purpose is to raise and steward funds to deliver breakthrough research, exemplary teaching, and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada’s leading comprehensive cancer research hospital. A portion of the Brazilian Carnival Ball proceeds will support Oncology Nursing research and education at Princess Margaret Hospital. In May 2008, the Ontario Government announced that it is also providing $15-million over five years to this centre of nursing excellence. Furthermore, the Ball will celebrate the remarkable life and spirit of Anna Maria de Souza, the inspiration and founder of the Ball. Anna Maria sadly passed away on September 18th after a courageous battle with cancer. She had a profound and lasting impact on our community and has left this tremendous legacy to honour. It was her wish for the Ball to continue to grow and support numerous worthy charities in the coming years. The evening started with a VIP reception and then followed by a general reception in the South Hall of MTCC. Fresh Japanese sushi, lamb, oysters, scallops were served with a bar featuring drinks from Pearl Vodka and Salvador's Margarita. Among the crowd were Miss Brazil 2008, Miss Minas Gerais 2008 and many others in extravagent costumes giving a foretaste of the festivity to come later in the evening. There will also be a raffle draw and for $100 you have a chance in winning one of the 3 amazing prizes: 1) 2008 Camry Hybrid - Comp. Toyota On The Park & Scarborough Lexus (Value: $37,574) 2) Ladies Diamond Diner Ring - Comp. of Louro Jewellers (Value: $25,425) 3) $10,000 Harry Rosen Shopping Spree - Comp. of Harry Rosen Inc. As the time approaches 7:30PM, the doors into the grand ball was open for entrance. It was really a spectacular sight to see how beautifully and colourful the hall was decorated and the Director of Décor is Mr. Zeka Marquez. He has many years of experience under his belt and he truly did an awesome job for the Brazilian Carnival Ball event! The ceremony opened with a speech by Master of Ceremonies Ken Shaw. The parade of distinguished guests marched the dance floor followed by the singing of the Canadian anthem by Michael Burgess and Brazilian anthem by Patricia Costa & Erika Sa. Over the course of the celebration were speeches given by President & CEO Ivan de Souza, Chairs Shirley Domelle, Holly Miklas and Martha Shaw, and video greetings from the Premier, special tribute to Anna Maria de Souza, Dr. Bob Bell (President & CEO, UHN) thank you to Audrey Campbell, and Neville Kirchmann (Chair, PMHF Board) and Brazilian Ball Chairs. .: Next Page :.