The Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosted the 17^th annual fundraising Bell Celebrity Gala presented by Samsung on October 23, 2008. This years charitable recipient goes to the SickKids Foundation, a world-renowned children's hospital. The funds raised will support a major renovation to the Hospital's emergency department. The Bell Gala, is the largest celebrity-attended fundraiser in Canada and winner of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Canadian Event Industry's STAR Award for "Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization in Canada".

"Every child remembers their first trip to the circus or remembers wanting to run away to join the circus." The theme was "Ticket to Ride" and it was all about the experience. Guests were greeted on the Red Carpet Boardwalk into the circus show grounds filled with sights and sounds of a nostalgic outdoor amusement park atmosphere! There were game stores and even a fully functional roller coaster for the adventurous in the midway.

Guests were then invited into the grand circus tent for dinner "Under the Big Top" featuring a full stage production of a "Rock'n Roll Circus" complete with acrobatics, pyrotechnics, a full fashion show showcasing Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier and live musical performances by Finger Eleven (2008 JUNO Award Winner for Rock Band of the Year), Hedley, Serena Ryder (JUNO Award Winning Recording Artist), Suzie McNeil (Universal Recording Artist and JUNO Nominee) and Kreesha Turner (EMI Recording Artist). That is not all, those who stayed for the after-party, were rewarded with a special performance by Keshia Chanté (Singer/Songwriter/Actress and JUNO Award Winner).