 |
Centenarian Celebrates Chinese New Year at the Dragon Ball
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2010 Centenarian Celebrates Chinese New Year at the Dragon Ball (TORONTO) – Mrs. Chee-Man Ng, a 100-year-old, is looking forward to attending the 21st annual Dragon Ball on Saturday, February 6. She will be joined by her daughter, Diana, and 1,200 guests at the largest Chinese New Year celebration of its kind in North America. “The Chinese New Year should be celebrated with good food and great fun,” says Mrs. Ng, one of the 16 centenarians living at Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, who attends today’s press conference to get a preview of the gala highlights. “And, I love to party!” A great party indeed as Dragon Ball offers phenomenal entertainment and food artistry, among many exciting elements. “Our committee has been working for months to ensure a memorable evening for all,” explains Gala Co-Chair, Heather Grand, Vice President, Multicultural Markets, Greater Toronto Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Our theme this year is Hong Kong Food and Culture. Everything from decor, menu and entertainment will reflect that.” With the participation from close to 20 restaurants and caterers, including Demon Chef Alvin Leung of Michelin-rated Bo Innovation from Hong Kong, the menu will showcase many of the traditional New Year cuisines and Hong Kong delicacies. “Hong Kong and Canada are closely connected in many ways. Thanks to Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office and Hong Kong Tourism Board, we are able to bring the best of Hong Kong to our patrons.” Says Pauline Tong, President of the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. While food at the Dragon Ball is a major attraction, there are many exciting elements throughout the evening. The live and silent auctions featuring more than 150 items, including 10-day Best of China & the Shanghai World Expo courtesy of Tour East Holidays and Air Canada and 12-Night Eastern Mediterranean & Egypt Cruise for Two by Ucruising Holidays. The Grand Raffle prizes will award 14 prizes, including a 2010 Lexus HS250h. The performance will feature talented artists from Toronto and abroad. Australian crooner Gregg Arthur will perform some of the favourite tunes backed by Mark Camilleri and his band. Eleven year-old prodigy Yike Yang and local sensation Jane Lu will also make a special appearance. In addition to being a fantastic Chinese New Year celebration, Dr. Joseph Wong, Founder and Chair of Yee Hong Foundation, wants to remind everyone the importance of this gala. “We can’t lose sight of the fact that proceeds from the gala will support much needed programs and services for seniors across the GTA.” Yee Hong is currently serving 15,000 seniors and their families across the GTA through its 805 long-term care beds, senior housing, community-based programs, medical and rehab services. Many of the programs and its current standard of service delivery are not funded by the government. “The past six years at Yee Hong have been wonderful,” Mrs. Ng explains. “By being part of the Dragon Ball, you are helping seniors to live with dignity and contentment.” The 2010 Dragon Ball, presented by AGF Management Ltd., is expected to raise $1 million net. Tickets are available at $400 for a regular ticket and $500 for a patron ticket. For more information, please visit www.yeehong.com.
-30-
|
|||||||||||||||
