MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

This year’s All-Star Gala in Support of SickKids was a resounding success, thanks to all who attended and selflessly donated to an incredible cause.
By Joan Kelley Walker
Photography by Ryan Emberley

Oh, what a night! I was excited and very honoured to walk the runway for the All-Star Gala in Support of SickKids celebrity fashion show this year. (Kudos to Jason Cameron of Toronto Fashion Academy, who curated this year’s fashion show.) The theme was the Olympic Games, and the show was hosted by Tyrone Edwards and attended by numerous olympians, athletes, sports stars, sports media personalities, celebrities and politicians including our Mayor John Tory. The live entertainment, open bar and a silent auction made for a memorable and fun night. More than 1,400 guests showed up to the Toronto Event Centre in support of a great cause. The evening was a huge success, raising more than $85,000 to support congenital heart disease research within the Labatt Family Health Centre at SickKids. 

“IMPORTANT WORK IS BEING DONE THROUGH THESE GATHERINGS.”

Important work is being done through these gatherings and so many people are involved. This event would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees. It is beautiful to see how people come together to truly support children and their families facing congenital heart failure. This work needs continued support and events like the All-Star Gala create the awareness about what is needed and how we can help. I love to hear the stories of these special children, who only wish to grow up to have big dreams filled with hope, joy and love.