John Tory Proud to be Honourary Chair of the Easter Seals Gala Ball

TORONTO , Oct. 21 /CNW/ - The 23rd annual Easter Seals Gala Ball , themed 'Soir de Paris ,' on Saturday, November 21st , at the Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto , promises to be an elegant evening with the ambiance of the 'city of love,' as people come together to share in the support of Easter Seals kids.

" Easter Seals has a long history in helping Ontario's kids with physical disabilities and their families. I'm proud to be part of a fundraising event that helps provide an essential service to families, who might not otherwise have the resources, " said John Tory , former provincial Conservative leader, and Honourary Chair of the Easter Seals Gala Ball .

The Easter Seals Gala Ball , 'Soir de Paris ,' will be an evening filled with fabulous food, music and dancing; plus, silent and live auctions featuring Tiffany & Co. 20th Century silver goblets. The top raffle prize winner will receive a romantic holiday for two at the Paris Las Vegas hotel for three nights, flights included. All proceeds from the evening will go directly to helping families of children with physical disabilities.

By providing financial assistance, Easter Seals helps ease the financial burden on families so that children with physical disabilities are able to get the tools they need to achieve a greater level of independence. Easter Seals Ontario also owns and operates two fully accessible camps and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized recreation programs for kids with physical disabilities.

"Our ability to serve children and youth with physical disabilities for the past 87 years is largely dependent on the generosity of our corporate sponsors and individual donors who give in such a meaningful way," says Carol Lloyd , Easter Seals Ontario President and CEO. "Their support is critical to the work of Easter Seals , as we depend on public support for 95% of our revenue."

"This annual black-tie affair attracts 400 of Toronto's corporate elite and has raised over $4.2 million for Ontario's kids with physical disabilities since its inception," said Heather Hunter , long-time Chair of the Easter Seals Gala Ball and Vice President, Investments for Invesco Trimark.

Citytv's Breakfast Television co-host, Kevin Frankish, returns as the emcee for the Gala Ball , an event he has hosted for over 5 years.

Tickets for the 2009 Easter Seals Gala Ball are: $500 for an individual ticket; $5,000 for a Bronze Patron Table; $7,500 for a Silver Patron Table; $10,000 for a Gold Patron Table; and $15,000 for a Platinum Sponsorship.

For more information, or to donate, please call 416.421.8377 or go to www.easterseals.org.

For further information: For sponsorship inquiries contact: Jennifer Kroezen, Senior Manager, Development, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 352, [email protected]; For media inquiries contact: Barb Saunders, Senior Communications Officer, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 326, Cell: [phone], [email protected]