Media Advisory/ Photo Opportunity - Legendary musician Randy Bachman, World Figure Skating Champion Patrick Chan, FASHION Magazine's Bernadette Morra, actress Lisa Ray, and singer Jackie Richardson to be honoured at SPARK Gala on Sunday, May 6, 2012

TORONTO, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ -

WHAT: The Children's Aid Foundation hosts the second annual SPARK Gala to benefit disadvantaged children and youth.  Proceeds raised at this event provide youth in foster care life-changing opportunities to explore sports, arts and cultural programs crucial to personal growth and development. The event honours five Celebrity Luminaries in a spectacular Tribute Production, which highlights their remarkable success stories through song, dance, video and fashion runway segments.  Mark Daniels and Andrea Weissman-Daniels founded the Ignite the Spark Fund and created the inaugural SPARK Gala last year, inspired by their own experience with their adopted daughter.

WHO: The following Luminaries pay tribute to the individuals who first ignited their inner spark:

• Legendary guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer Randy Bachman (Music Luminary)
• World Figure Skating Champion Patrick Chan (Sports Luminary)
• FASHION Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Bernadette Morra (Fashion Luminary)
• Actress and Top Chef Canada host Lisa Ray (Entertainer Luminary)
• Acclaimed gospel, jazz and blues singer Jackie Richardson (Vocal Arts Luminary)

With musical direction by Joe Sealy, this year's Tribute Production entitled "Rhythm & Soul" dramatizes the transformative power of music in the life of a child and includes performances by Sistema Toronto with special guest artists; Toronto's renowned Faith Chorale, a duet by Jackie Richardson and her daughter Kim; a spectacular 16-dancer Bollywood number by Sanskriti Arts; and a runway segment produced by Paola Fullerton featuring the exciting creations of Montreal design house MARTIN LIM.

WHEN:  Sunday, May 6, 2012
2:15 p.m.  Tribute Production begins (Media requested to arrive for set-up at 1:50 p.m.)
3:00 p.m.  Interviews with Luminaries & VIPs

WHERE:  The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, 7^th Floor

MEDIA RSVP:
Karen Lorenowicz, KL Strategic Communications, 416-347-9661, [email protected]
Jeff Ball, Children's Aid Foundation, 416-923-0924 ext 230, [email protected]