Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Edward Burtynsky host gala and art auction for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper on February 7

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Two prominent figures from the worlds of art and environment are coming together for the first time to help raise funds for the Toronto-based Lake Ontario Waterkeeper on its 10^th anniversary. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance and son of the U.S. political figure, and Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky will co-host a gala dinner and art auction presented by RBC on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Corus Quay in Toronto.

Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Burtynsky will be joined by other Waterkeeper supporters from the worlds of art, sports, and science, including Joseph Boyden (Giller Prize winning author), Wade Davis (National Geographic explorer), Denise Donlon (media executive and television host), Gord Downie (musician and poet), Kevin Lowe (NHL all-star) and Karen Percy Lowe (Olympic medalist).

"Waterkeeper believes in a world where it is safe to swim, drink the water, and eat a fish," said Mark Mattson, President, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. "With the vision of artists, the wisdom of scientists, the courage of athletes, and leadership from the business community, we can achieve a swimmable, drinkable and fishable world."

Over a dozen works of art will be auctioned off at this sold-out gala to help Waterkeeper restore Lake Ontario. Contributing artists include Michael Adamson, Ed Bartram, Paul Beliveau, Edward Burtynsky, Barbara Cole, Barbara Davidson, GAGNON, David Grieve, Daniel Hughes, Stewart Jones, Anita Kunz, Raymond Martin, Charles Pachter, Peter Rotter, Joe Sampson and Su Sheedy. The works can be previewed at waterkeeper.ca/gala.

The inaugural Waterkeeper Gala is presented by RBC with contributions from Bullfrog Power, Corus Entertainment, Mill Street Brewery, and Waddington's / Concrete Contemporary Auctions and Projects.

After contaminated drinking water caused seven deaths in Walkerton, Ontario, Mark Mattson and Krystyn Tully started Lake Ontario Waterkeeper to protect the province's most important drinking water source. Lake Ontario provides drinking water to nine-million people in Canada and the USA, including those in the Greater Toronto Area, Kingston and Hamilton. 

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is the first Ontario member of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network of 200 watershed protection organizations. The group works for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Ontario. 

For interview opportunities with hosts, supporters, and artists, please contact:
Allie Kosela, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
t) 416.861.1237 (after hours, call 416.579.1731)
[email protected]

More information: waterkeeper.ca/gala