Saturday Night Fever Hits Toronto at Community Rocks
Sam Roberts Band and Ben Mulroney help raise over $600,000 for Community Living Toronto
TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - On Saturday night, a crowd of 1400 partied disco-style at Community Rocks, a fundraising event in support of people with an intellectual disability. The sold-out affair was held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and raised more than $600,000 for local developmental services agency Community Living Toronto.
The "party with a purpose" began with cocktails and lots of fun, 70s-themed activities. As John Travolta replicas twirled, guests could pose at the photo booth, get creative at a massive Lite Brite wall, or play Pong, a much-loved arcade game that was first released in the disco era.
Passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations included gourmet versions of classics like Hamburger Helper and "TV dinners." For dessert, throwback pastries like Joe Louis and Twinkies were on offer alongside treats from an ice cream truck parked right inside the venue.
Adorned with glow bracelets and necklaces, guests danced on a mirrored floor under the sparkling lights of countless disco balls. A group of professional disco dancers performed choreographed numbers before leading everyone into the concert hall for the evening's main event - a private performance by the Canadian group Sam Roberts Band. "We played Community Rocks in 2016 and had an amazing time," said Roberts, the recipient of 6 Juno Awards. "This year was no different. It's a very fun and welcoming atmosphere." Sam Roberts Band had the whole crowd on their feet, singing and clapping along.
With his uplifting and energetic style, host Ben Mulroney kept the house engaged throughout the evening. This was his third time hosting Community Rocks. "I always enjoy being part of this event – it's a way for our city to come together as a community in support of a great cause," remarked Mulroney.
Notable attendees included Toronto Mayor John Tory. "We are thrilled with the turnout and happy to have exceeded our fundraising goal," added Don Roger, Chair of Community Rocks, Patron's Council Member at Community Living Toronto, and Partner at Torys LLP. "This event truly helps us become a more inclusive city."
After the concert, the party continued on the disco dance floor. Guests in bell-bottoms and platform shoes boogied the night away, proving that this community really does rock!
About Community Rocks:
Community Rocks is Community Living Toronto's signature fundraiser and a celebration of community. Together, business and community leaders raise much-needed funds to support people with an intellectual disability and their families. Since its inception in 2008, Community Rocks has raised almost $3 million for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in the GTA. Visit CommunityRocks.ca for more details.
About Community Living Toronto:
Community Living Toronto fosters inclusive communities by supporting the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. Established in 1948 as an alternative to placing people with an intellectual disability in institutions, the organization provides a range of supports and services to over 7,000 people and their families living in the GTA. For more information, visit CommunityLivingToronto.ca or follow us on social media at @CLToronto.
SOURCE Community Living Toronto
Media Contact: Karla Dendrinos, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, [email protected], 647‐501‐2075
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