Teddy Bear Affair raises more than $1 Million in support of the Children's
Aid Foundation

TORONTO , Nov. 19 /CNW/ - Over 840 guests and countless supporters of this year's swing era-themed Teddy Bear Affair helped to raise more than $1 million for the Children's Aid Foundation (www.cafdn.org). The event, which took place on November 14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, also marked the 30th anniversary of the Foundation. One hundred per cent of the funds raised will go directly towards helping at risk children across Canada in the areas of prevention, enrichment and education.

"We are so grateful to our guests and sponsors who supported this event and everyone who has supported the Foundation over the last 30 years," said Ann Barnard Ball, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Foundation. "Through their generosity, the Children's Aid Foundation will be able to help hundreds of thousands of abused and neglected children and youth across Canada ."

Some highlights of the night included lively entertainment by Breakfast Television's Dina Pugliese and Kevin Frankish, who co-hosted the evening, and Canadian crooner Matt Dusk, who gave a show-stopping performance with his swinging songs and unmatchable voice. A few lucky raffle winners also left the party with breathtaking jewellery from Tiffany & Co., valued at over $24,000 .

Guests were enticed by exquisite live and silent auction items open for bidding throughout the evening. Live auction highlights included seven nights accommodation in a villa in Tuscany, a trip to Dubai, and a custom-designed dress by fashion designer Thien Le.

Silent auction items included an all-inclusive trip to the brand new Breezes Panama from SuperClubs Canada , a stay in Badrutt's Palace in Switzerland , and an Australian Labradoodle from Doodlelane Kennels.

The Foundation would like to thank its patron sponsors, CGI Canada and CIBC Children's Foundation, as well as the evening sponsors, for their continued dedication to this important event in support of children in need across Canada .

About the Teddy Bear Affair

Winner of the 2003 and 2006 Canadian Industry Awards Best Fundraising Event, the Teddy Bear Affair is recognized as one of Toronto's best social events. The ongoing success of the evening is a direct result of the Foundation's ability to create an exciting and memorable experience for some of Canada's most influential and charitable people. In its 23-year history, the Teddy Bear Affair has raised over $18 million with 100 per cent of the proceeds directly funding programs that support abused and neglected children and youth across the country.

About the Children's Aid Foundation

Founded in 1979, the Children's Aid Foundation is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and at risk children in Canada . The Foundation works with child welfare agencies across the country to fund prevention, enrichment and education programming. This year marks the Foundation's 30th anniversary. During the last 30 years, the Foundation has raised over $100 million and helped more than one million children and youth.

For further information: or photos, please contact: Saskia Brussaard, Phone: [phone], Email [email protected]; Emily MacKenzie, Phone: [phone] x230, Email: [email protected]