CFC ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION 2020

Guests enjoying the gala (L-R, top to bottom): Aidan Shipley and Amanda Brugel; Lesley Barber and Don McKellar; Susanne Courtney-Jewison and Kevin Jewison; Humberly González; Lysiane Cossette and Mark Montefiore; Rick Mercer and Kim Cattrall; Warren P. Sonoda and Charles Officer.

A mix of industry luminaries, philanthropists, and CFC donors and sponsors descended upon the Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto on Thursday, February 20 for the 2020 CFC Annual Gala & Action, presented by Netflix and The Slaight Family Foundation. This event is the CFC’s largest fundraiser. Through the generous support of our guests and sponsors, the Gala raises funds for our renowned programs and initiatives in film and television, screen acting, composing and songwriting for the screen, and digital and immersive media.

This year’s Gala celebrated CFC alumni “In the Director’s Chair” – our more than 300 alumni behind the lens who are calling the shots on groundbreaking features, shorts, TV and web series, documentaries, interactive films, and more.

(L-R) Christina Jennings, Minister Lisa MacLeod; Slawko Klymkiw

The evening began with an AMC-sponsored cocktail reception in the Grand Foyer. After hitting the red carpet and the Social6ix custom photo booth, guests enjoyed drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres as they chatted and networked with friends and colleagues.

Once guests took their seats at the tables in the Ballroom, CFC’s founder, Norman Jewison, shared some wisdom for directors that he learned from prolific filmmaker Billy Wilder in a taped message from Los Angeles, “get yourself a good pair of boots, because you’re gonna be on your feet 12 hours a day, six days a week.” He went on, “between [a good] hat, the boots, and a great cast, that’s about it [all you need]!”

Jillea performing at the Gala

Following Jewison’s message, guests were wowed by a surprise performance by Slaight Music artist Jillea, who sang “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, donning an incredible Lumière costume.

The CFC's CEO, Slakwo Klymkiw, then extended a warm welcome to one of the evening’s special guests, The Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, who took to the stage to share a few remarks with gala attendees.

The Chair of CFC’s Board of Directors, Christina Jennings, then addressed guests to remind them of the Golden Raffle draw, as well as the incredible live auction packages that were up for bidding, including an executive suite at a Toronto Maple Leafs Game; a Holt Renfrew $10,000 luxury shopping spree; a private dinner with CORBIN Food & Events, including Rémy Martin LOUIS XIII tasting; courtside tickets to the Raptors vs. Charlotte Hornets; a David Yurman $10,000 shopping experience; a trip to L.A. to attend the Season 18 live finale of The Voice; a trip to attend The Walking Dead Season 11 premiere event; a trip to New York City to attend LIVE with Kelly and Ryan; and a trip to New York City to be AMC’s guest at New York Comic Con 2020!

Slaight music resident TiKA performing at the 2020 CFC Annual Gala & Auction

As guests were finishing their delectable meals (a choice of chicken supreme or porcini mushroom risotto), Slaight Music resident TiKA entertained guests with her incredible energy and presence and her powerful voice. Attendees were absolutely captivated as TiKA performed one of her original songs, followed by her rendition of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U”, and finished with her take on Eric Clapton’s “Change the World.”

Guests then prepared for the announcement of the Golden Ticket raffle winner, as well as the bidding on the Live Auction packages. Once this was complete, guests were invited to return to the Grand Foyer to enjoy coffee, fine teas, and an indulgence of mini desserts and pastries until the evening’s festivities came to an end.

We would like to thank all gala attendees for their ongoing support of the CFC. Your generosity enables us to continue developing and advancing Canadian creative and entrepreneurial talent in the screen-based industries – and, ultimately, to generate world-class talent, content, products and companies for the global marketplace.

Relive the magic of the evening in this photo gallery.

All photos by Sam Santos and Ernesto Di Stefano | George Pimentel Photography.

PRESENTING

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

MEDIA PARTNERS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERFORMANCES BY

SLAIGHT FAMILY MUSIC

ALUMNA OF THE SLAIGHT FAMILY MUSIC LAB

Guests had the opportunity to bid on unique and exclusive packages and experiences!

Live auction packages include:

• A  Toronto Maple Leafs game from an incredible 200-level executive suite
• A $10,000 shopping spree at Holt Renfrew
• A private four-course dinner provided by celebrity chef CORBIN
• Two (2) courtside tickets to the Toronto Raptors vs. the Charlotte Hornets
• A stay at The Hazelton Hotel with a private screening of a blockbuster film
• A $10,000 shopping spree at David Yurman
• A trip for two (2) to L.A. to see the live finale of The Voice Season 16
• A true eOne experience - live like you are a record executive, TV star, movie mogul, tech guru, or a children's icon
• A trip for two (2) to AMC's The Walking Dead Season 11 premiere event
• A trip for two (2) to NYC to see a live taping of LIVE with Kelly and Ryan
• A trip for two (2) to NYC to attend Comic Con
• And more!

CFC GOLDEN TICKET RAFFLE

The Golden Ticket raffle entered guests in a draw for the chance to choose from one of these four coveted live auction packages:

Package One

RAPTORS VS. CHARLOTTE HORNETS COURTSIDE TICKETS IN TORONTO

(Game Date: February 28, 2020)

Value: $3,053

Package Two

HOLT RENFREW SHOPPING SPREE

Value: $10,000

Package Three

STAY AT THE HAZELTON HOTEL TORONTO AND PRIVATE SCREENING

Value: $6,500

Package Four

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS EXECUTIVE SUITE EXPERIENCE

(2020/2021 Season)

Value: $16,500

Tickets: $100 each, 650 tickets printed