FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 26, 2008
2008 Imperial Ball—Shanghai Kaleidoscope
A celebration of 20th Anniversary of the
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, the annual fundraising gala Imperial Ball will take place immediately after the official opening of Shanghai Kaleidoscope presented by Manulife Financial in the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal of Royal Ontario Museum on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. About 600 guests are expected to attend, including representatives from all three levels of government, executives from major corporations and leaders of the Chinese community.
The 2008 Gala will be a high-profile intimate event that features exclusive opening tour of Shanghai Kaleidoscope presented by Manulife Financial and the Garden exhibits together with an unforgettable night of fine gourmet dining prepared by the distinguished chefs of Royal Ontario Museum.
Imperial Ball 2008 is in its 14th year of the fundraising efforts for the Chinese Cultural Centre to promote Chinese culture to all communities in Ontario. The gala also reflects on a long-standing commitment and contribution by the Centre to act as a bridge between the Chinese community and the Canadian society. “The partnership between the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and Royal Ontario Museum sets an example of the community outreach and friendship between the Chinese community and the Canadian society and opens a new door to future co-operation,” said Dr. Ming-Tat Cheung, President and Chairman of the Centre.
“Patrons of the gala will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the Shanghai Kaleidoscope presented by Manulife Financial exhibition. This exhibition focuses on the key aspects of the Shanghai's vibrant culture: urbanism and architecture, contemporary art, video statements and fashion” said Dr. Cheung.
The target for this year's fundraising effort is $400,000. This year, the proceeds of this special fundraising gala will focus on adding more innovative equipments and services for the new Phase II facilities, to enhance the theatre and the hall with more capabilities to hold a variety of performances and functions to meet the diverse needs of all Canadian community groups.
“Thanks to the strong and continuous support from our sponsors, it will be another successful year for the Imperial Ball. We have over 20 sponsors to date and more are coming in,” said Sharifa Khan, gala Co-Chair.
“This year's Imperial Ball is exceptionally special and exciting. Starting with the reception in the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal at ROM — featuring a fashion presentation of three contemporary Chinese fashion designers Wang Yiyang, Zhang Da and Gao Xin from Shanghai. Guests can savour delicious hors d'œuvres and check out over 130 silent auction items while being entertained by a live band,” said Khan.
“This year, we have five exciting live auction items to be bidden during the gala night, including an Audi Q7 provided by Audi Uptown of Downtown Fine Cars Group, two Executive First round trip air tickets to Asia with land package sponsored by Air Canada and Tour East Holidays, a Dubai trip package sponsored by Tour East Holidays, and two jade and diamond necklaces sponsored by Dyamond Co.,” said Khan.
“We also have the privilege to invite the renowned pipa artist Wendy Wen Zhao to perform at the Gala. Wendy Wen Zhao is an internationally acclaimed pipa virtuoso, a sensitive and lyrical performer. She has presented numerous solos and concerto concerts throughout Canada, China, the US and the UK. She combines eastern musical tradition with western classical repertoire to perform in different styles. Performing together with Wen is Mr. Yucheng Zhang, well-known wind instrumentalist who specializes in the xiao, the bawu, the hulusi, and the dizi,” said Chris Li, gala Co-Chair.
“The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto is most appreciative for the support of the many sponsors of 2008 Imperial Ball,” said Li.
Our main sponsors are:
Honorary Patrons:
- Cathay Forest
- Downtown Fine Cars Group
- King's Taste Food
- Philip Leong
- RBC Royal Bank
Special Raffle Sponsor:
- Rolex Canada
Platinum Sponsors:
- Air Canada
- Balmoral Marketing Inc.
- Dr. K.K. Leung
- HSBC Bank Canada
- Mandarin Golf and Country Club
- Toronto Sun
- Tour East Holidays
Gold Sponsors:
- Greenvilla Homes
- Ontario Place
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Tridel Corporation
For sponsorship information, please contact Ms. Angela Chan. Gala tickets are available for sale, detail information please contact Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.
For Further Information:
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
Tel: (416) 292-9293 ext. 231 Fax: (416) 292-9215
E-mail: info@cccgt.org Web: www. cccgt.org