By Sheri DeCarlo
Tickets for Furniture Bank’s third annual fundraising event, Chair Affair, presented by title sponsor Streetcar Developments, are now on sale. This year’s event, whose theme is ‘Vibrant Toronto,’ takes place on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Palais Royale, hosted by Global Toronto’s Susan Hay.
“This is a monumental year for Furniture Bank as we are setting the foundation for growth and expansion in the years to come. Chair Affair is our opportunity to celebrate all the people that make it possible for us to do what we do, including staff, volunteers and long-term supporters such as the City of Toronto and United Way through the Toronto Enterprise Fund,” says Susanna Kislenko, Executive Director of Development.
This year’s gala will showcase ten Toronto artists and designers who will donate their time and skills to create unique works of art using ordinary chairs. Guests will be treated to Chef Steffan Howard’s culinary creations, as well as performances by soloist Lesley Andrew and popular Toronto DJ, Matt Gracie.
“Jack Layton, my late husband, was a proud supporter of the Furniture Bank. I was told that he stole the show as an auctioneer at a previous Chair Affair gala. To continue his legacy, let’s support this amazing organization and the people that help make it happen,” says MP for Trinity-Spadina, Olivia Chow.
Guests will be able to bid on chair creations by designers including Heidi Richter and Paul Lafrance of HGTV’s “Decked Out,” CBC’s Steven and Chris, and Alex Chapman, Kelly Cray and Neil Jonsohn of UNION31 and many others in a live auction. Over 40 “chair experiences” including seats at a concert or at a top Toronto hair salon will be up for bid during a silent auction.
Furniture Bank has been helping families create homes since 1998 by distributing donated furniture and household items to women and children escaping violence, newcomers to Canada and the formerly homeless. In 2011, Furniture Bank provided furniture to over 5,000 people including approximately 1,600 children.
“Chair Affair allows us to share the incredible stories of the people that receive our furniture, as well as those of our staff, volunteers and agency partners,” says Kislenko. “By giving furniture to people as they start new chapters in their lives, we are providing a sense of dignity and improved self-esteem which contributes to an elevated quality of life.”
Tickets for Chair Affair are now available online for $135 each until September 15, 2012. After September 15th, regular priced tickets will be available for $150.
