The 15th annual Boobyball fundraiser took place Oct 14, 2016 at Rebel Night Club. The event is organized in support of the Rethink Breast Cancer campaign aimed at women under forty who are battling breast cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or for friends and family looking for support for their loved ones. They work towards informing younger generations on what preventative measures can be taken to help lower their chances of developing breast cancer in the future. The reason Rethink Breast Cancer focuses on women under forty is that they aren’t as heavily targeted for early exams, and believe that early awareness is the key to winning the long-term war on such a devastating disease.
Facts and figures were presented during the event as a reminder of the great cause that was being supported by all those in attendance.
The event took place at the beautiful and recently renovated Rebel nightclub, located at 11 Polson Street. I was excited to see how the renovations turned out, because the Polson Pier itself has been an area of great debate since the early 2000s when residents of Toronto Island spearheaded a campaign to cease all the late night activity that blasted music throughout the area. I have to say that the space itself is very impressive with a grand ballroom-like area at the heart of the venue, a second floor balcony overlooking the main dance floor, and beautifully intimate lounge areas outlining the periphery. The new Rebel space itself is well worth checking out!
Red Rum Punch was refreshing, sweet, and very fruity. Big fan of the adorable flamingo straws.
Boobyball 2016’s theme was Paradise City, and guests were encouraged to embrace the colours, patterns, and boldness of the jungle. The entire Rebel venue was decorated accordingly, and coloured with breast cancer’s signature pink, but enhanced with gold accents throughout. I spent quite some time oohing and aahing at the great outfits people were rocking. Some groups of friends tied all their outfits together and fully embodied the wild side of Paradise City, adding a lot of fun energy to the crowd. I even spoke to one gentleman who constructed a geometric jaguar head out of paper!
Guests at the event were treated to delicious comfort food and popular treats from Earl’s Kitchen. Snack stations included a super creamy mac and cheese, fresh sushi table, as well as platters of sliders, stuffed mushroom caps, mini poutines, krispy kreme donuts, and my favourite wheatless and meatless team’s signature Oaxaca bowl: Kupfert & Kim! It was nice to know that there were food options for any and every diet at Boobyball.
Coconut crème and mint cakes were courtesy of the Earl’s Kitchen team!
Outside of the food, drinks, great music, and silent auction, guests could sign up to have their makeup touched up at the TEEEZ vanity booths, jump into a fun ball pit for an impromptu photoshoot with a zebra, add a braid to their lovely locks, or get a mini mani from one of the nail artists courtesy of Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The stations, and all staff assisting with the event, were incredibly organized and attentive so wait times were minimal no matter where you were. I have to give major credit to the Rebel and Boobyball team for keeping things flowing smoothly!
After attending the fundraiser and having had such a great time, I’m happy to state that $3.8 million have been raised thus far for Rethink Breast Cancer. If you know someone who has been recently diagnosed, is a survivor, or could use some support, please contact the Rethink team as they have so many fantastic resources available. The Boobyball organization has parties planned in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Ottawa too. If you unfortunately can’t make it to one of the 2016 events, keep an eye out for next year as I’m sure it’ll be another wonderful and wild night in Toronto!
