News Release
‘Midnight Spell" casts its magic over Partygoers with an Evening of Enchantment
May 07, 2010
Last night, the Ontario Science Centre was transformed into a world of magic, weaving a spell over Toronto’s most stylish and influential for the fourth annual LG Innovators’ Ball: Midnight Spell.
Honorary Co-Chairs Joe Natale and Melissa Martin led the unforgettable evening that revolved around the thrilling world of magic and sorcery. They were joined by over 1100 of Canada’s style makers and influencers including Master of Ceremonies, Ben Mulroney.
“The LG Innovators’ Ball is an inspired event and it was an honour for Melissa and me to co-chair this unforgettable evening,” said Joe Natale, TELUS Chief Commercial Officer and Honorary Co-chair of the Ball. “Innovation is at the heart of our business at TELUS because corporations like ours depend on young, hungry minds, and feeding kids’ minds is what the Ontario Science Centre is all about. With the outstanding support of our partners, sponsors and guests, we are providing a greater number of children in our communities with access to the Ontario Science Centre, lighting the spark of interest and imagination and fuelling their passion for science and technology.”
Guests experienced a truly decadent evening, tasting the culinary concoctions of celebrated Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy, imbibing potions, tonics and Malivoire wines, and enjoying an exciting magical act from Greg Frewin, one of Canada’s top Illusionists. The party continued into the evening with entertainment from a trio of Toronto’s top DJs as mystical clocks struck midnight.
In addition to the special entertainment, guests toured Harry Potter™: The Exhibition throughout the evening. They were able to be sorted into their favorite Hogwarts™ house by the magical Sorting Hat™, toss a “quaffle” or pull a screaming mandrake from its pot in Herbology.
“Besides being a fantastic party, the LG Innovators’ Ball is about supporting Ontario’s next generation of innovators and leaders,” said Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “The tireless efforts of our volunteer committee, the generosity of our sponsors, corporate leaders and guests along with the Science Centre’s staff create this remarkable event year after year.”
Over the previous three years, the LG Innovators’ Ball has raised almost $1 million in net proceeds to support the Ontario Science Centre’s community access and outreach initiatives which keep programs affordable and accessible to all members of the community. This year, a number of new fundraising initiatives became part of the event. CIBC Children’s Foundation challenged dinner guests to donate $1,000 each to the Adopt-A-Class program, announcing it would match funds raised at the event up to $15,000. To further its commitment of reaching out to young people Title Sponsor, LG Electronics Canada purchased 300 tickets for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto to attend Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, which opened to the public on April 9, 2010.
"To honour the work of our event Chair Amoryn Engel, I am very pleased to announce that we are bringing ten classes from the surrounding Flemingdon Park neighbourhood schools to the Centre," said Mark Cohon, Chair, Ontario Science Centre Board of Trustees. “For the fourth consecutive year, the LG Innovators’ Ball has captivated guests and inspired their imagination, while raising funds to ensure programs and feature exhibitions are accessible to all members of our community. Amoryn’s vision and dedication have made this one of the most talked about events of the year, and it is fitting that we recognize her efforts in her final year as Chair.”