Singular Event Dinner and Big Bang Party raise funds for Renaissance ROM
On Friday, June 1, 2007, over 1,000 donors and supporters will be the very first members of the public to experience the Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the centrepiece of the Museum’s $270-million expansion project. To celebrate the building’s completion, the Museum’s largest fundraising event, The Singular Event and Big Bang Party, presented by CIBC, the Inaugural Season Sponsor of the Lee-Chin Crystal, will officially launch the opening weekend celebrations. For this momentous occasion, guests will experience outstanding musical and dance performances, exceptional hospitality, and be among the first to explore the newly-opened building designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind.
“The June 1st Gala will be one of Toronto’s most memorable events of the year,” said William Thorsell, ROM Director and CEO. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity we’ve received from individuals, corporations and government towards the Renaissance ROM Campaign. We’re delighted to be joined by our numerous supporters to celebrate this important milestone in a stylish and singular manner.”
More than 500 guests to the sold-out The Singular Event will enjoy a lavish reception and dinner attended by architect Daniel Libeskind, Michael Lee-Chin (whose lead donation of $30 million launched the Renaissance ROM expansion project), the Hon. Hilary M. Weston, Renaissance ROM Campaign Chair, and fellow Renaissance ROM donors and special guests. The evening begins outside the Lee-Chin Crystal’s new main entrance on Bloor Street and flows through the Spirit House and into the soaring four-storey Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court, named in honour of Mr. Lee-Chin’s mother. Surrounded by crystal-inspired décor, guests will enjoy an exquisite menu in Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery, prepared by Restaurant Associates’ chefs (the ROM’s food services partner) and unique musical entertainment by Tanya Tagaq, iDrum and Continuum.
Following the dinner, the ROM will welcome an additional 500 glamorously dressed guests for a night of exploring and dancing at the Big Bang Party. An exciting commemorative moment will launch the evening’s festivities at 10:30 pm and guests are encouraged to experience all of the dramatic new spaces of the Lee-Chin Crystal’s five levels. Each space will be transformed into different themes, food and sounds, including savory and sweet treats, a chocolate lover’s tasting station, a performance by the East Village Opera Company, a Jazz lounge programmed by Bill King, a Supper Club Cabaret with the swinging sounds of George St. Kitts and The B-Girlz, and a nightclub with music by DJ Matt C and visual projections by artist Lane Franklin of Freethought Project.
The following evening, on June 2, the ROM celebrates the Architectural Opening & Building Dedication of the Lee-Chin Crystal with a live outdoor concert on the Museum’s new Bloor Street Plaza. The free public concert entitled A World of Possibilities starts at 9:30 pm and features theatrical performances by Canadian and international artists from all musical and performance genres. The public is admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with access beginning at 8 pm. Please note: the ROM is closed June 1 and 2, 2007 in preparation for the concert and other Architectural Opening celebrations.
The Singular Event has received significant support from the following table hosts: AIC Limited, Berkshire Group, CIBC, Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Patrick and Barbara Keenan and Family, Northland Power Inc., Portland Holdings Inc., RBC, The Samuel Family, Robert and Elizabeth Schad, Alex Shnaider/Midland Group, Joey and Toby Tanenbaum, Susan M. Tanenbaum, James and Louis Temerty, Richard Wernham and Julia West, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and Mr. W. Galen Weston and The Hon. Hilary M. Weston.