Client News: Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada Announces 19th Annual Gala Hosted by Carla Collins
Organization Plans Star-Studded Fundraising Event Fit for a Queen
TORONTO, ON (February 25, 2014) – Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is proud to announce the return of their annual Fundraising Gala on April 5, 2014 at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St. West). The 19th annual Starlight Gala will be hosted by the “Queen of Comedy”, Carla Collins, and is presented by Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., over 700 guests will enter a fully transformed venue, fashioned to mirror the evening’s theme, London, Calling! Complete with ‘royal’ influences, programming will include dinner, silent and live auctions and a selection of top Brit-themed entertainment.
“Our Gala continues to be one of the most important fundraising initiatives that we host throughout the year,” said Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “It offers the unique opportunity to gather sponsors, donors, volunteers and Starlight families under one roof to celebrate the work that we do.”
(Gala host, Carla Collins)
Celebrities scheduled to attend include: recording artists Matt Dusk and Karl Wolf, Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr, supermodel Stacey McKenzie, YTV’s Next Star judge Mark Spicoluk, KiSS 92.5′s Taylor Kaye, PROUD FM’s Mike Chalut, cast members from television shows such as Murdoch Mysteries and The Listener, along with many other notable Canadians.
Starlight Canada is pleased to welcome an extensive group of new and returning sponsors in support of their 19th annual Gala. Supporters include: Presenting Sponsor, Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us Canada; Diamond Sponsors, Great Blue Heron Charity Casino and Delmar International; Gold Sponsor, Bloom Lanys Professional Corporation; and Silver Sponsors, Playtex, Hillberg & Berk and Corus Entertainment.
“Toys“R”Us Canada has sponsored Starlight Children’s Foundation for 16 years because we truly believe that it makes a difference in children’s lives,” said Kevin Macnab, president of Toys“R”Us Canada. “One parent, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the hospital, wrote us and said, ‘The Starlight Fun Room, with its arts and crafts area, replaced Helena’s tear-stained cheeks with smiles and glitter.’ It is stories like Helena’s that inspire us to sponsor the Starlight Gala and motivate our employees to raise funds and awareness for Starlight throughout the year.”
Since its inception in 1995, the Starlight Gala has raised over $5,000,000 dollars, making it one of the foundation’s largest sources for fundraising. Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased online by visiting http://www.starlightmatters.com.
(Photo from last year’s 18th annual Starlight Gala)
For media accreditation, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR,
p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:
Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
Website: http://starlightcanada.org
Twitter: @StarlightCanada #StarlightMatters
Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada
YouTube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight
About Toys“R”Us, Canada:
Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca
About Great Blue Heron Charity Casino:
The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, located in scenic Port Perry Ontario, first opened its doors in 1997 and has steadily developed into one of Ontario’s premier casino destinations. With 550 exciting slots, 60 thrilling table games and award winning dining, the Great Blue Heron Casino is the closest casino to Toronto. The project is operated by a partnership consisting of Casinos Austria International, the Steiner Group and Sonco Gaming Inc. on behalf of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation and OLG.
About Delmar International Inc.:
Delmar consists of roughly one thousand professionals working in 40 locations throughout North & South America, Mexico and Asia. THE DELMAR GROUP today provides a variety of supply chain related services including; Customs Brokerage, Freight Forwarding, ground services, warehousing & distribution, as well as consulting and cargo management technology solutions.
13 Stats You Should Know About Blogging [INFOGRAPHIC]
Today’s INFOGRAPHIC (from Social Marketing Writing) provides some very valuable information for bloggers. See below and learn some helpful tips and tricks to improve your site’s visibility and traffic.
YouTubers Go Back to Camp In Feature Film
(Source: http://camptakota.com)
The constant evolution of online media is an unstoppable force. Canadians are constantly consuming media through an increasing number of forums. One of the most prevalent sources of media output is YouTube, which has over 1 billion unique users visiting the site every month. More and more, we are seeing people’s talents being discovered on YouTube (Justin Bieber, Tyler Mahone and Carly Ray Jepson). This past year we saw a new development in the online film industry, using YouTube as a stepping stone onto something much larger. Three noteworthy YouTube vloggers: Mamrie Hart (You Deserve A Drink) , Grace Helbig (it’sGrace) and Hannah Hart (My Drunk Kitchen), have created a full length feature movie that was completely self funded and self resourced. The movie, Camp Takota, stars the 3 YouTube personalities, and is directed by fellow YouTubers Nick and Chris Riedell.
A key component to this production is that complete control lies in the hands of the creators. The film is sold on the Camp Takota website, where fans can also purchase camp related theme packages and various merchandise. With their branding campaign in top notch shape and their undeniable skills in front of and behind the camera, we are privy to seeing what this kind of creative process is capable of: leading us to question if this is the new direction movies are heading. We have already seen a major shift with big blockbusters being funded by major stars instead of studios (prime example: Wolf of Wall Street funded by Leo DiCaprio to avoid studio restrictions). Is self production the next big thing? Will a large majority of the film making and production industry become obsolete? Or, will the industry become so saturated with “stars” and movies, that we will lose the creation of big blockbusters? Only time will tell, but be sure to watch for more vloggers to follow the footsteps of Camp Takota.
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Feb 19, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Straight from the reporter’s mouth: PR pros should be proactive, credible and responsive #tips #pr101 #mediarelations #prtips
— MBA pr girl (@MBAprgirl) February 18, 2014
Be sure to meet the key influencers at events. Make a friend, show them value, & they will intro you to their friends. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) February 18, 2014
Finalizing your brand comes before advertisement and press. #BrandAwareness #Development #PRTips
— Charissa Lauren (@CharissaLauren) February 13, 2014
Do not look to other companies when developing your strategy. Look within yourself, originality lives on. #PRChat #PR101 #PRTips
— Pretty Living PR (@PrettyLivingPR) February 17, 2014
#PRtips: be persistent. Always remember to follow up if you don’t get answers straight away! #publicrelations
— Bridget O’Brien PR (@BridgetOBrienPR) February 16, 2014
Be Different. If your competitors are doing it, don’t. Stand out from an overcrowded marketplace. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) February 14, 2014
No matter how big or small your business is, all businesses can benefit from press release distribution. #PRTip
— Montage PR (@MontagePR) February 16, 2014
Always send a handwritten thank you note #standout #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) February 18, 2014
#PRTip: It’s all about relationships.
— See.Spark.Go (@seesparkgo) February 18, 2014
Are you guilty of “burying the lede”? Pitch smart! Aim for the shortest possible length with maximum clarity. #PRAdvice #PR #PRtips
— AirPR (@AirPR) February 18, 2014
The Business of Being ‘Happy’: Pharrell’s Hit Song Takes On The World
By now, most of you have heard the Pharrell Williams’ hit, ‘Happy’, from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. We even blogged about the LGBTQIA ‘Happy’ video created for Sochi a couple weeks back (check it out — pretty amazing stuff). Since then, ‘Happy’ has become a viral sensation, far beyond anyone’s expectations. Variations of the video have been made around the world receiving hundreds of thousands of views online.
The original video for the oscar-nominated song was released in November of 2013, making big news for being the longest music video ever; a title previously held by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson (for the song ‘Ghosts’). The energetic dancing video, 24 Hours of Happy, is shown on its own website and features the song in 4 minute loops for a full 24 hours. The video highlights dancers of all shapes and sizes; male, female, young, old, and even some celebs including: Steve Carrell, Kelly Osborne and Magic Johnson to name a few. A regular length video was released around the same time.
We can all agree: Pharrell has had quite a year topping the charts with hits like ‘Blurred Lines’ and ‘Get Lucky’, but this video has become a beast of its own. As of late, the style of the video has been replicated and used to highlight countries and cities from around the world. Hop on YouTube and you can see ‘Happy’ videos from Dublin, Bermuda, Berlin, France, Hong Kong, Kiev, Jamaica, Cambodia and many others. Loads of local businesses are going to great lengths to get a spot in their city’s version of the video. Two of the most impressive videos have come from Jamaica and Bermuda. They are beautifully done and showcase tourist hot spots in a gorgeous light. ’Happy’ is no longer just an upbeat song, it has become the ultimate marketing tool to showcase your country, city or business. Take a look at Bermuda’s and Jamaica’s renditions below:
Pharrell seems to be embracing the various parodies of his video, tweeting them out and showing gratitude for all the support. A big thanks goes out to Pharrell, for bringing a little bit of happiness into all of our lives.
#FilmFriday: A Valentine’s Day Secret Admirer Prank
Here’s an opportunity to get a goofy head start on your weekend. Check out YouTube prankster Greg Benson and his hilarious scheme to force complete strangers to romantically interact. Happy Valentine’s Day!
24 Hour Audio Broadcast from the CLGA
Over the past 41 years the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives have collected an array of audio recordings covering a variety of topics and styles. Interviews, radio shows, music, protests and home recordings have all been donated to the CLGArchives. Beginning on February 21 at 6 p.m. and ending on February 22 at 6 p.m. the tapes will be broadcasted continuously for the 24 hour period. Many of these tapes have not been heard in decades and they document extraordinary material from well-known figures and some from ordinary community members.Throughout the broadcast each tape will be digitized and cataloged in attempts of preservation.
This is a free event being put on by the CLGArchives and are three ways to listen to the experience in real time:
1. Visit shops and restaurants along Church St. where the audio will be played.
2. Visit the CLGArchives at 34 Isabella St. where you can experience the tapes as a group. Coffee and tea will be provided.
3. Listen at any location with at http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/listen
For more information please visit the Facebook event page or the CLGArchives website.
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Feb 12, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
No comment is a comment. #pr101 #prtip
— MBA pr girl (@MBAprgirl) February 10, 2014
Sponsorship of events and linking with professional associations are great ways to add credibility #PRTip
— BuyingSolutionsGroup (@Buyinggroup1) February 8, 2014
People share, read and engage more with content when it´s surfaced through friends & people they know and trust. #PRtips
— Sabrina – Blu Lotus (@BluLotusPR) February 10, 2014
If you’re a motor mouth in a #media interview, chances are you are not being very #persuasive. http://t.co/sAExorQjRQ #PRtips
— Media Instinct (@Media_Instinct) February 10, 2014
#PRtips: Relationship Building Starts with Good Manners http://t.co/mAgVmS3C12 by @SusynEliseDuris #MediaRelations #BloggerRelations #PR
— Tressa Robbins (@tressalynne) February 9, 2014
if your exposure is not reaching potential clients, then you’re not investing wisely in your public relations campaign. #prtips #prcampaign
— Crockett PR (@_CrockettPR) February 8, 2014
#PRtips : there is NO excuse for not checking your email on the weekend. None.
— Bridget O’Brien PR (@BridgetOBrienPR) February 9, 2014
#PRtips: it’s important to remember that the journo controls the message/angle of the piece. Not you.
— Slack Communications (@SlackComms) February 10, 2014
#PRTip: To secure a press story, you need something that’s newsworthy. Explore your brand ideas, #takeaction. #PLPRGirls #PR101
— Pretty Living PR (@PrettyLivingPR) February 8, 2014
#prtips #goodnight pic.twitter.com/4cpTMEThtl
— Tangerine Soul P.R. (@tangerinesoulpr) February 10, 2014
EDPR’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Procrastinator
For Him:
1. Man Bouquet
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Options for men are somewhat limited on this holiday but we think this is a perfect and easy way to show him you care. Compile a few of his favourite things, keeping the size of the item in mind, glue them on some wooden barbecue skewers in a nice container using foam to secure the skewers in place. Decorate with some tissue paper and ribbon and you are finished!
2. Bring your Facebook Album to Life
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This idea might be for the more sensitive man in your life. With changing technology, we seem to have stopped the process of getting our photographs developed. For this gift all you need to do is pull some pictures off Facebook, Instagram or wherever they may live, and get them developed. Pick out a beautiful album and give him all the of the best photographed memories of your relationship.
3. New Footwear
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Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? Find the shoe or article of clothing that your guy really wants, but has a hard time buying for himself. Most brands have released their spring lines, so you can get him the newest style.
4. Subscription to His Favourite Club
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Is your guy a beer drinker? If so, then there couldn’t be a better gift than a year subscription to The Canadian Beer Club. Every month, a beer package will be delivered to his door with a new brew for your man to try. This gift is sure to please and you won’t even have to leave the house to buy it.
5. Pre-Planned Dates
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Give your guy a break and pre-plan some dates for the two of you to go on. Sometimes our significant other is not the most creative when it comes to planning the perfect day, so this gift takes the pressure off and ensures some great memories.
For Her
1. Artistic DYI
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If you are a man with some artistic ability, this DIY is sure to score you some points with your lady. All you need is a blank canvas from any craft store, red buttons, felt, paint and glue. This project can easily be completed in one night and it looks like you put in tons of effort. She will love it!
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Sometimes simplicity is the best way to go. If you and your girl have decided to keep things low-key or she told you, “Don’t get me anything this year,” (which we all know means you still have to get her something small) then this is a perfect surprise gift. Cute, cost-effective and she can wear it everyday.
3. Heart Scarf
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Here is another small festive item that is sure to make her smile. This infinity scarf is classic in colour and will help keep her warm all year.
4. Exercise Class
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Has your girlfriend or wife been thinking of taking up a new hobby? Maybe yoga or zumba at your local gym. Well get on WagJag and purchase a short-term membership to a yoga studio or fitness facility so she can try out those classes.
5. Movie Night for Her
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Even though this might not be YOUR idea of a perfect night, it’s probably hers. Every once in a while you can put your manhood aside and watch the rom-com she desperately wants to see. Assemble a basket with her favourite treats, a movie she wanted to see or already loves, some comfy lounge wear and you are set to go. Don’t forget the tissues for the tear jerker moments!
Are You Managing Your Stress Effectively? [INFOGRAPHIC]
It’s estimated that 75-90% of all doctor visits are due to stress. Astounding, right? In today’s rapid paced world, it’s important more than ever to get a handle on what’s making you tense – if only for the sake of your long term health!
A recent INFOGRAPHIC from Healthguru has some interesting findings about the issue:
- Stress can cause your heart rate to speed up rapidly, and over time can lead to heart problems and high blood pressure.
- Stomach problems are common in those that experience chronic stress.
- Your immune system can weaken over time with your body under constant stress.
- Muscles are “on alert” to act as your body prepares to fight or flight.
All this said, it’s important to take action when you’re feeling under pressure. Making sure you keep perspective while in stressful situations can certainly help, but here are a few other tips in order to keep your stress in check:
- Laugh! It lowers adrenaline, cortisol and two stress hormones.
- Work out. You’ll release endorphins, and ease your anxiety.
- Eat well. Incorporate more veggies, almonds and other health foods into your diet.
- Breathe. Assess the situation, and ask yourself – will this matter one year from now?
More tips and insights in the INFOGRAPHIC below:
