TORONTO, ON (April 9, 2013) – On the evening of April 6, 2013 over 700 charitable attendees devoured cotton candy, fresh popcorn and decadent chocolate amongst fire-eaters, stilt walkers, strong men and a bearded lady at the Fairmont Royal York in support of the 18^th Annual Starlight Children’s Foundation Gala.

Celebrity supporters including Dragon’s Den’s Arlene Dickinson, ET Canada’s Rick Campanelli, MTV’s Matt Barker, Fashion Model Stacey McKenzie, The Listener’s Ennis Esmer and Rainbow Sun Francks, Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr, App Central’s Amber MacArthur, Proud FM’s Mike Chalut and The Next Star’s Mark Spicoluk among others joined host CTV weather anchor, Anwar Knight for an evening of magic, wonder and excitement.

 “This year will mark our most successful gala to date. We’re absolutely thrilled with the amount of support and generosity from all attendees, volunteers, and celebrity talent. The money raised helps us to deliver our in-hospital and out-of-hospital programs and brighten the lives of seriously ill children and families.” said Starlight President, Christopher Barry.

Ticket-holders were granted access to a variety of priceless auction items including a sleepover at Toys“R”Us (the Gala’s presenting sponsor), a walk-on role and set visit to CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and a private screening for 300 people to DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, Turbo 3D.

The $500,000 was raised through the evening’s live and silent auctions, games room and Starlight bear sales and, through Starlight Canada’s programs, gives seriously ill children the opportunity to laugh, play and just be kids again.

About The Starlight Children’s Foundation:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization that brings smiles, laughter and joy back into the lives of children with serious illness through in-hospital distractive entertainment and out-of-hospital fun family events.

Website: http://www.starlightcanada.org
Twitter: @StarlightCanada
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarlightCanada

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 74 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca  orhttp://www.babiesrus.ca

For interview requests or more photos please contact:

Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
647.638.1586
cory@embracedisruption.com

All photos courtesy of George Pimentel Photography:

CTV’s Amber Mac:

CBC’s Arlene Dickinson:

ProudFM’s Mike Chalut:

ET Canada’s Rick Campanelli and wife Angie:

1 Girl, 5 Gays’ Matt Barker:

The Next Star’s Mark Spicoluk:

Degrassi’s Taysha Fuller:

Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr:

Fashion Icon & Model Stacey McKenzie:

Celebrity Designer Glen Peloso, NewsTalk 1010′s Pay Chen, and KiSS 92.5′s Taylor Kaye: