Canadian Artists, Philanthropists, and Athletes Set New Record for Waterkeeper Gala
April 27, 2016
Artworks by Steve Driscoll, Wanda Koop, and Charles Pachter were highlights in the live auction
Four hundred influential artists, philanthropists, athletes, and business leaders set a new fundraising record at the 5th Annual Waterkeeper Gala in Toronto last Thursday, April 21. More than $550,000 was raised at the event, bringing the gala’s fundraising tally to $2.4-million over the last five years.
Highlights from the gala included:
• The 8-piece live art auction with Canada’s foremost fine art auctioneer, Stephen Ranger of Waddington’s.
• Powerful musical performances by Harrow Fair, Oh Susanna, and a 160-person tribute to Prince by Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman with Choir!Choir!Choir!.
• A beautiful welcome to the Great Lakes region from the Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
• The Honorable Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, toasting the first group of Swim Drink Fish Ambassadors.
• Stirring speeches about the need for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water by Waterkeeper founders Mark Mattson and Krystyn Tully.
• An inspiring challenge to do “one thing” from radio host Terry O’Reilly.
All gala proceeds support Waterkeeper’s charitable work for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. The organization’s flagship programs are Swim Guide, the Watermark Project, and a new Campaign for Water Literacy.
“Quietly, with very little fanfare, a community of people dedicated to swimmable, drinkable, fishable water has been growing across Canada. Their hearts, dedication, and commitment to clean water was on full display at the gala. It was one of the most inspiring nights of my career.” — Mark Mattson, Waterkeeper and President
“To be associated with a cool event like the Waterkeeper Gala & Art Auction is every sponsor’s dream. As the presenting sponsor, we feel so very grateful to be in the position to partner with Waterkeeper and support their efforts.” — Blair McKeil, Chairman and CEO, McKeil Marine
View the Waterkeeper Video here.
Gala Sponsors
• Presenting: McKeil Marine
• Founding Supporter: RBC
• Gold: Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association
• Silver: Cement Association of Canada, Fox Harb’r, Hatch Research Intelligence Inc., Miller Thompson, Ontario Power Generation, PortsToronto
• Bronze: Bullfrog Power, Burnbrae Farms, Deloitte, Henry White Kinnear Foundation, Lassonde, Mill St. Brewery, Nestle Waters, Rogers
• Contributing: The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto
Print and Online Sponsor: Canadian Yachting magazine
This year’s Waterkeeper Gala set a new fundraising record, bringing the total funds raised to $2.4-million in the last five years.
