We got glammed up for a date night that supports a good cause that took place on Friday February 23! The Fired Up Gala returned to Toronto at the city’s famed Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and it was bigger and better than we could have imagined.
The second year of the event promised to be an unforgettable night filled with glamour, entertainment, and fundraising for a great cause and they delivered. The night was created to raise funds and awareness for the Burns & Plastics Unit at the Hospital for SickKids
The date night
Walking in, we were greeted with a red carpet and the most beautiful immersive and live art activations during cocktail hour, the best selection of top shelf spirits at the open bar open bar, interactive performances, yummy food being passed among the beautiful guests and an oyster bar.
Jennifer Love, our dear friend from Duet PR (the amazing team partly responsible for this evening), directed us to get silly and post in front of the very long step & repeat that had this lady wearing a very big lips mask which I thought was amazing!
Shout out Jen Kirsch who we also saw getting glammed up at the glam station!
Each gala we’ve attended has had a unique twist while honouring the important, charitable theme and the assortment of activities, performances, food, drink and society made this one a night to remember!
After cocktail hour, and having our moment with the slow-motion cinematic camera (you know the GlamBOT at the Grammy’s? Basically the same thing!) we were ushered to take our seats and prepare for the fashion show!
There was so much incredible beauty and talent during the show. My personal favourites were the looks styled by Melissa Austria from Toronto’s own Gotstyle located in the Distillery District; their OAS Clothing Brand looks were amazing, and a must for vacation.
Moving onto the dinner portion, the many courses that we were served from the Four Seasons Hotel did not disappoint. The menu selections and service throughout the whole event was next-level; plus there’s nothing like a premium open bar to get new friends and table-mates chatting and networking it up!
This complimented the dinner beautifully and caused for an entertaining time at table 14. 😉
And it doesn’t stop there! All while this is happening, they have a live auction with some amazing items to bid on, more performances, a speech from the doctors at Sick Kids Hospital, and of course the amazing Roxy Zapala and her brave family spoke to the attendee’s on why she started this fundraising event, and why it’s so important.
Karl Wolf even made an appearance and delivered an electrifying performance and the crowd couldn’t have been more grateful for the vibes!
Side note… I thought I saw Drake’s mom also get up there and started dancing, but it was quickly corrected that it was actually Andrea Bollet, the 6ix Mom who’s also bad ass!
About this year’s gala
After 2023’s success, the goal for 2024 was to raise $75,000, with all the proceeds from this event going to SickKids; 50% going to the Burn & Plastics unit and 50% to SickKids Foundation’s fund dedicated to supporting the hospital’s highest-priority needs.
Roxy Zapala, founder of Art of Celebrations organized and designed the gala to what it is today, including art and music to transition from gathering and mingling, to dancing the night away!
When Roxy’s son suffered second degree burns, she was eternally grateful to their unit for the patient and careful care with which they treated him. The gala wasn’t only dedicated to SickKids and their charitable efforts, but also held a personal connection for a family that has demonstrated resilience and hope, championing for this cause.
DUET PR team. Photos by George Pimental Photography
Follow along and see footage from this year’s gala here.
For more date ideas perfect for this winter and upcoming seasons, check us out here!
