The 2013 Venetian Ball (from TLN's Oggi)

On Saturday, October 26, 2013, more than 1,000 guests celebrated the past and honoured the future as The Venetian Ball celebrated 20 years as one of Toronto's top philanthropic events. The gala, which was Co-Chaired by Mauro and Adriana Baldassarra, raised funds for the important and unique work of Villa Charities, a family of organizations that has grown its mandate of providing care for seniors to include support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues.
Guests were greeted by Montreal-based electronic harpist M'Michelle, accompanied by her DJ, Alex Beaudoin-Tousignant. The Columbus Centre School of Dance surprised guests in the ballroom with an enchanting performance mid-meal, before the star of the night. Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka took to the stage to perform classics including My Way, Diana, Put Your Head on My Shoulder and She's a Lady, earning two standing ovations from the crowd.
The Carnevale-themed ambiance was enhanced with Canada's inaugural performance of the Living Vines, who enchanted guests as they roamed the ballroom; entertaining characters, like Arlecchino, from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte; illuminated ballroom fountains; and chic lounges within the reception and hall. Upon entering the masquerade, attendees dined on an assortment of antipasti, followed by an Italian-inspired five course meal, not to be outdone by 10 dessert stations, catered by the city's top pastry chefs.
To end the evening, guests went bid for bid in the live auction, which included a one-week stay at Marchesi Fumanelli's Squarano Estate in San Floriano, Italy, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix 2014 in Monza, Italy, complete with a Rolex Daytona stainless steel watch.
For more information on Villa Charities and details on The Venetian Ball, visit www.villacharities.com.
This video comes to us courtesy of TLN's Oggi.