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22nd Annual Teddy Bear Affair will captivate Toronto on November 15
to support the Children’s Aid Foundation

Guests will celebrate with fabulous prizes and spectacular Canadian entertainment

TORONTO, ON – November 7, 2008 – More than 1,000 guests are expected to gather at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, November 15, for a magical night of fun and philanthropy in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation. The Foundation’s annual Teddy Bear Affair, devoted to helping abused, neglected and at risk children and youth across Canada, is among the city’s most anticipated fundraising events.

“Every year, the outcome of the Teddy Bear Affair far exceeds our expectations,” said Ann Barnard Ball, Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Foundation. “The generosity of our guests and donors helps us change the lives of so many children and youth in need. Their support means so much, and we are proud to provide them with an unforgettable evening of magnificent prizes, top-flight entertainment and superb food.

“As always, 100 per cent of proceeds from this year’s event will be directed to children’s programs in the areas of prevention, enrichment and education,” Barnard Ball added.

This year’s theme, Beyond Bollywood, promises guests an enchanting and vibrant evening of entertainment as well as a dizzying array of exquisite and exciting silent and live auction items.

Winner of both the 2003 and 2006 Canadian Industry Awards for Best Fundraising Event, the Teddy Bear Affair is celebrating its 22nd anniversary. This event has raised over one million dollars annually (in recent years) and over 17 million dollars overall. These funds have been used to provide at risk children and youth in Canada the skills and support they need to overcome the challenging odds of poverty, neglect and abuse.

Get Your Bid in Now - Chic Condo Up for Grabs!

From November 1 to 14, everyone will be clamoring to bid on the sleek new Toronto condominium designed and donated by Cresford Developments. The suite is ideally located in the trendy and upscale Bloor Street downtown neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto and comes with public areas fashionably furnished by Armani CASA. The building features include a fitness centre, year-round heated pool and hot tub, media room and billiards lounge, stylish Pezzo forte complete with lounge, arbour dining pavilion and al fresco bar. The retail value of the condominium is approximately $284,900 CAD.

“Cresford is delighted to contribute this remarkable new condominium in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation,” says Maria Athanasoulis, the company’s vice president, marketing and sales. “We are certain that the suite’s stylish design will appeal to the sophisticated supporters of the Foundation.”

Bids will be accepted online for the condominium on the Children’s Aid Foundation website at www.cafdn.org until November 14 at noon. Bidding starts at the base price of $235,000, and guests of the Teddy Bear Affair will also be able to bid on the condominium during the live auction. The person with the most recent online bid will also be invited to participate in the live auction. Don’t miss out on this fantastic investment in Canada’s children!

Other incredible live auction items up for bidding at the Teddy Bear Affair include:
A tree planting ceremony in Trinity-Bellwoods park officiated by Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, including a commemorative plaque, and catering for a cocktail party for the winner and 10 friends at their home afterwards.
Luxury trips to India, Tunisia, Australia, Vietnam and Hawaii
A trip to New York City to meet Malcolm Gladwell and have dinner with him at his favourite New York restaurant

Rising international star Tina Sugandh will captivate guests with her unique tabla-fusion style, and Canadian tabla master Ritesh Das and the Toronto Tabla Ensemble will perform with renowned Indian Classical dancer Joanna De Souza. Guests will have the chance to be “made up” like a Bollywood starlet by henna artists, and will be enchanted by palm and aura readers, and more!

The Foundation would like to thank its presenting sponsors, CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation and CGI Canada for their continued dedication to this important event in support of children in need across Canada.


About the Children’s Aid Foundation

Founded in 1979, the Children's Aid Foundation is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and at risk children in Canada. The Foundation works with Children's Aid Societies and other child welfare agencies across the country to fund prevention, enrichment and education programming.

For further information, or to book an interview, please contact:

Meg Sethi Natasha Alleyne-Martin
Children’s Aid Foundation Edelman
416-923-0924 X 227 416-979-1120 x 289