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Blue Rodeo headlines at The Strangers in the Night gala Saturday at Fairview. (JOHN KENNEY/The Gazette)
Blue Rodeo, Divine Brown help put the fun in fundraising
All-star lineup set to entertain at the fifth annual Strangers in the Night event at Fairview
Bernard Perusse
The Gazette
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Blue Rodeo headlines at The Strangers in the Night gala Saturday at Fairview. (JOHN KENNEY/The Gazette)
Blue Rodeo and Divine Brown will headline the fifth annual Strangers in the Night gala, which takes place Saturday night under a specially constructed 58,000-square-foot tent in the Fairview Shopping Centre's parking area in Pointe Claire.
Larry Day, an on-air host at radio stations The Q and AM940, is the event's chairman and founder.
"The West Island never really has had an event that they can call their own, where people from downtown Montreal actually come to the West Island for something special, and this event has turned into that," Day said.
The tent can accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 people, including standing-room-only ticketholders.
The gala's aim is to raise $500,000 for the Starlight Children's Foundation Canada, which grants wishes and provides services and programs in hospitals for children with serious, chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Last year's event raised $330,000, Day said.
Reserved tables, priced at $1,500 and $5,000, are available for groups of 10. Access to an open bar and 70 food vendors three hours before the show comes with the reservations.
Different perks also apply, depending on the price level.
Those who want to skip the food can buy a $50 general admission ticket, which will get them a standing-room spot for the live shows, starting at 9 p.m.
Participants, including the restaurants and performers, are providing their services free of charge, Day said. Only some operational and labour costs are being billed, he said.
Day said it's not only the charitable nature of the event, but the sheer fun that keeps drawing music lovers and corporate donors back.
"With the downturn in the economy, I was really concerned that we were going to run into the problems of corporate sponsors not participating or cutting back," Day said.
"And they do start off by saying: 'You know what the economy's like
this year ... ' So I'm ready for them to say it - and instead they
say: 'But we're going to support your event because it's the most
fun we ever have.'
The Strangers in the Night gala takes place Saturday night at Fairview Shopping Centre in Pointe Claire. The doors open at 6 p.m. for reserved table seating. For reservations: strangersinthenight.ca or call 514-233-7535.
General-admission tickets for the 9 p.m. entertainment can be purchased online through admission.com or by phone; call 514-790-1245.