Thank You for Making Come Out and Play a Great Success!

Posted Fri, 19 Jul 2013, 9:24pm

MP Olivia Chow addressing the VIP reception.OUTSPORT TORONTO is pleased to report that Come Out and Play, its first fundraising gala, was a huge success! With the help of Chariot Events, a third party event fundraising company for Toronto’s LGBT community, OUTSPORT TORONTO and the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) raised some money, heightened the profile of LGBT sport and recreation, and shared a wonderful evening with seasoned supporters and new friends. "It was remarkable to see so many friends gathered together in support of our community," said Stephanie Bell, OUTSPORT TORONTO's Director of Fundraising and Development. "We were so glad to see so many members of the LGBT sport and recreation organisations in the city come out to show their support!"

The Gala, a pre-Pride extravaganza, was held at the Artscape Wychwood Barns on Thursday, 20 June 2013. The venue was decorated for a classy evening that set the stage for a celebration of LGBT sport and recreation. The CLGA lined the entry hall with large black and white photographs provided by OutSport Toronto’s member organizations that highlighted our long and diverse history of LGBT sport and recreation in Toronto. The Honourable Olivia Chow spoke to the audience about the value and importance of our collective commitment to the vitality of our community. The event showcased some of the biggest talent in Toronto’s LGBT community and brought people together to raise awareness and resources.

“The Gala was the first of its kind. This is the first time that athletes from across the LGBT sport and recreation community have come together in one place to celebrate and raise the funds we need to continue the work we are doing together”, said Bell. "We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this event possible – the organisers, the performers, our special guests, and those who showed their support by purchasing a ticket and attending."

Click an image to start the slideshow.

Gala guests, mingling and soaking up the atmosphere.	OutSport Toronto Chair Shawn Sheridan with MP Olivia Chow.
Dave Doucette of Chariot Events with MP Olivia Chow.	OutSport Toronto volunteers Adam McNair and Darren Brownlee manning the booth to showcase member organisations.
CLGA easels along the hall recounting our sport past.	Our team of fantastic volunteers, with Stephanie Bell in red.
OutSport Toronto Vice Chair Darlene Homonko, CLGA ED Scott Kettles, and OVA President Kristene Drakich.	Shawnee She King was one of many tallented artists entertaining the crowd.
Attendees bidding on silent auction items.	The man and his models. Ben Barkworth put on a fantatic runway show!