A Night to Shine – UHN Launches First Ever Diwali Gala

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, approaching the Patient Court at Toronto General Hospital on the night of February 28^th.  Although, upon entering the floor-to-ceiling, glass encased courtyard, the stage was set for an intimate and stylish soirée to officially launch the University Health Network’s (UHN) first ever South Asian themed Gala event: Diwali – A Night to Shine. 

 

The Gala will take place on October 16, 2011 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. It promises to be an evening full of elegance and entertainment, in support of emergency services at the UHN.

 

Staff and volunteers greeted guests at the launch by offering rosewater beverages to the sound of a flute and tabla duet. The soft music created a regal ambience, as did dustings of rose petals, splashes of red velvet, and draped golden organza. If the appetizer and wine offerings at the launch event are any indication, the menu at the Gala in October will definitely not disappoint.

 

Mrs. Preeti Saran, the Consul-General of India in Toronto, was a special guest at the launch event. She noted that 2011 is the Year of India in Canada, referring to the bi-governmental initiative to promote Indian culture in Canada.

 

“We are celebrating everything that is India,” said Saran. “Diwali, one of the most highly celebrated festivals on the Indian subcontinent, seems like the most fitting theme for the Gala event.”

 

Saran also noted that the UHN choosing such a prominent South Asian holiday indicates recognition of the Indian Diaspora as an influential community.

 

Dr. Anil Chopra, Director of Emergency Medicine at UHN, notes that the Gala is an inclusive event that is open to people from all communities.

 

“The unifying theme is the cause, which is good patient care in the emergency departments,” said Chopra.

 

The UHN’s emergency departments at Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital treat more than 80,000 patients each year. The departments are also one of North America’s largest teaching centres for emergency medicine with over 200 students and residents rotating through annually.

 

 

Among the business leaders supporting this event is Ajay Virmani, who is the President and CEO of CargoJet, Canada’s largest cargo airline, as well as a supporter and producer of South Asian and Bollywood films. Virmani promises to bring a few well-known Bollywood stars and starlets to provide the utmost in South Asian entertainment at the Gala in October.

 

“The entertainment is a big surprise. Once the event is sold out, we’ll announce who’s coming. It (the Gala) will be remembered for the (entertainment) content”, said Virmani.

 

There is obvious passion igniting support for emergency medicine enhancements within the South Asian business community already. In his closing remarks at the launch event, Dr. Bob Bell, CEO of UHN, was able to attract ten commitments to purchasing tables. It was like an auction with Bell’s call of “Who wants a table at the Gala?” responded to by hands waiving in the air. The generosity shown by the South Asian community at the launch is likely an indication of how the Gala will give community leaders an opportunity to shine, by bringing together their spirit of benevolence. The UHN anticipates 800 prominent Canadian political, social and business leaders to attend the Gala in October.

Contact Kanchan Rakhra at kanchan@oyetimes.com     

Photos courtesy of  Kanchan Rakhra