LADIESFUND®

How to enter the contest?

To enter, just post a comment below with your name and why you think you are “divalicious.”   For extra points, follow us on twitter (@ladiesfund) and tweet about this event, and post a second comment below linking to that tweet and informing us you are following us on twitter.  All entries must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, 15th July 2012.  The prize is a pair of tickets for 2 women to attend Divalicious 4.  Only women can enter this contest.  Good luck and may the most divalicious gal win!

Style, entrepreneurship, events, giveaways, money and power, networking, shopping, special occasions, spending money, women C Lounge, cheval, contest, diva girls, divalicious, ladiesfund, roosevelt room, Shop Socials, shopping, tudawood, women

The crème de le crème of Toronto high society gathered recently for the National Ballet of Canada’s 60^thanniversary Diamond Gala at the Four Seasons Centre, a night of dining and dancing that raised$1.25-million.

Lloyd Robertson and Principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson

Outside the centre, mannequin style models wearing specially designed tutus posed in the blistering heat while the 1500 guests were greeted with chilled water bottles.  The red carpet was filled with the who’s who ranging from the Old Guard to some very avant garde party-goers.  Most of the women were wearing long ball gowns with some in sassy cocktail dresses.

Jorn Weisbrodt, Rufus Wainwright and Emmanuelle Gattuso

The night began with an overture from Polovtsian Dances by Alexander Borodin that was on the programme of the National Ballet’s very first performance on November 12, 1951.  This was followed by a welcome from Artistic Director Karen Kain who looked stunning in navy.  The ballet portion of the night than began with an hour-long performance of very special short works, particularly sets of pas de deux.

Bernice Royce and Victor Royce, President & CEO of Rolex Canada

First up where Xiao Nan Yu and Jiri Jelinek performing a sexy, sassy, modern pas de deux from Amarant, a ballet that had premiered in Belgium in 2011.  Husband and wife Guillaume Cote and Heather Ogden then performed a World Premiere of the very romantic Polar Night choreographed by Robert Binet for this special occasion.  This was followed by the World Premiere of Silence Screams Venom, a riveting tour de force choreographed by Principal Dancer Guillaume Cote that featured Greta Hodgkinson and four male dancers and is certain to make him an exciting, upcoming choreographer in the dance world.  It was the talk of the after party and created great twitter buzz.  Sonia Rodriguez and Aleksandar Antonijevi (who is celebrating his 20^th year with the ballet this year) partnered for a vignette from the evocative and humorous ’90s contemporary ballet Herman Scherman.  The night then returned befittingly to the more classical and aptly selection excerpt from Diamonds From Jewels by George Balanchine.  This featured the entire corps de ballet dancing to the 1967 traditional ballet.

Dance installation

Afterward, guests mingled at a cocktail reception featuring the night’s signature drink a lemon martini titled Skyy with Diamonds, and hors d’oeuvres such as mini cupcakes and smoked salmon pinwheels from North 44°.

The dinner onstage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Some notables spotted included Lloyd Robertson, Cleophée Eaton, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Ross Petty (husband of Karen Kain), Rex Harrington, Roz Ivey, Veronica Tennant, Victoria Jackman, Lydia Prince, Galen & Alexandra Weston, Elvio & Marlene DelZotto ,  John Macfarlane, Victoria Webster, Thor & Nicole Eaton, Lynda Prince, Jian Ghomeshi, Jorn Weisbrodt and Rufus Wainwright and Albert Schultz.

Principal Dancers Jillian Vanstone, Greta Hodgkinson, Heather Ogden & Xiao Nan Yu

Moi

About 550 of the guests were then escorted to the Four Seasons Centre stage for a special dinner prepared by celebrity chef Mark McEwan.  Table for 10 tickets for this special privilege ranged from $15,000 – $25,000.

Photos by Gary Beechey

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Arts & Culture, Style, events, fundraisers, money and happiness, networking, philanthropy, special occasions, spending money, spending money wisely Albert Schultz, Aleksandar Antonijevi, Alexander, Amarant Guillaume Cote, ballet, Cleophee Eaton, Diamond Gala, Diamonds, Elvio & Marlene DelZotto, Four Seasons Centre, Galen & Alexandra Weston, George Balanchine, Greta Hodgkinson, GUILLAUME CÔTÉ, HEATHER OGDEN, Herman Scherman, jewels, Jian Ghomeshi, Jiří Jelinek, John Macfarlane, Jorn Weisbrodt, karen kain, Llyod Robertson, Lydia Prince, Lynda Prince, MARK MCEWAN, national ballet of canada, North 44°, pas de deux, Polar Night, Polovtsian Dances, REX HARRINGTON, Robert Binet, Ross Petty, Roz Ivey, Rufus Wainwright, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Silence Screams Venom, Skyy with Diamonds, sonia rodriguez, Thor & Nicole Eaton, toronto, Veronica Tennant, Victoria Jackman, Victoria Webster, world premiere, XIAO NAN YU

Every year, dynamic idealists gather at Koerner Hall, Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto for a powerful meeting of minds. There was no triskaidekaphobia at Moses Znaimer’s 13^th ideacity presented byBlackberry, which even began June 13 with the theme “Lucky 13.”

Moses Znaimer addressing the audience

It turned out to be a lucky event with plenty of opportunities for chance meetings with some of the world’s greatest thinkers and extraordinary trailblazers.

This year’s roster of 50 speakers included guitar legend Liona Boyd, illusionist Simon Coronel, politician Preston Manning, Wealthy Barber author David Chilton, singer Jann Arden, pianist Michael Kaeshammer, possibilian David Eagleman, and so forth.

Jann Arden

Most of the speakers stayed throughout the conference and enjoyed hearing one another and mingling with each other and the guests, many of whom were extraordinarily successful or interesting in their own right.

Liona Boyd was particularly delighted because when she met the The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario The Honourable David C. Onley, O.Ont. at ideacity, he promptly invited her to receive one of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Awards being awarded this week.

Liona Boyd

The networking lounge

This year’s ideacity theme was “The End is Nigh” or TEOTWAWKI, which stands for “The End of the World As We Know It.”  Recognizing that “every new beginning comes from other new beginning’s end,” ideacity found that its audience was 81% optimists and their cheerful outlook and hopeful nature did not change over the course of the conference.

Composing the Toronto Symphony

Some of the most memorable moments included sexologists Ogi Ogas & Sai Gaddam calling poutine “the shemale porn of international cuisine”; illusionist Simon Coronel seamlessly making a card appear and disappear from a variety of places; composer Tod Machover creating – in collaboration with key Canadian musicians – live on stage the genesis of A Toronto Symphony, a work he is composing with the entire city of Toronto; one week job worker Sean Aiken reminding us that at any age we can work toward finding our true life passion; David Jay sharing his story of Asexuality and discovering that 3% of ideacity attendees were asexual; Dignified Death advocate Wanda Morris speaking of respecting an individual’s right to determine the nature and timing of their death; the entire audience performing Kabalah Yoga with Audi Gozlan, Shimmy belly-dancing with Shivaun Corry and bhangra-ing with BollyFit’s Reshmi Chetram.

Sean Aiken

Shimmy

Pinball Clemons

It’s not surprising that the crowd was so happy because in addition to being constantly mentally stimulated by the jam-packed speaker roster, each guest received their own Blackberry playbook with the ideacity app preloaded, was given a trendy Roots leather bag filled with goodies, was pampered with Aveda aromatherapy neck massages, enjoyed decadent networking delectables including oysters and shrimp hors d’oeuvres, and socialized at the famous afterparties at some of Toronto’s poshest hot spots including Spice Route, C-Lounge and Rosewater Supper Club.

A worthwhile and unforgettable conference that the guests look forward to all year.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Arts & Culture, business trends, career development, entrepreneurship, events, making money, money and happiness, money and power, money and relationships, women leaders 85 Broads, A TORONTO SYMPHONY, annual event, ASEXUALITY, DAVID CHILTON, DAVID EAGLEMAN, DAVID JAY, ideacity, IDEACITY 2012, JANN ARDEN, LIONA BOYD, MICHAEL KAESHAMMER, moses znaimer, O.ONT., OGI OGAS, POSSIBILIAN, PRESTON MANNING, preview your life, Rosewater Supper Club, Royal Conservatory of Music, SAI GADDAM, SEAN AIKEN, SHIMMY, SIMON CORONEL, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO THE HONOURABLE DAVID C. ONLEY, the rational optimist, TOD MACHOVER, tudawood, WANDA MORRIS, WEALTHY BARBER, WEALTHY BARBER RETURNS, ZOOMER

Massoud Abbasi

Massoud Abbasi is convinced that Toronto has what it takes to be the next “it” international city.  And, he’s happy to trailblaze the way, particularly on the party scene.  His Omega Group New York-London-Paris style events are really standing out in a city that prides itself on being a “kinder, gentler” New York.  Omega Group soirees get happening at 11:30 pm (although they officially start at 8 pm) and go on easily til 2 am, with much of the crowd poring in after midnight.

Partygoers at Summer Soiree

“We’re providing a social platform for sophisticated Torontonians to professionally network and meet like-minded individuals,” stated Abbasi, “We want to bring the sophistication of big cities like London and New York to Toronto and create a community and encourage camaraderie among members in refined settings.”

Berkeley Church

The recent summer soiree, held at Berkeley Church, was another great success, attracting over 600 of Toronto’s hip and happening crowd, particularly professionals and those with global connections, heritage or businesses.  Many of these jetsetters recently moved to Toronto from New York or Europe and are quite restless and Omega Group events are like a mecca for them.

Paul Pedersen T U Dawood Pallavi Valabji & Lasana Burrows

The poets, philosophers and party-goers enjoyed the unique set-up, the cocktails and the free-flowing Perrier and Purdy’s Chocolate.  The venue lacked the opulence of The Carlu, but as the evening wore on, was ideal for a clubbing vibe and definitely had its own charm.  Although DJ Lissa Monet played a new remix of Beyonce’s classic commitment cheer Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), this party was a sign of the times with the mostly single and ready to mingle crowd full of free spirits and Call Me, Maybe girls in summer dresses.

The guests may have been uber busy professionals and entrepreneurs by day, but at the event, were able to let loose and socialize and network in a relaxed yet sophisticated way.

Photos courtesy of Omega Group

Event PR by Evolution PR

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Arts & Culture, events, networking, special occasions, spending money BERKELEY CHURCH, events, ladiesfund, massoud abbasi, omega group, PARTIES, SUMMER SOIREE, toronto, tudawood

Divas in the City returns for its 3^rd year and is simply getting better and better.  The mission of this event is to “to educate, inspire and connect the new demographic of young, independent, ambitious women in our city.”

Laura Furtado & Nikki Bergen

Laura Furtado, founder of DivaGirlFitness describes Divas in the City as “a socially driven, goal-directed event that will feature experts in various areas that are essential to the urban girl lifestyle – beauty, relationships, finance, career, fashion, nutrition and fitness.”  Her co-founder of this event is Nikki Bergen, founder of The Belle Method, an exercise program for women.

Melyssa Moniz

This year’s speakers included Katia Millar (Positive Fabulous Women), Wendy Crystal (Inspired Cosmetics), Kimberly Moffit (Kimberly Moffit & Associates), Florence (Flo) Grunfelder (Money With Flo), Hannah Yakobi (FAJO Magazine), Angela McNally (Eating Pretty) and Sandra O’Brien (Goddess Creation formerly Bootcamp Goddess).  Most of the speakers were animated and did a fabulous job of keeping the audience engaged and conveying very usual ideas and tips from their various fields.  Particular highlights include Networking Ninja Katia Millar, Relationship Guru Kimberly Moffit and Fashionista Journalist Hannah Yakobi.

A bit of shopping at the hula hoop booth

Katia mesmerized the crowd with her authenticity and effortless ability to make connections and network.  She explained the importance of a personal brand and how the first step was identifying, knowing and embracing your core values, what she eloquently described as your “secret sauce” that is special and different from everyone else in the world.  She spoke about the importance of getting into the flow of conversations and shared that the net was a powerful networking tool for introverts.

Kimberly Moffit, a true dynamo, was also very effective.  She shared her Top 5 tips for having it all, which include 1) setting goals, 2)  Be honest with yourself and your partner about your ambitions 3) Finding a partner who supports you in all your ideas and goals (a good relationship should make u soar) 4) Never apologize for your success; instead own it, let yourself feel it; it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world; and 5) Thinking effortlessly. If want to live an effortless life, you must think effortlessly.  Ms. Moffit also informed the audience of a Harvard study that discovered that only 2% of people set goals and write them down, but those 2% of people control the majority of wealth.

Tamika Auwai

Hannah Yakobi really gave a useful talk where she went through current trends including classic shapes, structured jackets and bright colours (neon orange royal blue yellow pumpkin especially for dresses).  She informed that runways showcased conservative necklaces but uber daring slits, flowing fabrics showing serious leg, floral patterns, thin to medium sized belts, lots of head wear and 80s inspired suits.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Style, business trends, career development, entrepreneurship, events, women, women leaders angela mcnally, Diva Girl Fitness, DIVAS IN THE CITY, Eating Pretty, FAJO Magazine, FLO GRUNFELDER, FLORENCE, GODDESS CREATION FORMERLY BOOTCAMP GODDESS, hannah yakobi, HARVARD, Inspired Cosmetics, katia millar, kimberly moffit, KIMBERLY MOFFIT & ASSOCIATES, ladiesfund, laura furtado, MONEY WITH FLO, Nikki Bergen, Positive Fabulous Women, sandra o'brien, THE BELLE METHOD, tudawood, wendy crystal

Lisa Lisson

Women of Influence is known to feature top and inspire speakers but they really outdid themselves on their recent Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center featuring Lisa Lisson, President of FEDEX Express Canada.

Not only is Lisson a strong, dynamic and inspiring professional, she is an extraordinary individual who has survived and thrived despite her husband being in a coma for two years before passing away.  She balances her work and 4 children, 3 dogs, a rabbit and a goldfish; is a hugger; and begins each day with gratitude.

Lisa addressing the audience

Lisson is the first female president of FEDEX Canada and is a four-time winner of the FedEx Five Star Award (FedEx’s highest accolade), voted by her employees as exceeding company managerial standards.  She is an active member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

At the Women of Influence Luncheon, she spoke from the heart, sharing her story while peppering it with humanity and pearls of wisdom.  She spoke of training one’s mind to keep positive and focused, the importance of mentors and how to find them, filling one’s live with gratitude and constant acts of kindness, saying no and prioritizing “me” time, and nurturing an environment of inspiration.

She also emphasized to the 350 guests in the audience the importance of letting your intentions - particularly career ambitions - be known. She reminded everyone, “Every interaction with senior management is a mini interview.”

Lisa Lisson with author T U Dawood

Now in her 20^th year at FEDEX, she related the charming story of how she got her entry to this family like corporate culture by connecting with a marketing assistant and forming a bond with her.

Featured on Undercover Boss, Lisson shared how that experience helped her connect with her teammates and employees of all levels and better understand what they do each day.

In this intense, emotional speech which resulted in many tears in the audience, Lisson shared her mind, heart and soul and truly inspired those lucky enough to attend.  She’s a leader who is passionate, yet grounded; talented, yet humble; and friendly and approachable, yet professional.

The event was moderated with gusto by the popular Erin Davis, Morning Host, CHFI.

Audience Shot (photograph provided by WOI)

Some VIPs at the event included Barbara Dickson (Managing Director, Queen’s Executive Education), Carolyn Lawrence (President & CEO, Women Of Influence), Devorah Lithwick (Vice President, Marketing Communications, Bell Mobility), Jane Allen (Global Leader, Renewable Energy, Chief Diversity Officer, Canada, Deloitte & Touche), Marilyn Horrick (Chubb Insurance Company Of Canada, Assistant Vice President, Canadian Zone Projects And Communications Manager), Michele Goddard (Senior Vice-President And Managing Director, Client Strategy And Execution, BMO Nesbitt Burns), Nelly Daley (Strategic Account Manager, Cisco Canada), Paulina Paplinski (Senior Manager, Enterprise Risk, Information Technology And Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche), Penny Hicks (Publisher, Maclean’s Magazine), Sandra Stewart (Director Of Marketing, The Jones Group Canada), Susie Federchuk and Valerie Battler (Principal, Career Solutions, Knightsbridge, Human Capital Solutions).

Lisson’s mother, two aunts and nanny also joined the event and were celebrated by the speaker as integral parts of her life.

Guests had come from all over Canada including Bonnie Johnson, who was visiting from New Brunswick, and had planned this as one of the highlights of the trip.

Raymonde Lavoie who is launching Femmes d'Influence

Attendees

Christine Jackson of Burts Bees - a total fashionista

business trends, career development, entrepreneurship, events, making money, money and happiness, networking Barbara Dickson, Bell Mobility, BMO Nesbitt Burns, carolyn lawrence, CHFI, Chubb Insurance Company Of Canada, Cisco Canada, Deloitte & Touche, Devorah Lithwick, Erin Davis, fedex express canada, FedEx Five Star Award, Jane Allen, lisa lisson, Marilyn Horrick, Michele Goddard, Nelly Daley, Paulina Paplinski, Penny Hicks, Queen’s Executive Education, Sandra Stewart, Susie Federchuk, undercover boss, Valerie Battler, women of influence, work/life balance

The highly anticipated 11^th Scrubs in the City fundraiser for SickKids Hospital was held at the Evergreen Brick Works.  This year’s theme was the Secret Garden and the organizing committee headed by Event Chair Molly Fitzpatrick – and including Caroline Cohen, Lauren Habib, Jacqueline Johnson, Sandra Keeley, Lucinda Kogan, Stephanie Lewis, Sylvia Mantella, Amy Milne, Julia Mordini, Suzanne Rogers, Patty Seigel and Kirsten van der Griend – played up both the garden and the secret elements to the fullest at this wonderful community environmental centre.

Hilary Farr

Burt’s Bees Massages

Toronto’s medical community was joined by the business and social elite as well as celebrities like Hilary Farr (host of Love It or List It), to support this worthy cause.  Hosted by Mary Kitchen, Entertainment Anchor for CityNews, the night was full of pampering, culinary delights as well as plentiful surprises.  From the Burt’s Bees massages and Mombacho Cigars to the decadent hors d’oeuvres to the surprise concert by Shawn Desman to the flower cookies to the aerial performance to the raffle and silent auction to the non-stop groovin’ by DJ Floh Back Productions.

Flower Cookies

This was truly a night for fashionistas as all gathered together in their sexiest and sassiest outfits for this year’s cocktail party.  The event began with a VIP reception but quickly transitioned to a very happening party full of adventurous, trendy partygoers.  As guests mingled, aerial performances and some unexpected characters made an appearance. The biggest thrill came when Shawn Desman performed a high energy concert that really revved up the crowd.

Arial performances (image provided by Scrubs in the City)

Performance by Sean Desmond (image courtesy of Scrubs in the City)

The décor was very well thought out with the photo booth being a rose wall and the dessert being flower sugar cookies in all colours, just like a rose garden.

Over the past decade, over $1.7 million has been raised by Scrubs to support the the highest priority needs at The Hospital for Sick Children. This year’s proceeds went to The Urgent Care Unit.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

events, fundraisers, health, philanthropy, special occasions, spending money wisely, women leaders AMY MILNE, BURT'S BEES, Caroline Cohen, DJ FLOH BACK PRODUCTIONS, EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS, HILARY FARR, Jacqueline Johnson, JULIA MORDINI, KIRSTEN VAN DER GRIEND, ladiesfund, LAUREN HABIB, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, Lucinda Kogan, MARY KITCHEN, Molly Fitzpatrick, Patty Seigel, Sandra Keeley, Scrubs in the City, SECRET GARDEN, SHAWN DESMOND, SickKids, Stephanie Lewis, Suzanne Rogers, SYLVIA MANTELLA, tudawood, URGENT CARE UNIT

The Art of Leadership recently presented 5 leading speakers to a packed crowed at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Audience at the Art of Leadership 2012

The event began with Marcus Buckingham, famous for helping create StrengthsFinder, the personal assessment tool that created an insightful and specific vocabulary to describe an individual’s ingrained talents.  He also is responsible for popularizing the phrase “Top 5″ to the business lexicon.  Buckingham was witty, charming, and ran through his latest project StandOut. His most insightful comments were on the trend of personalized home pages on websites like Netflix, Facebook and Amazon.

Chester Elton

Chester Elton, founder of The Carrot Principle, followed with a dynamic, interactive presentation in which he spoke about the importance of appreciation, recognition and culture to organizations.  He also stressed the importance of being kind to all as you never really know what bad a day that person has had.

The highly celebrated and anticipated Susan Cain followed. An overnight sensation, her TED talk on introverts has been seen by more than 2 million viewers and she has become the Spokesperson for Introverts.  Although a quiet personality, she becomes quite passionate when advocating the rights from the oppressed group as she sees introverts.  It is quite likely this Harvard Law grad will turn business hiring, primary educational school systems and even workplace layouts and interiors on their head with her groundbreaking work.  Her speech was a variation on her TED talk and warranted numerous questions from the audience who recognized the significance of her work denouncing current trends of prioritizing group time and spaces.

Leonard Brody

Leonard Brody followed next with one of the most brilliant speeches at any conference.  A dynamic personality combined with a genius brain, Brody spoke on innovation and how to lead in a blender, which is how he described today’s fast paced world.  He also explained how Facebook has changed human behavior so we are now a generation of “sharers,” the full impact of which will not be understood or officially named until future generations look back upon this age.

Stephen Shapiro signing his books

Stephen Shapiro gave an interactive talk in which he emphasized the importance of thinking inside the box and of interacting and working with people different than you.  He cited the example of how a toothpaste manufacturer innovated by turning to their sister concern a detergent bleach company for ideas.

The program ended with a speech by Vijay Govindarajan, the Earl C. Daum 1924 Professor of International Business at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and considered one of the world’s leading experts on strategy and innovation.  He spoke on reverse innovation (driven from developing to developed countries) and Strategic Architecture.

The event was compered by Ron Tite.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

business trends, entrepreneurship, events CHESTER ELTON, delectablychic!, INNOVATION, INTROVERTS, ladiesfund, LEONARD BRODY, MARCUS BUCKINGHAM, ron tite, STANDOUT, STEPHEN SHAPIRO, STRENGTHSFINDER, SUSAN CAIN, TED, the art of leadership, THE CARROT PRINCIPLE, TUCK SCHOOL, tudawood, VIJAY GOVINDARAJAN

Toronto Taste, Second Harvest’s annual food fest at the Royal Ontario Museum is truly a must attend and this year tickets sold out over a week in advance.

2012 marked the 22nd year of this event and 1400 Torontonians paid $250 for a ticket to this fundraising tasting of dishes by the top chefs around the city. Each ticket purchased to Toronto Taste provided 250 meals to Torontonians in need and this year the event aims to raise enough funds to provide 700,000 meals for Toronto’s hungry.

Party inside the ROM

The event’s motto:  Pairing cuisine with compassion.

This year’s tasting featured 60 of the city’s top chefs and 30 outstanding beverage purveyors.  Held both indoors and outdoors at Royal Ontario Museum the event was hosted by Food Network’s Bob Blumer and   recording artist Roger Mooking, who is also a Food Network personality.

Mooking stated to DelectablyChic!, “All the great chefs in Toronto and we never get to see each other and hang out, but this is the one time of the year where you see all the chefs in one place.”

“It’s a dirty little secret,” he added, “but everyone is competitive and coming with their A game.”

Roger Mooking and Bob Blumer

Blumer added, “I do a lot of things in my day to life centred around me and my career so such more pleasure doing for Second Harvest because it’s about sharing with the community. Being a host of this event for the past five years is my way of thanking Toronto for all the great things I pull from the city itself. Its almost more fun than doing my own job.”

Guests had personal access to the city’s top chefs including Food Network hosts Mark McEwan, Michael Smith and Lynn Crawford.

“I’m having great time. I love coming back seeing fellow chefs. Second Harvest one of my chosen charities and I’ve been here since its inception 22-23 years ago,” stated McEwan.  “Coming here is such a treat and the food scene in Toronto keeps getting better and better with the chefs more clever than ever.”

Louisiana Macarons

Crawford added, “I’m a Toronto chef and very involved with the cause. Chefs have a responsibility to give back and it’s overwhelming to see amount of chefs out this evening with all their passion. Great cause.”

As one of the few top female chefs in the world, Crawford wanted to inspire DelectablyChic! Readers, adding, “Success in our field is not about gender, but commitment, drive and passion. You just have to work hard and love what you do and keep thinking how can I be better tomorrow.”

“We’ve been in the business now 36 years, starting out in my mother’s home.  Now we have a large factory and mass produce while maintaining quality control.  We’ve supported Toronto Taste since it began and support Second Harvest Year round,” shared Dufflet Rosenberg of Dufflet Pastries, adding, “We’re tough cookies.”

Dufflet Rosenberg

Organizations and personalities that took part included ACE Bakery, C5, Buca, Cave Spring Cellars, Woodlot, Eron Novalski,  Dufflet Rosenberg, Sotto Sotto, The Tea Emporium, Scaramouche, Patricia Cohrs and Ciao Wine Bar.

Favourite tastings included Scaramouche’s tuna tartare delicacy, Rodney’s Oyster House‘s oysters, Dufflet Pastries‘ Maple Budino and Nicole’s Sinfully Good Rum Balls.

Since the start of Toronto Taste, it has raised more than $4 million to support Second Harvest’s food rescue program.  Second Harvest is a charitable organization that for the past 27 years has been taking donated, perishable food, which would have otherwise gone to waste, and delivering it to more than 200 social service agencies in Toronto.

The Daniels Corporation returns as Presenting Sponsor for the 17^th year running.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

events, fundraisers, shopping bob blumer, delectablychic!, DUFFLET PASTRIES, Dufflet Rosenberg, LYNN CRAWFORD, MARK MCEWAN, Michael Smith, Roger Mooking, ROM, Second Harvest, Toronto Taste, TORONTO TASTE 2012

Calling all Toronto LADIESFUNDers. Must attend event Divas in the City 3 to take place on Thursday, June 14, 2012 from 6:00pm until 10:00pm.

LADIESFUND® and Dawood Global Foundation are media partners for the third year in a row!

Buy tickets at http://divasinthecity3.eventbrite.com/ and get $5 OFF with the discount code DIVAPROMO.

For more details, check out the event website and facebook page.

What is Divas in the City?

Divas in the City is about loving yourself- what we call self-love. We believe Toronto needs a forum for the fabulous females in our city – the movers and shakers who make no excuses for who they are. We present an opportunity to join forces with other women who revel in their strengths and stay true to their values.

Divas in the City is a socially driven, goal-directed event that will feature experts in various areas that are essential to the urban girl lifestyle- beauty, relationships, finance, career, fashion, nutrition and fitness. Our mission is to educate, inspire and connect the new demographic of young, independent, ambitious women in our city, who we classify as Divas.

Click below for pictures of our past events:

Divas in the City - http://www.flickr.com/photos/divagirlinc/sets/72157624220290720
Divas in the City 2 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/divagirlinc/sets/72157627119183973

Here is a line-up of our Presenters for Divas in the City Toronto 2012:

1. Career: Katia Millar- Positive Fabulous Women
2. Beauty: Wendy Crystal- Inspired Cosmetics
3. Relationships: Kimberly Moffit - Kimberly Moffit & Associates
4. Finance: Florence (Flo) Grunfelder – Money With Flo
5. Fashion: Hannah Yakobi - FAJO Magazine
6. Nutrition: Angela McNally – Eating Pretty
7. Fitness: Sandra O’Brien- Bootcamp Goddess

Swag Bags:

- MarieNatie Cosmetics

Vendors:

- AYLA

Divas in the City is all about - thriving in the opera of urban life.

business trends, entrepreneurship, events, women, women leaders angela mcnally, ayla, Bootcamp Goddess, crown bar and lounge, dawood global foundation, Diva Girl Fitness, diva girls, divas in the city 3, Eating Pretty, FAJO Magazine, florence grunfelder, hannah yakobi, Inspired Cosmetics, katia millar, kimberly moffit, ladiesfund, laura furtado, marienatie cosmetics, Positive Fabulous Women, sandra o'brien, toronto, wendy crystal