On June 4, March of Dimes hosted its second annual Ability and Beyond Gala Dinner amongst friends and honoured guests, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.  This year’s Ability and Beyond Gala Dinner was a lead-in to FICCDAT – the Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Aging and Technology, taking place June 16^th to 19^th.  March of Dimes Canada is co-hosting FICCDAT, an event bringing together five concurrent conferences focused on enhancing the lives of seniors, persons with disabilities and their family caregivers.

Nearly 500 supporters were in attendance at the fundraiser, which generated over $120,000.  The funds raised will help March of Dimes Canada continue to expand its programs across the country, and will also enhance the Paul Martin Sr. Biomedical & Rehabilitation Research Fund.

Prior to the dinner, donors, volunteers, people with disabilities and caregivers attended a High Tea with The Princess Royal.  As well, dinner was preceded by the Paul Martin Sr. Society Reception, which continued our proud tradition of honouring the legacy of the late Paul Martin Sr., Canada’s former Health and Welfare Minister.

Guests enjoy a High Tea with the Princess Royal.  (L to R) Sally Horsfall Eaton, John C. Eaton, Allister Byrne (OMOD Chair), Anne-Marie Canning, The Princess Royal, Andria Spindel (MOD President and CEO).	Soldiers of the 709 Communications Regiment.

We were honoured this year with the attendance of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. The Princess Royal is the President of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, one of the largest providers of comprehensive caregiver support services in the UK.  A passionate advocate for caregivers, The Princess Royal gave a stirring speech on the essential role that informal caregivers play in our society in an eloquent address to the attendees.

March of Dimes' Bobbi Moore (left), Recreation and Integration Assistant and Deborah Pal, Manager, Quality and Research.	The Princess Royal (right) chats with March of Dimes' Warren Rupnarain, Government Relations Advocate.

Other honoured guests included the evening’s two notable Dinner Sponsors and Chairs Anne-Marie and Robert Canning.  Gala Patrons John C. Eaton and Sally Horsfall Eaton, as well as the Honourable David R. Peterson and Shelley Peterson were also in attendance.  An octet of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada was on-hand to entertain guests, while Leslie Roberts, Global TV Co-Anchor of The News Hour and on-air personality with CFRB 1010 was the Master of Ceremonies.

In addition, as a gift to The Princess Royal, Michael Burgess sang “You Raise Me Up”.

Master of Ceremonies, Leslie Roberts.	Michael Burgess singing "You Raise Me Up".

The incredible generosity and support of John Craig Eaton and Sally Horsfall Eaton was highlighted by their induction into the Jonas Salk Circle of Friends.  Membership to the Circle of Friends is the highest recognition bestowed by March of Dimes, and given to donors whose contributions reach $100,000 or more.  The Eatons are renowned for their philanthropy and commitment to numerous community causes in education, healthcare, and in particular, disability and senior's issues.

This year's winner of the Jonas Salk Award was Dr. Robert Inman presented by the President of sanofi pasteur, Mark Lievonen and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.  The award is jointly sponsored by sanofi pasteur (formerly known as Connaught Laboratories) and March of Dimes.  With the release of the life saving polio vaccine in 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk established a worldwide reputation as a scientist and a humanitarian.  The Jonas Salk Award is presented annually to a Canadian scientist, physician or researcher who has made a new and outstanding contribution in science or medicine to prevent, alleviate or eliminate a physical disability.  It also includes a personal financial tribute of $10,000 in recognition of the recipient's achievement.  Dr. Inman is one of only a handful of researchers who have devoted their careers to advancing the scientific knowledge and treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), one of the most common forms of arthritis affecting young adults, primarily young men. 

Simone Soman sings the National Anthem.

The recipient of the signed, One-of-a-Kind Commemorative Necklace created especially for the event by award winning jewellery designer Louis Louro Jr. of Louro Jewellers, was Lori Lievonen.  The spectacular design that combines the story of the March of Dimes, while paying tribute to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. 

Jacqulene Teixeira models the One-of-a-Kind, Commemorative Necklace.	Recipient of the spectacular One-of-a-Kind, Commemorative Necklace, Lori Lievonen (centre) stands with Louis Louro Jr. (left)  jewellery designer, and Marie Lauro (right).

Honouring the Marching Mothers with a unique platinum replica of the Marching Mothers’ dime, this necklace, which can be worn without the platinum, diamond and peridot pendant, includes a series of hearts interspersed with diamonds symbolizing that giving comes from the heart.  The diamonds symbolize the resilience and determination of the Marching Mothers and the 12 natural birthstones allude to the universality of all those who marched and the continuity of the good works of the March of Dimes today.

Funds raised from ticket sales will benefit biomedical and rehabilitation research and the various programs and services of March of Dimes in Canada.  The organizers send a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a tremendous success.

To see additional photos, credited to Eclipse Photography Inc. visit our Ability & Beyond 2007 photo gallery (over 200 photos, will download slowly).

March of Dimes would like to recognize the contributions of, and offer thanks to our:

Dinner Sponsors

• John C. & Sally Horsfall Eaton Foundation
• TD Bank Financial Group
• Robert Canning and Anne-Marie Canning
• Louro Jewellers Inc.
• Speakers Forum

Patrons

• Sionna Investment Managers
• KPMG

Paul Martin Sr. Society Reception Sponsor

• sanofi pasteur

High Tea with the Princess Sponsors

• Canadian Caregiver Coalition
• Caregiver Omnimedia Incorporated
• Twinnings
• Tetley
• Higgins & Burke Gourmet
• Unilever

Friends

• Quatro-Group
• Vineland Estates Winery
• Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
• Chocolate Collectibles
• CBC
• Demarco-Perpich

Contributors

• Ability & Beyond Gala Dinner Volunteer Committee
• 709 (Toronto) Communications Regiment Family
• National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Silent Auction Contributors

• Alliance Atlantis
• Ambiente Inc.
• CFRB 1010 Radio
  Chateau des Charmes
• ClubLink
• Comcare Health Services
• CTV — Montreal
• Direct Energy
• David Elkins
• EnerSys Canada
• Fairmont Royal York Hotel
• Marjorie Francoz
• Glen Eagle Golf Course
• Greenhawk Stables
• Holiday Inn & Suites
• Intercontinental Toronto Centre Hotel
• Keith Healthcare
• Microsoft Canada
• Omni Hotel Mont Royal
• Porter Airlines
• Romans Fine Arts Inc.
• Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
• Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
• Spaces Custom Interiors
• Speakers Forum
• Stash Tea Company
• TAZ Hair Co.
• Telus Mobility
• The Health Journal
• The Medical Post
• Toronto Athletic Club
• Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club
• Toronto International Film Festival Group
• Milo Vassallo
• Wahta Perfect Spa & Hair Studio
• Weavers Art
• We Care Health Services Inc.