May 18th 2010 FastLane “Wine and Chocolate"

Repeating April 2009’s wine and chocolate theme, FastLane once again held the event to a great success.

Wineries and agents joined us for the evening; they did sampling a variety of wines that complemented the delicious hors d’oeuvres of the evening.

Thanks to all vendors and partners for making this event more tasty and fun, and Anthony Parazo for capturing those special moments.

Stay tuned for the next event!

Theme: Patio Party
Date: July 13th, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: TBA

Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Hope House fundraiser tonight!

The Hope House fundraiser was inspired by the Oscar winning film "Born into Brothels" and we are raising money to build a wonderful facility to help 100 girls from the red light district of Calcutta. Your support will allow girls to live in safety, receive an education, and escape their vicious life cycle.

There is a special BRING A FRIEND 2 for 1 ticket sales special.

For $100, receive two entrance tickets and one drink ticket per person (equal to $50 per person).

We have a terrific line-up for the evening including:

In Attendance
Oscar winning Director and Executive Producer flying into Toronto for the event.

Entertainment
Exclusive engagement with Hip Hop legend Maestro Fresh Wes from Los Angeles performing classics and new music (Let your Backbone Slide!).

Rare appearance by Juno nominated singer Ivana Santilli performing her R&B/pop hits.

World renowned DJ Rekha (as seen on CNN and David Letterman) from New York City with Dhol Circle drummers.

Drinks and Delicious Food
Tickets will also include two bevvies and catering by Babaluu Supperclub, Palais Royale, Cheesecake Lolli's and Couture Cupcakes.

And that's not all! Enter a world inspired by India's magic with Fantasy Lounge, Fortune Tellers and Tarot Card readers, a Maharani's Salon (Henna Beauty Bar & Make-up Artistry), Fashionistas Shopping Haven, Photography Expo, and much more!

Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time: 8:30pm - 12am
Location: Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard W

To buy tickets http://torontohopehouse.eventbrite.com/ or telephone 647-801-3159.

VIP guest at Gatherings...

Guess who?
Spencer Miller!!
He came for a quick visit and spent the afternoon with us...it was great to chat with him, listen to his stories and ideas...he always inspiring and making people laugh.

Spencer Miller is a motivational speaker, hosts his own radio show called "Sounding Off With Spencer Miller", is an entrepreneur and author of the book "The Man Without Boundaries".

Essentially 'the book chronicles his life from growing up in a dysfunctional family, dealing with a debilitating affliction, fighting against the odds to become a voice in his community, to becoming the Ambassador to people with disabilities for the Hugh MacMillan center.

Thanks Spencer for the visit!
Renata Altrão & The Gatherings Team

Dragons' Den Brett Wilson and me...

Photo by Timothy Grotrian

I had the honour to meet and listen to Brett Wilson last week at The Rostie Rainy Lake.

He spoke to a group of students and business owners. His inspirational talk touched on entrepreneurship & goal setting.

W. Brett Wilson (born on July 1, 1957) is a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and panelist on the CBC Dragons' Den.

Known as the newest member of the CBC's Dragon's Den, Brett Wilson's knowledgeable, energetic and down-to-earth nature has endeared him to many. He has been a key player in the development and success of a number of investment-based companies including FirstEnergy Capital Corporation and the Prairie Merchant Corporation. Brett's extensive entrepreneurial experience, made him an ideal fit for the Dragon's Den, where he has offered invaluable advice, support and funding for a number of entrepreneurial ideas. In addition to his professional success, he is one of Canada's most significant philanthropists, having raised or helped to raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations.

It was awesome to meet him :)

Kendra Court
Gatherings Event Planning