By Deron Hamel
Epilepsy Ontario and EpLink are teaming up to host the organizations’ first annual Brain Benefit Ball to raise money in support of people living with epilepsy.
The event, called the Shaken, Not Stirred gala, will be held in Toronto Oct. 20 and will feature a James Bond theme that promises “an evening of mystery and intrigue” in the form of spy-themed table challenges. The black-tie event also includes a martini cocktail reception, a three-course meal and a silent auction.
This is the first time both organizations have partnered on a large-scale fundraising event. Money raised will be split 50-50 between the organizations.
“Fifty per cent of the money raised will fund EpLink’s world-class epilepsy research in Ontario, and the other 50 per cent will be used by Epilepsy Ontario to support our information and advocacy program,” explains Epilepsy Ontario executive director Paul Raymond.
Raymond adds that the collaboration between Epilepsy Ontario and EpLink, the Ontario Brain Institute’s (OBI’s) epilepsy research program, is an important partnership.
“For both organizations, (the event represents) the important role of epilepsy care and epilepsy research working together, instead of in separate silos,” he says.
The gala, which will be emceed by Mark McAllister of Global News, who is himself living with epilepsy, is aiming to attract about 250 people. UCB Canada is the event’s diamond sponsor.
Epilepsy is a condition affecting an estimated one in every 100 Canadians. Of the 300,000 Canadians living with epilepsy, one-third experience uncontrolled seizures. Money raised through the gala will help improve the care and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.
The gala will be held Oct. 20 in the Grand Banking Hall at the One King West Hotel in Toronto from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Click here for more information.
If you have feedback on this story, or have a story of your own that you would like to share, please contact the newsroom at 1-800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca. You can also leave a comment below.
