Party photos of the week: Toronto Region Board of Trade dinner
Whispers of “was that Rob Ford?” dominated the post-speech, pre-dinner chatter at the 126th annual Toronto Region Board of Trade gala on Monday night. Despite confusion over whether he was actually invited or not, Mayor Ford skipped out after Board of Trade president Carol Wilding gave her speech. With or without the mayor, the show continued on with a three-course meal and entertainment at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Les Oiseaux de Paradis kicked off the evening with an aerial dance performance to Adele’s Skyfall followed by the keynote speaker, Nadir Mohamed from Rogers Communications. Master of ceremonies Jian Ghomeshi kept the crowd in good spirits, pitting iPhone and Blackberry users against each other while urging the suit-heavy scene to share their experience on social media. Perhaps the most poignant note of the night, however, was when Ryerson president Sheldon Levy – recipient of the Toronto Region Builder Award – quoted Bob Marley in his acceptance speech and said, “Life is one big road with lots of signs” and “you have to wake up and live.” parties@globeandmail.com
Will Stewart, Carrie Kormos and Darius Kuras at the 126th Annual Toronto Board of Trade Dinner.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Amber Kanwar and Mayor Hazel McCallion.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Melanie Mohan and Dana Newton.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Rob Ford.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Brynna Williams, Matthew Kofsky and Laura Brown.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Tracy Vogrin and Sheldon Levy.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Nadir Mohamed, Carol Wilding and Sheldon Levy.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Rita Hopkins.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Marilyn Denis.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Kathy and Carl Lovas.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Bob Wong, Gerry Meinzer and Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Michele Maheux and Ellis Jacob.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Paul Zed and Martha Durdin.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail
Entertainment for the night: Les Oiseaux Du Paradis.Tom Sandler/The Globe and Mail