Evening Program
6:00 PM
Welcoming Remarks
Master of Ceremonies: Hugo Straney
Message from Fusion Committee Co-Chairs: Nancy Griffin and Ron Anderson
9:00 PM
Presenting Sponsor: Team Group, Clint Griffin, CEO
Message from Cystic Fibrosis Canada: Kelly Grover, CEO
Key to a Cure
Live Auction
Cocktail Reception 10:30 PM
Speaker: Kelly Simpson Strike
Silent Auction Closes 10:45 PM
Try your Lockbox Key Dancing 7:30 PM
AIM Recycling ad
Message from the Chairs
Buonasera e benvenuto a Fusion 2024: An Evening in Rome! Our Gala Committee is thrilled to be hosting each of you at this annual fundraising event, in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to each of our new and returning sponsors for their generosity and support of the important work of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Those of you joining us for the first time will undoubtedly feel the passion and commitment of the CF community and whose unrelenting pursuit of a better future for children born with cystic fibrosis is remarkable.
We would also like to acknowledge the patronage of our many donors, individual ticket purchasers, auction donors, and volunteers who contribute greatly to the success of this annual event
As a result of the investment from people like you, we have made tremendous progress in understanding and treating the disease The groundbreaking, transformational drug Trikafta has recently become available as an effective treatment for cystic fibrosis, however, it is not a cure, and it does not work for everyone With your support, we will continue to raise and allocate funds toward patient driven research priorities, advocacy and clinical care for all Canadians living with cystic fibrosis.
Tonight, our community celebrates you – the very reason that all of this is possible
We wish you a wonderful evening, and we thank you for your generous contributions which will help Canadians living with CF live healthier and longer lives.
Nancy Griffin Co-Chair
Ron Anderson Co-Chair
Clint Griffin CEO Team Group, Honourary Chair
Message from President & CEO
WELCOME TO FUSION 2024: AN EVENING IN ROME
Thank you for joining us at Fusion 2024: An Evening in Rome. This evening represents an important chapter in our ongoing efforts to change the lives of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. Thanks to advancements in research, that led to treatments like Trikafta, many in our community are now able to breathe easier and look ahead with new hope Yet, our work is far from over
Many in our community have not benefited from this new treatment –whether it’s arrived too late and the damage is already done or they’re still waiting for access. Yes, some people are thriving compared to even five years ago, but others are still very ill and sadly, too many are still dying from this disease. Cystic fibrosis is not cured but it has become a different disease. There is still urgency to find new solutions, especially for the group of people in our CF community who will never benefit from our current drugs That’s why your presence and support this evening are so vital. The funds raised tonight will continue to fuel critical research that can advance treatments and find new solutions for those who need them most On behalf of everyone impacted by cystic fibrosis, we extend our deepest thanks. Together, we are driving progress., Together, we can push further so that every Canadian with cystic fibrosis can live a life without limits
Sincerely,
Kelly Grover President & CEO
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Thank You to Our Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER VIP TABLE SPONSORS
BRONZE VALET SPONSORS
BRONZE TABLE SPONSORS
Special Thanks
OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS AND ANGEL DONORS
II Postino Restaurant
AIM Recycling
Air Canada
Ana Pascos
Angus Glen Golf Club
Barb & Dan Sydor
Cathy Steiner
Creative Details by Michelle
David Rooney
Derek Laufman
Dianne White
Ed Arabian
Ed’s Fine Clothes
Elvis & Melody Derosi
European Fine Furniture
Fame Salon + Spa
George Macri
Holland Marsh Wineries
Home Source Furniture Store
Iron Gate
Judith & Michael Dwyer
Karen & Bob Repovs
Karlo Estates
Kestane Jewellery
Linda Waddell
Mariani’s Custom Clothier
Marilynne & Gerry Dwyer
Noble Estates
Patricia O’Halloran
Sal’s Little Workshop
Sam’s Garage
Scott Andrews
Soundscape
Susan Vermeer
Stan Blair
Strike Family
The Restorers Group
The Village Grocer
Tony & Madelyn Mazzei
Wakefield Canada Inc.
Watercolor
Master of Ceremonies and Guest Speaker
HUGO STRANEY
Hugo Straney is a well known and highly respected personality in the Toronto Irish Community
He is the host of “The Hugo Straney Show” which airs on CHIN Radio every Sunday morning from 10:00 am to 11:00 am In 2022, Hugo began his 35th extraordinary year on air.
Hugo supports many worthwhile causes by hosting events for nonprofits such as Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Special Olympics, Sick Kids Hospital and Wounded Warriors When he is not busy hosting his radio show or the Toronto Island Celtic Festival you will find him at home with his lovely wife Gerardine, and enjoying time with sons Ryan, Bill and Hugh, daughter-in-law Natalie, and beloved grandchildren Kate and Owen
KELLY SIMPSON STRIKE
Kelly Simpson Strike lives in Unionville and is the proud mom of three amazing kids Her daughter Emily was born in 2001, and although she seemed healthy, she failed to thrive from birth. After a long journey of tests and hospital visits, Emily was finally diagnosed at six weeks of age with cystic fibrosis.
Since then, Kelly has been an active volunteer in the CF community She and her family have taken part in the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History every year since 2001, and their team “Em’s Entourage” has raised well over $150,000 to date Kelly has also been a member of the Fusion Gala Committee for the past several years.
Kelly works as a criminal lawyer and has practiced as a Crown Attorney in Toronto for over 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family at the cottage, travelling, being a hockey mom, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs
Thomas Technology Partners Inc.
LUCIA SANTILLY
Entertainment
Lucia Santilly (she/her) is a Toronto-based singer and performer who has established herself in various mediums of performance including opera, musical theatre, and voice over work A graduate of the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University, Santilly’s operatic CV includes Gretel from Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel with UWO opera, Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites, and most recently, Raquel in Canadian Premiere of Jacinto Guerrero’s operetta El huésped del sevillano, presented by Toronto Operetta Theatre. As a voice over artist, Santilly has worked with brands such as Kinetic Sand, Paw Patrol, and Hatchimals. Santilly has toured elementary schools with Education Arts Canada as an educational performer as well as the 2024 Ontario tour of GoldiRocks as a swing performer. Lucia’s passion for music extends into her own home studio where she instructs budding singers in classical, musical theater, and CCM repertoire.
Lucia is honoured to join Cystic Fibrosis Canada for a second year at their annual Fusion Gala and is beyond grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a cause very dear to her and her family.
Connect with Lucia on Instagram @lucia.santilly or lucia.santilly@gmail.com.
MC & COMPANY
MC & Company is committed to adding a unique touch to your special occasion. The group’s versatile repertoire runs the musical gamut and includes everything from Sinatra favourites to high-energy dance classics to sultry Rhythm and Blues and current selections
MC & Company exudes a youthful vitality that is conveyed in their live performances and gives a new and fresh meaning to the expression “What is Hip!” Although the group normally consists of eight members including a male and female vocalist, trumpet saxophone, guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums, it can be reconfigured to suit any situation you desire.
From private to corporate functions, intimate cocktail soirees to energetic dance parties, MC & Company is the group ‘in tune with your occasion ’
L’Oro Necklace
BUY A KEY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Absolutely stunning stamped 18KT white gold ladies’ chain with hand assembled custom-made diamond heart shaped pendant.
The heart shaped pendant with one hundred twenty-four pavé-set round brilliant cut diamonds, measuring 1 95 – 1 20 x 0 95mm (depth est )
Approximate total weight of 124 Stones = 3 26ct
Appraised at $18,500.
Purchase 1 key for $50.
If your key unlocks the box, the necklace is yours. Keys will be available to purchase from 6:00–10:30 PM while supplies last
Please see Cystic Fibrosis Canada volunteers to purchase your keys.
Key to a Cure
Key to a Cure is your opportunity to directly assist Canadians living with cystic fibrosis by supporting a key component of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s funding model – a clinical fellowship.
The number of people with cystic fibrosis in Canada continues to grow each year. The Cystic Fibrosis Canada Clinical Fellowship program was created to ensure that adequate numbers of highly qualified CF clinicians are available to provide patient care Cystic Fibrosis Canada Clinical Fellowships are intended for those physicians who have already obtained their residency training and who wish to pursue additional clinical training in CF care. The purpose is to train physicians to become CF specialists so that they can provide on-going clinical care to individuals with CF in Canada. This training includes developing competence to allow them to participate in clinical trials
During Key to a Cure, our MC will announce the following contribution levels:
• $5,000 or greater
• $2,500
• $1,250
• $500
When you hear the level at which you would like to support the clinical fellowship, raise your bid paddle high! Our volunteers will come over to help process your donation. Your contribution to Key to a Cure is 100% tax deductible; you will be issued a tax receipt following the gala.
Please note: If more than the amount of the fellowship is raised, the funds will be allocated to top funding priorities as determined by Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Live Auction Items
ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO ROME – AIR CANADA BUSINESS CLASS
FLIGHT
VOUCHERS & BEST WESTERN GIFT CERTIFICATE
Valued at: Priceless
You and a guest will enjoy a stay at the four star Best Western ($1,000 gift certificate), in the historic city of Rome, Italy, where your romantic getaway begins! You will travel in style, as this lot includes two (2) Business Class return tickets for travel to any Air Canada scheduled destination. Travel must be booked and completed by December 1, 2025 Blackout periods and applicable taxes will apply Further details are provided with your flight voucher. To get you in the mood for your trip to Rome, the winning bidder will also be going home tonight with a Magnum (1.5L) of the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “La Magia”.
Generously donated by: Air Canada & A Friend of Cystic Fibrosis Canada
TWO TICKETS TO ANDREA BOCELLI LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY ON DECEMBER 18TH, AIR CANADA FLIGHTS & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT AT ONE MANHATTAN SQUARE
Valued at: Priceless
You and a guest will enjoy an incredible trip to see the one and only Andrea Bocelli live at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 – Section 227, Row 2, Seats 7–8. Before or after the show, you will enjoy a complimentary dinner for two Also included in this package are two (2) Air Canada flights and a two-night stay at a gorgeous two-bedroom apartment located at One Manhattan Square, arrival December 17th, check out on December 19th.
Generously donated by: AIM Recycling
Live Auction Items
SIX BOTTLES OF ITALIAN WINE IN ORIGINAL WOODEN CASE
Valued at: Priceless
2010 Tenute Silvio Nardi “Manachiara” Brunello di Montalcino –6 bottles (750ml)
“Very complex aromas of tanned leather, dried fruits and flowers. So beautiful to smell. This is so full and velvety-textured with amazing richness and complexity Such a gorgeous, exciting wine Long and caressing. Turns savory and succulent. Fantastic. Greatest wine ever from here.” Score: 98/100 (James Suckling).
Drink Date: 2017–2028
“The 2010 Manachiara is one of the great wines of the extraordinary 2010 vintage (Michael Apstein)” – 96/100, Wine Review Online Generously donated by: A Friend of Cystic Fibrosis Canada
EXOTIC CAR RACETRACK EXPERIENCE FOR 4 PEOPLE
Valued at: Priceless
Have you ever dreamt of driving an Exotic Car or Supercar on a world-class professional racetrack with no speed limits? This is the experience of a lifetime – choose from over fourteen (14) Exotic Cars, Supercars & Hypercars and two world-class racetrack facilities at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Driver Development Track) or Grand Bend Motorplex. Book one or multiple cars and feel the unmatched excitement of a GTA Exotics Track day!
Drivers must be 17+ with a valid G2, G, or foreign driver’s license. Package includes 4 laps per person (each driver selects one car). All Exotic Cars and Supercars are fully automatic with paddle shift. Winner will be emailed details on how to claim this prize.
Provided by: Silent Auction Company
Live Auction Items
RARE GROUP OF SEVEN COMPLETE PLATINUM PORTFOLIO
ARTIST SET OF SEVEN WATERCOLOURS
Valued at: Priceless
Stunning collection by Alfred Joseph (AJ) Casson. Platinum Edition, a collection of seven off set lithographs printed in color. Contained in this folio approved and signed by the Artist, published by Talisman in an edition. Artist Proof of only 75, published in folios, with stamped corrugated box with hinged lid, the loose sheets divided with fi ne paper buff ers.
Magnetawan | North Shore | North York Schoolhouse | King Sideroad | Winter Sun | Rapids | Farm House
Each sheet: 25 75 x 30 in, 65 5 x 76 cm | Image: 23 x 27 in, 58 5 x 68 5 cm
Provided by: Silent Auction Company
ACOUSTIC
GUITAR – TAYLOR SWIFT AUTOGRAPHED
Valued at: Priceless
This acoustic guitar measures approximately 38 inches in length and has been hand-signed on a photo that has been repurposed as a pickguard and applied to a real acoustic guitar This is a 38-inch Sunburst acoustic guitar and this guitar is intended to be utilized as a collectible and display guitar. Although real, it is not a guitar that was used or played by Taylor Swift.
This item has a JSA Authentication tamper proof hologram attached to the item, and its signature is registered in their database. JSA is one of the premier third party authentication companies, worldwide. You can view this authentication on the JSA website, www spenceloa com/verify-authenticity
Provided by: Silent Auction Company
CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA
Auction Terms & Conditions
Disclaimer
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has sought to catalog and describe the auction items correctly, but all items are sold ‘as is’. Restaurant, hotel, and travel gift certificates exclude alcohol, tax, gratuity, parking, resort fees, surcharges, and incidentals unless otherwise indicated All gift certificates come with an expiry date. Prior reservations are required at least 60 days in advance for most travel and space is subject to availability Some dates may not be available and black-out dates may be in effect. There will be no exchanges or refunds of any items All sales are final
Live Auction
• The live auction will begin at approximately 9:40 PM.
• A description of the items for live auction is listed in this program on the following pages. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy.
• Purchasers are bound by restrictions specified by the donor
• When bidding on an item, attract the attention of the auctioneer or a volunteer.
• The auctioneer’s decision in all matters shall be final Bids may not be revoked or retracted
• A volunteer will immediately approach the successful bidder with a purchase invoice and point of sale machine
• Payment may be made by cash, personal cheque, debit, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.
• All items must be paid in full before the end of the evening
• You are advised to check envelopes containing gift certificates before you leave the auction area as no substitutes will be issued
Silent Auction
• The silent auction will close at 10:30 PM.
• Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy
• Purchasers are bound by the restrictions specified by the donor or provider
• All items have opening bids based on their suggested retail values.
• Bids must be placed on the GalaBid platform
• Following the auction closing, successful bidders will receive a text message to confirm they have won an item(s). Please click the link provided to confirm payment Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express Once you receive final confirmation, please pick up your item(s) after 10:45 PM at the silent auction table, where a volunteer will assist you Please do not take any auction items until you show a volunteer your confirmed text message on your cell phone
• All items must be paid in full by the end of the evening.
• You are advised to check envelopes containing gift certificates before you leave the auction area as no substitutes will be issued
Claiming Your Auction Items
All silent auction materials will be onsite unless otherwise specified Guests can retrieve their items upon payment completion at the silent auction tables in the Great Hall. Guests are expected to take their auction items with them at the end of the evening, unless other arrangements are made with a Cystic Fibrosis Canada staff member. If a winner is not on site at the closing of the auction, alternate arrangements must be made for the winner or an authorized proxy to pick up the auction item at a prearranged time from the Cystic Fibrosis Canada office in Toronto between the business hours of 9 AM and 5 PM Cystic Fibrosis Canada cannot cover the cost of the shipping or delivery of any items unless otherwise specified in the item description.
GalaBid – Online Bidding
1. Visit our Bidding Site to Sign In or Register
Visit app.galabid.com/dg2024 on your mobile phone or scan the QR code at your place setting or Silent Auction tables OR Register via TEXT
Text: cff2024 and your full name to +12267980488
Example: cff2024 John Smith
Follow the registration link you are sent by text from GalaBid
2. Set-Up Account
Complete account set-up by clicking payment methods to add your credit card information.
3. Select an Item
Click “All Items” to browse through the items, packages, and wine lots available and fully read all details and descriptions.
4. Place a Bid
Place a bid on an auction item of your choice You will be asked to input your credit card details (if you have not already) to bid on an item.
Bid on a Silent Auction item of your choice – Lot #101–Lot #237
Bid on a Wine Lot of your choice – Wine Lot #1–Wine Lot #30
Bid on a Sealed Bid Item of your choice – SB #1–SB #82
Note: Sealed Bid Items – in a sealed auction each participant bids without anyone seeing or knowing each other’s bids You have one chance to place your very best bid! You will be notified if your bid is successful at the auction conclusion (10:30 PM)
Please note – the bid amount on the main auction page does not change throughout the auction To view and track the bids you have placed, please view your bidder profile. HST is applicable on sealed bid items. Free Shipping within Canada on sealed bid items only (outside Canada shipping is at bidders expense).
5. Keep Bidding
You will receive a text/email notification when you are outbid You can rebid up to the closing time of the auction (10:30 PM).
6. Enjoy your Winnings!
Highest bidders will be sent an invoice by text or email once the auction has closed prompting you to pay for your item(s) online through the GalaBid site. Please ensure to checkout and pay for your item(s) before going to pick up your winnings at the silent auction tables. Volunteers will assist you with picking up your winnings. If your bid was not successful, you will receive a text or email to let you know The message will also include a link should you wish to donate
Please note: GalaBid is providing their world-class auction platform at no cost Winning bidders will be asked to leave a voluntary contribution on their invoice at auction conclusion. These contributions allow GalaBid to assist other charities.
Fusion Gala Committee
CO-CHAIRS
Ron Anderson
Nancy Griffin
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Isabelle DiPasquale
Lauren Anderson
Margaret Hicks
Nancy Norris
Patricia O’Halloran
Karen Repovs
Cathy Steiner
Kelly Strike
Susan Strike
CYSTIC FIBROSIS STAFF
Katie Howlett
Many thanks to our committee members who have spent countless hours working to ensure the success of tonight’s event.
Special thanks for their hard work securing items and personal donations for our incredible silent auction
Special Thanks
We wish to gratefully acknowledge the following organizations and individuals for their generous support and contribution which have added to the success of this evening:
Entertainment
MC & Company
Lucia Santilly
Décor
Gervais Party & Tent Rentals
La Belle Flowers & Gifts
R5 Event Design
Food Station
Smash Kitchen & Bar Restaurant
Marta Pugliese
Lighting, Sound, and Production
Soundscape
Master of Ceremonies
Hugo Straney
Photo Booth
Fame & Flash
Photography
Gary Gornik
Valet
Unit Park Management
Wine
Iron Gate Private Wine Management
Noble Estates
We would like to offer exceptional thanks to this evening’s volunteers, on whom we rely tremendously. The evening would not be such a great success without their dedication. Thank you to each of our generous volunteers for their time, resourcefulness and enthusiasm to support Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Fusion 2025
An Evening in London
COMING SOON!
Interested in joining the gala committee?
Please contact Cystic Fibrosis Canada at fusion@cysticfi brosis ca
Thank you for attending the Fusion Gala this evening and for supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Through the generosity of supporters like you, we are improving the length and quality of life of Canadians living with CF. Together, we can go further to ensure that everyone has access to the life-changing treatments they need.
We won’t stop until everyone can live WOLimits.