Where and when is the event?
- Thursday, May 23, 2024
- Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road, Toronto Ontario M6K 3C3. View location on map here.
Please note that the Gardiner Expressway will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Dufferin Street and Strachan. The eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Boulevard, east of Jameson Avenue, will also be closed.
What is the itinerary for the evening?
- 5:30 p.m.: Registration, market style dinner, drinks, silent auction, raffle booth, handwriting analysis, treatments by Elmwood Spa | Bangkok Garden, CBC Toronto photo booth, and networking in the Artifacts Room
- 7:30 p.m.: Enjoy an inspiring Awards Ceremony honouring our five extraordinary women of distinction award recipients in the Governor’s Room
- 9:00 p.m.: Continue networking, mingling, and celebrating while enjoying dessert and a special performance by Joy 4 Soul band in the Artifacts room. Raffle draw is at 9:15 p.m.
What should I wear?
Where can I park?
- On-site parking available for $15, located across the street from the main entrance on British Columbia Road. There is no valet parking.
Is the event accessible?
- We are committed to ensuring that all attendees have a comfortable and inclusive experience. If you have any accessibility concerns or require accommodations to fully participate in the event, please inform us directly so that we can make necessary arrangements. Please email Jacqueline Willis at JWillis@ywcatoronto.org with your accessibility needs.
Where does the Awards Ceremony take place?
- The Awards Ceremony takes place in the Governor’s Room.
What do I do when I arrive?
- If you do not know your table number, please go to YWCA Toronto's 2024 Women of Distinction Awards Gala Guest Registration Desk and give your name to one of our friendly staff or volunteers.
- If you know your table number, you do not need to register, you can head over to the Reception Area in the Artifacts Room to enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, market-style dinner (food stations) and bid on exciting silent auction prizes, buy your raffle tickets and participate in other fun activities. If you need help, our friendly volunteers are happy to assist you.
Is there a Coat Check?
- Yes, coat check is located downstairs in the foyer.
Can I sit at my table before the Awards Ceremony?
- Yes, we encourage you to help yourself at the food stations and take your plate and sit at your table any time from 5:30 p.m. onwards.
When is the food served?
- The market-style dinner (i.e. food stations) will be available between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. Coffee/tea and dessert will be served between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The bars will be open until 10:00 p.m. for guests 19+ years old.
What time will the Awards Ceremony start and end?
- The Awards Ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will end at approximately 9:00 p.m.
What happens at the After Party?
- The After Party will begin at 9:00 p.m. Guests can continue networking, mingling, and celebrating while enjoying dessert and a special performance by Joy 4 Soul band in the Artifacts room.
How do I participate in the Silent Auction?
- We will have an exciting online silent auction. Guests will receive an email with a link to register and start bidding on Monday, May 21st, 2024. The Silent Auction will close on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, at 7:15 p.m. We encourage all guests to pre-register and participate! All silent auction proceeds support women, girls, and gender diverse people in our programs.
How will I know if I have won a Silent Auction item?
- The winners will be notified at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd via the email they entered into the online auction platform.
How can I pay for my Silent Auction item?
- All silent auction bidding is happening online. If you are the winning bidder of the item, the auction platform will send you a notification containing a link to your invoice page. Winning bidders can click the payment button to pay with a credit card, debit card, and more. You can pick up your prize after the Awards Ceremony until 10:00 p.m. at the Guest Registration Desk.
- If you are not attending the event, please email Jacqueline Willis at JWillis@ywcatoronto.org and she will coordinate a date/time for you to pick up your item from our Main Office at 87 Elm Street in downtown Toronto. If the item is in digital format, she will email it to you.
How can I donate to Create Change?
- Create Change donations can be made online during the event by scanning a QR Code or completing the printed donation card provided in your program book. Program books can be found on your table. Donations will be matched up to $50,000 by our extremely generous Create Change sponsor, Elmwood Spa | Bangkok Garden, so please give generously.
Is there an ATM nearby?
- There is an ATM Machine located on-site.