Millennium Celebrations - Charity Gala Event at Casa Loma

(Ward 23 - Midtown)

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations of the Millennium Task Force contained in the report (April 2, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendations:

(1)that the report (March 29, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, be adopted, noting that $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 may be raised for other City Millennium initiatives through sponsorship initiatives for this event;

(2)that City Council be requested to ask Casa Loma to provide the facility to the City for the entire day of December 31, 1999; and

(3)that Members of Council be invited to participate in this event.

Background:

The Millennium Task Force had before it a report (March 29, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, requesting endorsement from the Millennium Task Force for the Charity Gala event at Casa Loma scheduled for December 31, 1999, as a City Millennium celebration.

Councillor Tom Jakobek, East Toronto, appeared before the Millennium Task Force informing that the proceeds from this event will be earmarked for Variety Village with 10 percent of fundraising efforts to be forwarded to the Millennium Task Force to support other City driven Millennium activities.

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(Report dated March 29, 1999, addressed to the Millennium Task Force,

from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.)

Purpose:

This report seeks endorsement from the Millennium Task Force for the inclusion of a charity gala event at Casa Loma in the City's Millennium celebrations.

Source of Funds:

There are no financial implications arising out of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the Millennium Task Force consider endorsing inclusion of the charity event at Casa Loma in the City's Millennium celebrations.

Council Reference/Background/History:

A millennium gala charity event scheduled for December 31, 1999, is being organized at Toronto's Casa Loma. The organizing committee has requested that the Millennium Task Force endorse their event as a city millennium celebration. There would be no financial obligation or staff resources dedicated to the coordination or execution of this event. This would be a very exciting way to mark the beginning of the next millennium by featuring a spectacular event in Toronto's historic castle. As well this endeavour is supporting an important children's charity Variety Village and proceeds will be earmarked for this organization.

The City had initially envisioned a city-wide Millennium celebration at several high profile venues including Casa Loma, as noted in the Millennium Task Force Resolution Item No. (10). The City had planned to "immediately book appropriate venues such as Roundhouse Park, Metro Convention Centre and Casa Loma for the Millennium celebrations." The city is not able to fulfill this vision on its own, however, this group is willing to coordinate this important endeavour at no cost to the City. The organizing committee has also advised that they will contribute 10 percent of their fundraising efforts to the Millennium Task Force to support other city driven Millennium activities.

Contact Name

Jaye Robinson

Director Special Events

395-7310