Hatsquerade Masquerade Fundraising Gala Brings Style and Support to the Many Faces of Mental Illness and Addiction October 21, 2011

Hats On for Awareness’ Celebrity Hatsquerade returns with its third-annual fundraiser on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Liberty Grand. This year’s event has a twist - it’s Hatsquerade Masquerade, where you can show-off your support for the many faces of mental illness and addiction by wearing your most eye-catching hat and mask. Proceeds of the Hatsquerade Masquerade, which are expected to exceed $50,000, will support the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The Hatsquerade is the largest third party fundraiser of its kind for CAMH, helping to raise $117,000 since 2009.

This year’s fundraiser is focused on youth. Our younger generations experience higher rates of affliction
year-over-year: today, approximately 1.2 million Canadians under the age of 19 have a mental illness impeding their ability to live life to its fullest. Half battle serious drug or alcohol addictions. And three-quarters of our youth don’t receive the help they desperately need. Together, with your support for Hats On For Awareness, we’re going to change this!

Hosted by Mad Dog and Maura from Virgin Radio Toronto with featured keynote speaker Michael Burgess, Canadian Actor and tenor, this year’s event features performances by award-winning singer-songwriter and dancer Era Chrona; Canadian Special Events’ “Entertainer of the Year,” A2D2, the Aerial Dance Cirque Company; and Nicholas Rosaci, CityTV CityLine regular and DIY designer, will dazzle with his Toonie Hat Design Contest and will introduce the Parade of Hats. Along with the finest milliners in the Toronto, hats will also be designed by TV Celebrity TV Designer Glen Peloso and CityLine show design expert Yanic Simard. There will be a silent auction, gourmet food stations, music by Sound Obsession, and dancing until dawn.

WHAT: Hats On for Awareness’ Hatsquerade Masquerade
WHEN: October 21, 2011
WHERE: The Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road, Toronto
WHY: To support the important work of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
TICKETS: $150/person

Official Website: http://www.hatsonforawareness.com