Swim Drink Fish Gala 2018: celebrating along Lake Ontario's shores

This year’s Swim Drink Fish Gala returned to the shores of Lake Ontario. Rebel’s lakeside view reminded over 400 guests why swimmable, drinkable, fishable water matters - water shapes our daily lives. It connects us.

The seventh annual fundraising gala celebrated the Swim Drink Fish movement and paid a heartfelt tribute to board member and mentor, Gord Downie.

At the start of the evening, Marilyn Bell Di Lascio recognized five new Swim Drink Fish ambassadors: Loren King, Madhu Nagaraja, Nora Osbaldeston, Tanis Rideout and Tim Thompson.

Following dinner, guests savoured performances by Andrea Nann and Brendan Wyatt of Dream Walker Dance Company, Sarah Harmer, Andy Maize, Aaron Comeau, and Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip.

Stephen Ranger of Waddington’s then took the stage for the seven-piece live art auction. Artists donated the 28 artworks auctioned off in both the live and silent auctions, including works by James Lahey, Barbara Cole and Edward Burtynsky.

Each piece of art carries the Swim Drink Fish story with it as it finds a new home.

The exciting evening raised over $550,000 for Swim Drink Fish’s core programs, including Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. The Toronto gala's fundraising total is $3.5 million over its seven years, bringing a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future closer.

For the official gala release, please click here.
To view event photos, please click here.