The 7th annual Diwali – A Night to Shine raises $1.3 million

Guests gathered for one of the most important events of the Indian calendar at the 7th annual Diwali – A Night to Shine gala, presented by Scotiabank, in support of University Health Network (UHN). The gala, celebrating the South Asian “Festival of Lights,” symbolizing good health, hope, luck and prosperity, has become the most well-attended and prominent Diwali celebration in Toronto.

“It was a pleasure to return as Chair of Diwali – A Night to Shine,” says event Chair Raj Kothari. “The gala exceeded its fundraising objective by raising more than $1.3 million for the Transplant Program and the Diabetes Program at UHN, while educating, entertaining and engaging guests.”

The UHN Transplant Program is one of the top five transplant programs in the world and is the largest and most successful in North America. The UHN Diabetes Program has been at the forefront of diabetes research, care and education in Canada for almost a century.

The evening’s host, Ruchika Bindra, took guests on a journey through India’s grandest principalities: Hyderabad, Mysore, Maratha Kingdom and Rajasthan. They also enjoyed regional delicacies from Chef Corbin Tomaszeski of the Westin Harbour Castle, traditional folk singing and dancing, and a live auction, where one lucky bidder won a luxurious trip for two to India from Air Canada and Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces.