UHN Foundation hosted the 10th annual Diwali – A Night to Shine. (Photo: George Pimentel Photography)
On Saturday, October 15, UHN Foundation hosted the 10th annual Diwali – A Night to Shine, presented by Scotiabank, in support of Krembil Brain Institute and Toronto Rehab at University Health Network (UHN). Held at Beanfield Centre and attended by more than 500 guests and more than $1.6 million gross was raised for life-saving research, medical innovation and patient care at this highly anticipated and exciting event.
Since its inception in 2011, Diwali – A Night to Shine has become the most prominent and well-attended Diwali celebration in Toronto and raised more than $11.5 million for programs at UHN including Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Emergency Department, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Sun Life Financial Banting and Best Diabetes Clinic, Ajmera Transplant Centre, Donald K Johnson Eye Institute and Krembil Brain Institute.
“Diwali – A Night to Shine is an event with far-reaching impact and we are pleased to return in-person after two years,” says Raj Kothari, Chair of UHN Foundation Board of Directors and Co-Chair of Diwali – A Night to Shine. “It is the most notable Diwali celebration in Toronto, consistently exceeding our expectations. The funds raised will support the important research and medical innovations happening now at Krembil Brain Institute and Toronto Rehab and it would not be possible without the continuing goodwill of so many individuals. I am incredibly grateful for their support and commitment.”
Diwali, the namesake of the event, is the South Asian Festival of Lights that celebrates good health, hope, luck and prosperity. This year’s theme was An Indian Wedding. Across the many different faiths and cultures of India, celebrations are a spectacle of colour, music and festivity – an opportunity to showcase the famous Indian hospitality and abundance. There is no richer representation of Indian celebration than the multi-day extravaganza of an Indian Wedding. Guests enjoyed a truly immersive experience with exquisite cuisine, live performances, a fashion show, music and dancing. Raj Kothari also held a live auction where he auctioned off four of his own stylish jackets, raising $23,000.
“We were very proud to return as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Diwali – A Night to Shine,” says Brian Porter, President and CEO of Scotiabank, and Chair of UHN’s Board of Trustees. “My sincere thanks to those who attended this year’s gala, for playing an important role in supporting the world-renowned research and medical innovations taking place at UHN. Your time and generosity are greatly appreciated.”
Thank you to all guests and sponsors who made this year’s event such a success.