BELL CELEBRITY GALA 2010 PHOTOS & RECAP

Supermodel Coco Rocha
& Mr. Will-W.

Canada's leading Telecommunications Company Bell Canada threw yet another superb Celebrity Gala earlier this evening at Metro Convention Centre.  The annual Black Tie Affair unites Canadian Celebrities with fans, this year raising money for Toronto's CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).  The event in previous years had raised money for Sick Kids' Hospital, although President & COO George Cope had announced earlier this year that he would direct more focus from Bell towards matters of Mental Health, citing that not enough focus is being paid to this issue.  Despite my not feeling so well, I still made it out to show my support for the cause although I'm sure I will pay for it this weekend!

Despite British-American actress Minnie Driver being touted as one of this evening's biggest names, alas she had other obligations and was unable to make it out.  The party still brought out a number of familiar faces whether it be Athletes, Actors, Musicians and Television Personalities.  

Emcees this year included Sportscaster Rod Black and  Canada's favourite Comedian Russell Peters.  CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos also shared in the Hosting duties, doing on-the-spot interviews with some of the more notable guests in attendance like Supermodel Coco Rocha, Eric Roberts, Sofia Milos and many more.  Among this evening's performers were Jully Black, Faber Drive, Fefe Dobson, Kreesha Turner and hot Canadian act Down With Webster who delivered a spirited and well-received performance of Hall & Oates' hit Rich Girl.  Guests also were treated to a Fashion Show featuring work from local designers.

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers will be excited to know that our friend Dobson also signed a few items for you which I will be giving away next month with the release of her long-awaited album Joy.

VIRGIN AMERICA TORONTO LAUNCH PARTY AT THE THOMPSON (PICS AND GOSSIP)

I would die to have a Boss like Sir Richard Branson.  The man is an absolute Rock Star with a clear understanding of what makes this Ikea-buying generation tick.  He understands the power of Celebrity and the importance of Budgeting and Style as driving forces for consumers. His vision has made Virgin Group the Empire that it is today.

To have been invited to one of his parties is an amazing honour and an experience I will never forget.  Held at ultra-swank The Thompson Hotel, Virgin America's Launch Party for its first-ever international flight to Toronto, brought together Influencers of all sorts and a handful of recognizable Stars.  

With a Drink List that offered tantalizing selections like The Virgintini and endless helpings of Sliders, Cold Spring Rolls, Lamb Chops, Salmon Tartare Canapés and many, many more, Branson owns the term Hospitality.  After mingling a bit, I decided to proceed to the Lower Level, where he could be found sitting on a Bench with Guru-like presence, as guests lined up one-by-one to chat with him and have photographs taken.  I got my moment finally after letting a few over-zealous Ladies in ahead of me and was very direct and to-the-point, thanking him for having me at his Party. I then shook his hand and told him how much I admired his understanding of my generation and vision.  And he appreciated my conciseness  amidst the scurry of young Entrepreneurs trying to throw Business Proposals at him from every which direction.  As if.