Lisa Ray Headlines 7th Annual Toronto-Calcutta Fundraising Gala

Actress to Deliver Keynote Celebrating 24 years of Humanitarian Activities

on Friday, November 16, 2012 

TORONTO (November 13, 2012) –  The who’s who of  Toronto’s Bengali-Canadian community come together on Friday, November 16^th for the seventh annual fundraising gala in support of the Toronto Calcutta Foundation’s charitable activities here and in Calcutta.  Bengali-Canadian actress and humanitarian Lisa Ray will deliver a key note address while York University’s Professor Ananya Mukherjee-Reed acts as Master of Ceremonies at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan.

“We are thrilled to have both Ms. Ray and Ms. Mukherjee-Reed supporting TCF at this year’s gala. Their presence and participation helps bring more awareness to TCF’s activities” said Uttam Chakrabarti, Director of TCF.

Twenty-Four Years of Bringing Hope

For the past 24 years, TCF has been providing services in education, health and vocational training for women in Calcutta. Past fundraising gala dinners have supported Toronto’s Dixon Hall and Nellie’s Shelter. Working with RESULTS Canada, TCF also organized an HIV-AIDS awareness seminar in Toronto. This year TCF is collaborating with Women’s Habitat in Toronto on two projects namely Women’s Skill Training and Girlz Space Program.

Our programs in Toronto:

·         Life Skills program for women fleeing domestic violence

·         Girls Space (Leadership Training) program for at-risk grade 6 to 8 students

·         Heart Health Education and Awareness program

Our programs in Calcutta, India:

·         Women’s Vocational Training and Certificate programs

·         Education support for over 400 students between nursery and grade 4

·         Health camps and clinics in rural areas serving the needy

Event Details:

Date:               Friday, November 16, 2012             

6:30 p.m. – reception & refreshments

7:30 p.m. – presentation & entertainment

9:00 p.m. – dinner

Location:         Hilton Garden Inn, Hwy 400 & 7 in Vaughan

Entertainment will be provided by outstanding entertainers including well known vocalist Shirsha Chakraborty and Brendan Cassidy and his jazz band. Guests can enter to win door prizes and bid on an array of auction items.

About The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation

The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation (TCF) is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity in Canada helping to alleviate poverty in Calcutta and its surrounding areas. TCF funds, supports and/or manages projects that address local needs related to health, education and vocational training for women. In partnership with local communities TCF is working towards sustainable development.www.toronto-calcutta.org.

StarBuzz, Toronto-