The Event: Cascata Blu Presents Africa Comes Alive
You can never have too much of a great thing, and Cascata Blu has proven it, presenting a benefit for World Vision Canada called Africa Comes Alive, bringing fashion, culture and most importantly, awareness to World Vision Canada. This fabulous event, hosted by notable philanthropists Joan Kelley and Don Walker was held at MARO Supper Club and featured the talents of designers and performers making for a creative, cultural and meaningful night.
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| Cascata Blu & World Vision unite to raise funds and awareness for Africa. |
The talented comedian/actress Jessica Holmes emceed the night and kept everyone amused, while guests took in wine tasting from South Africa, live music from Krystaal, and silent and live auctions. The highlight of the night was a preview of Cascata Blu’s Spring/Summer 2012 swimwear line inspired by Africa. The show was gorgeous, featuring one-of-a-kind jewelry designed specifically for the event. Each piece of jewelry was then auctioned, with proceeds going to World Vision Canada.
We enjoyed the entire evening, mingling with the best in fashion, music and media. Telly and myself felt so inspired by World Vision Canada, Don Walker, and his wife Joan Kelley, Director of Operations of Cascata Blu and owner of Hero Media. She is a mother with a busy lifestyle and she has taken on the role as a World Vision spokesperson to bring awareness to those who are in need of food, health care, clean water, and education.
“My husband has been a long term supporter of World Vision for years and years. After we married I hosted several World Vision infomercials,” Joan Kelley said. “Once I started working with the people in the organization I noticed they were real, quality people and I realized, having my own young children we are lucky to be here, in Canada with so many resources. There are problems in every country, but my first trip to Africa with World Vision really opened my eyes that you can believe that this is how the people [of Africa] really live,” Kelley said. “You take it all for granted. Literally it’s a mud hut [Their homes], smaller than my closet and this is where people live.”
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| Joan Kelley and Don Walker (to the right), along with friends, visit communities in A Hi Kulene. |
Joan Kelley is excited to see what happens next for the people of A Hi Kulene.
“The goal is to go every year if possible and to watch the process and enjoy the process. We really can’t do anything to make it go faster. We trust World Vision entirely because they are doing the work and I know that they are, so I just want to go and enjoy it and see how the lives are getting better for the people,” she said.
All proceeds raised from Africa Comes Alive will be donated to the development of A Hi Kulene. The lovely pair, Joan and Don will match donations up to $150,000.
The event was visually stunning! Here are some images for your viewing pleasure! We have a story on the Cascata Blu show coming up!
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| Jessica Holmes (Royal Canadian Air Farce) emceed the event with 600 guests. |
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| Krystaal performed lively African influenced music for a happy crowd. |
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| Many amazing Canadian talent attended the event including Belinda Stronach, Anne-Marie Mediwake (CBC), Mary Kitchen (CityTV), Ambrose Price (HGTV’s The Decorating Adventures), Denis Maruk (Washington Capitals), Martin Reader (Team Canada Beach Volleyball), Korby Banner (Style By Jury), and Sarain Boylain (Republic of Doyle, Rookie Blue) |
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| Maro displayed all the action on large projectors throughout the night. |
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| Wine tasting was very educational. I’m being serious. |
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| Singers with the Krystaal band wore gorgeous traditional dresses. |
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| African-inspired jewellery created and donated by Canadian designers specifically for the event, included C’est Joli, Colette Harmon, J. Rox, Jewellery by Karen, Monikque Jewellery, Melissa Clemente Designs, Rita Tesolin, Sylvia Brade, and Tracy Borlase. |
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| Cascata Blu & gorgeous, bold jewelry. Amazing! |
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| Telly and Anne-Marie Mediwake (CBC) |
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| Gail McInnes (Magnet Creative Management) & Joan Kelley |
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| Joan Kelley and Carcia |
Announced today, Cascata Blu Presents Africa Comes Alive has raised, so far, $300,000 to benefit the A Hi Kulene Area Development Program (ADP) and World Vision Canada. All the jewelry pieces created by Canadian designers, were sold at the live auction, the highest bid being $9,000 for a Sylvia Brade’s necklace.
Overall the event was fabulous! When creativity, design, and culture can come together to make a difference you can’t help but feel inspired!
Stilettos & Rock n Roll,
