Design Hope Toronto Builds Up

More space. More art. More people. More money for the homeless.

Artists and art aficionados alike packed Modern Weave on February 8, 2008 to help Design Hope Toronto raise over $14,500 for Dixon Hall's Homeless, Hostels and Housing program. The amount almost doubled what was raised in Design Hope Toronto's inaugural event only two years ago, bringing the three year total to over $32,000.

Design Hope Toronto is a volunteer initiative that asks artists to create works of art on a first come, first served basis. The art is then auctioned off and raffled at a catered gala with all of the proceeds going to help the homeless.

The event's new location at 160 King Street East was spacious enough for 40 pieces to be displayed, 15 more than the year before. This allowed for an even wider range of eclectic and thought-provoking - and stunning - art to be won.

In perhaps the most touching moment of the evening, enigmatic auctioneer Bill Kime asked two students from Fern Avenue Public School to help auction off a piece that their grade three class made for the event.

CBC's Marcia Williams graciously returned as the night's host and kept the evening fun yet focused on the event's most important purpose - inspiring hope for the homeless.

Design Hope Toronto recognizes the role artists play in bringing humanity's most pressing issues to light and connecting them to every member of the community.

After a string of such successful galas, optimism runs high for 2009.

View photos of the event (PDF) »