Moonlight Gala 2015 in Support of McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Moonlight Gala- McMichael Gallery
It was a perfect warm summer evening to dine outside under the tall pines in the woods just north of Toronto on June 6, 2015 at the fourth annual Moonlight Gala in Kleinberg Ontario, home of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

This signature fundraiser enables the gallery to mount world-class exhibitions and supports educational programs for children. This year’s event, produced by ESP Inc., successfully raised $225,000 for the gallery.

Penny and Jeanne Beker

Jake Gold (right)

The Moonlight Gala signals that summer has begun and brings together unforgettable food, drink and entertainment under tents and in the gallery itself.

Dinner options for carnivores included chocolate scented boneless beef short rib with cauliflower puree and crisp polenta by Aura by Cashew & Clive, a trio of petite strip loin with duck fat mash, wild mushroom risotto and a micro green salad by Encore Catering and ginger hoisin glazed quail on a tropical salad by Presidential Gourmet.

Via Allegro provided house-made cavatelli pasta paired with Macallan whiskey.

There were also seafood options including drunken tiger shrimp prepared while you waited by Aura by Cashew & Clive, pan seared black cod with an arugula hazelnut pesto by On the Move Catering and a seashell pasta stuffed with lobster by Seventh Heaven Event Catering.

While guests enjoyed the signature pick cocktail, Steam Whistle beer and EastDell Estates wine, tasty bites by Daniel et Daniel and Aura by Cashew & Clive were passed around: crab pops, snapper ceviche, and maple sake salmon were just a few.

CTV’s Beverly Thomson hosted the event, and Jay Mandarino presided over the live auction.

Making music throughout the night was The Collective headlined by renowned jazz artist Amanda Martinez. Steve Paikin and Juno Award-winner Sophie Milman were in attendance to support the McMichael Canadian Art Collection as well as Honorary Patrons Jeanne Beker and Catherine Nugent.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the only major gallery in Canada with a mandate to collect only Canadian art. Its permanent collection, which consists of almost 6,000 artworks by The Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other artists, is a way to delve into the heart and soul of the Canadian identity.

Gourmet desserts by Dolcini by Joseph were enjoyed with FAEMA coffee, Ninutik maple sugar was also on site, but if you were looking for something more savory, you could make a stop at the Street Burger/New York Fries truck on your way out!

trio tapas (micro green salad, wild mushroom risotto, petite striploin with Foie jus) by Encore Catering

Encore Catering

seashell pasta stuffed with lobster (conchiglie repiene) by Saventh Heaven EVent Catering

seashell pasta stuffed with lobster (conchiglie repiene) by Saventh Heaven EVent Catering

seashell pasta stuffed with lobster (conchiglie repiene) by Saventh Heaven EVent Catering

pan seared black cod with truffled mashed blue potato by On The Move Catering

grilled quail with tropical salad by Presidential Gourmet

grilled quail with tropical salad by Presidential Gourmet

short ribs

Penny and Jeanne Beker

Penny and Jeanne Beker

Jake Gold (right)

seashell pasta stuffed with lobster (conchiglie repiene) by Saventh Heaven EVent Catering

(photos by Tanya)