FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON (November 8, 2021) – As autumn moves into winter, a select number of special guests gathered at Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto on November 6th to attend Mon Sheong Foundation’s 29th annual Cathay Ball. This year’s theme of “Caring Beyond Boundaries” not only drew guests and representatives from all three levels of government to attend in person, but to the virtual platform as well. Mon Sheong unveiled the ingenious hybrid event for guests to enjoy wherever they are, breaking past physical barriers to come together in support of “Because We Care” campaign for their Stouffville Long-Term Care Centre.
Tim Kwan, Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation, shared, “This year’s Cathay Ball is about adapting the way we care. Our Cathay Ball Co-Chairs, Francis Tsui and Teresa Tazumi, organizing committee, and staff worked very hard to overcome many challenges and create an evening that you can enjoy virtually at home and in-person at the theatre and it is for sure one-of-a-kind. Today, we are at the forefront of something new, not just with Cathay Ball, but Mon Sheong Foundation as a whole. Our Stouffville Long-Term Care Centre was completed well ahead of its deadline and residents have been moving in since early October. This is very good news. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that we will be breaking ground on our Markham Senior Care Campus on November 15th. That’s less than two weeks from now.”
The evening featured a wonderful live show. With a thunderous Japanese Drumming performance by Nagata Shachu to open the show, Cathay Ball was filled with talented programs spanning many different styles. Michael Ciufo’s melodic voice took audience members around the world, from jazz to pop, from English to Italian. The special guest of the evening, Christopher Siu, MasterChef Canada Season 7, shared a special Basque style cheesecake that was close to his heart, allowing guests to see the inner workings of sweet childhood memories being brought to life in adulthood.
The virtual platform was also replete with activities. The Touch of Love game and virtual photo booth were popular among guests as they enjoyed the fun and captured their presence at the virtual gala to share with friends. The virtual photo booth also boasted a Best Photo Award, while the Touch of Love game handed out prizes to top ten winners. On top of all of this, guests were also able to take part in a live Trivia game.
Cathay Ball 2021 would not be successful without the support of many donors and sponsors such as Diamond Sponsor, MediSystem Pharmacy; Platinum Sponsor, Scotiabank; Ruby Sponsor, CIBC; Elite Sponsor, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto); Sapphire Sponsor, Sun Ming Hong Canada Ltd.; and more. With their help and the support of the guests, Mon Sheong will be able to add three Snoezelen System rooms to Stouffville Long-Term Care Centre. The Snoezelen System provides a multisensory environment for seniors and those with dementia. The lighting effects, colours, sounds and different materials help seniors to relax, be calm and provide sensory stimulation. As these rooms are not specifically funded by the government, the funds raised tonight will go a long way to providing this system to those in need.
For more information regarding Mon Sheong Foundation or to donate, please visit www.monsheong.org.

Captions
1) Mon Sheong Foundation Board of Directors walking the red carpet at Cathay Ball 2021 – Caring Beyond Boundaries
2) Mon Sheong Foundation CEO, Stephanie Wong (centre), joined by Minister Helena Jaczek (right) and MPP Daisy Wai (left) at Cathay Ball
3) From left to right; Jeffrey Mah, Corporate Secretary, Mon Sheong Foundation; Stephanie Wong, CEO, Mon Sheong Foundation; MPP Daisy Wai; MPP Aris Babikian; MPP Billy Pang; and Tim Kwan, Chairman, Mon Sheong Foundation
4) A rousing Japanese Drumming performance at Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto for Cathay Ball
5) Audience members enjoying Cathay Ball’s live show at the Theatre
6) Minister Raymond Cho (left) with Tim Kwan, Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation
7) David Cheng, Vice President of Mon Sheong Foundation, presenting plaques to thank the in-person sponsors of Cathay Ball 2021
8) MPP Jean Yip (left) joined by David Cheng, Vice-President of Mon Sheong Foundation
9) Cathay Ball 2021’s virtual gala platform was filled with many activities and interesting games for guests to enjoy