Thank you Toronto! An impressive 1.2 million dollars was raised at the sixth annual Bovet 1822 and Artists for Peace and Justice 2015 Festival Gala held at Casa Loma. Co-Chaired by Natasha Koifman and Sylvia Mantella, the event was co-hosted by an influential team of artists, actors, and philanthropists, including George Stroumboulopoulos, Dame Helen Mirren and Mr. Pascal Raffy, Owner of Bovet 1822.

Click here for photos from the celebration.

The evening’s title sponsor was APJ strategic partner Bovet 1822, the extraordinary timepiece company that ensures APJ is able to give 100 percent of every dollar raised directly to Haiti. This year’s event included a beautiful sit-down dinner at the glorious Casa Loma, operated by Liberty Entertainment Group.

Tomy Swick began the evening with a musical performance, followed by the theatrical live auction hosted by the Scott Brothers, Drew and Jonathan. Our lots included joining Petra Nemcova for Fashion Week, lunch with Diane von Furstenberg, a live studio session with Jackson Browne and a walk on role in James Franco’s next movie!

Helen Mirren presented our inaugural Peace and Justice Award to Susan Sarandon, remarking that Susan is a true “social justice warrior,” a tireless advocate for human rights and peace throughout the world.

APJ’s CEO David Belle then presented our team member Jaebets Jean Gilles with his Peace and Justice Award. Mr. Jean Gilles serves as the head of the St. Luke Foundation’s education department, where he “works to empower future generations to create a better tomorrow for his country.”

Father Rick took the stage to talk about his work on the ground and the importance of action, leading us into our very special centerpiece film “Together We Will Go Far” about William Osias (a student at the Academy for Peace and Justice) and his brother Alexandre Osias. The Osias brothers came up from Haiti just for this special night and surprised the audience with a performance of the title song from the film. Everyone was on their feet dancing and gave them a standing ovation! It was a magical moment.

Moby then took the stage for a special acoustic set, and Win Butler (DJ Windows 98) and Régine Chassange of Arcade Fire started a dance party with some RaRa to close out the night! It was such a special celebration under the stars, which raised enough for 2,000 student scholarships. Thank you, Toronto!

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s 2015 Festival Gala will be held on Sunday, September 13.

For the past four years, APJ’s annual event has become a mainstay during the Toronto International Film Festival, acquiring a strong following of philanthropists, businesspeople, film stars, directors, musicians, and artists from around the world who come out to have fun and raise vital funds for our programs in Haiti.

We are thrilled that this year’s event will once again take place at Liberty Group’s Casa Loma, a treasured piece of Toronto history.

The evening will feature an elegant cocktail and dinner gala in the castle garden, followed by a very special musical performance.

Be on the lookout for more announcements on co-hosts, performers, and tickets over the next few weeks and in the meantime look back on a few of our past Toronto events here, here and here!

To inquire about sponsorship, tickets, or anything else please contact us.

Seven brilliant and beautiful women came to Haiti to visit the Academy for Peace and Justice, the St. Damien’s Children’s Hospital and Cite-Soleil, one of the poorest slums of the Western hemisphere.

The students were extremely inspired by these successful women and leaders who shared their experiences.

These extraordinary women are:

Natasha Koifman, APJ Canada Board Chair and Founder of NKPR, Sylvia Mantella, Chief Marketing Officer of Mantella Corporation, Lola Schnabel, renowned artist, Gisella Marengo, Italian actress and producer, Madalina Ghenea, Romanian actress and fashion model, Lori Manuel Steed and Birgit Grossmann Coles, owners of Simbi Inc.

View more photos from their visit here!