News Releases - 2001

December 3rd, 2001

Toronto All Star Jazz Band Heats Up Public Holiday Celebration at West Park Healthcare Centre

Toronto - Cool lights, hot music. It's a winning combination and a great way for the whole family to kick off the holiday season. West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation invites the public to enjoy the big band sounds of the Toronto All Star Jazz Band, plus its sparkling tree-lighting ceremony, ice sculpture, vendors' market and horse-drawn carriage rides at its 11th Celebration of Lights on Tuesday, December 4th beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The annual event takes place at West Park Healthcare Centre, the regional adult rehabilitation centre for the western Greater Toronto Area located at 82 Buttonwood Avenue (in the Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue area).

"The Toronto All Star Jazz Band will be headlining our show in the auditorium after our captivating tree-lighting ceremony at which we turn on 25,000 lights strung throughout the trees on the centre's grounds," says Kelly Cole, president & CEO of the foundation. "This dynamic orchestra plays tribute to the legendary Big Band Era and is comprised of talented young musicians between the ages of 16 and 21. Not only has this group rekindled interest in Glenn Miller, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman classics, but it has also encouraged the resurgence of admiration for the romantic sounds of the dance-band era. I guarantee you'll have a swinging, good time."

The vocalists of the Big Band, called the 'Serenaders', will get audiences singing and swinging with the up-tempo harmonies of The Modernaires, Pied Pipers, and the Andrew Sisters. The group has played the Toronto Beaches Festival, Canadian National Exhibition, Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival, Hamilton Jazz Festival, Daly Centre in Chicago, New York City, and The Canadian Snowbirds Association Extravaganza 2000 in Tampa Bay, Florida.

"West Park's mission is to help its patients overcome their health challenges and live the fullest lives possible. When the skilled care of our staff and physicians is combined with the extraordinary courage and dignity of our patients and residents, the results are nothing short of amazing," adds Bob Morrison, chair of the centre's foundation. "The Celebration of Lights is a symbol of the light of hope that West Park brings to the lives of our patients and residents. It is also a symbol of the generosity of the community that supports the centre through financial contributions to the foundation. So the celebration is our way to thank everyone."

Weather permitting, visitors will be able to take a short, tethered ride into the sky to view the twinkling wonderland below from a hot air balloon graciously sponsored by Enbridge Consumers Gas. Those not partial to heights will have the option of a horse-drawn wagon ride through the grounds, participation in a colouring contest in the children's centre or light refreshments. These fun activities have been made possible by corporate sponsorship, lead by Rogers Media Inc., one of Canada's largest integrated media companies.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Fawcett, Director, Public Relations
Phone: (416) 243-3730
Email: sandra.fawcett@westpark.org