A delightfully unstuffy affair (featuring Malcolm Gladwell) at the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala
A delightfully unstuffy affair (featuring Malcolm Gladwell) at the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala
By Simone Olivero | March 12, 2012
By Simone Olivero | 03/12/2012
E. Nigel Harris and Malcolm Gladwell (Image: Erin Simkin)
More fancy Toronto benefit galas should be like the third annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday night. Guests shared warm embraces and rowdy laughs, a drum circle in colourful costumes ushered the food to the table, and a string of talented musicians delighted those on hand from start to finish. Special guests honoured at the proceedings included the New Yorker ’ s Malcolm Gladwell, Canadian artist (and friend of Michelle Obama ) Artis Lane, former Cabinet minister Zanana Akande, top lawyer Frank Walwyn and cultural philanthropist Dr. Anthony MacFarlane.
Nineteen-year-old Quincy Bullen greeted VIP guests with a ditty on the jazz piano as they entered the reception and sipped (cheesy) tropical fruit cocktails. We spotted Gladwell in an intense conversation with UWI vice-chancellor E. Nigel Harris —but otherwise, the renowned author was surprisingly terse and mysterious. The rest of the room, on the other hand, buzzed with excitement. Ten-year-old Keon Marshall added musical number to the evening’s ticket with a soulful rendition of the Canadian national anthem, which had guests gushing (his charm was rivalled only by bow-tie-clad Frank Walwyn, whom we were completely taken with). The Eddie Bullen Ensemble and Divine Brown also regaled attendees with musical numbers of their own. All proceeds from the gala go toward the UWI Scholarship Fund, which supports outstanding achievers.
122653 (Image: Erin Simkin) Sometimes you just have to touch the shiny thing 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala27.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala27/ mar12uwigala27 0 0
Sometimes you just have to touch the shiny thing
122652 (Image: Erin Simkin) You’d expect the deputy police chief to have a firm handshake; Chang’s face confirms as much 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala26.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala26/ mar12uwigala26 0 0
You’d expect the deputy police chief to have a firm handshake; Chang’s face confirms as much
122651 (Image: Erin Simkin) Chang and Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala25/ mar12uwigala25 0 0
Chang and Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly
122650 (Image: Erin Simkin) CI Financial founder and mutual fund magnate Raymond Chang and wife Donette Chin-Loy 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala24/ mar12uwigala24 0 0
CI Financial founder and mutual fund magnate Raymond Chang and wife Donette Chin-Loy
122649 Donette Chin-Loy raced across the room to greet her long-time friend 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala23/ mar12uwigala23 0 0
Donette Chin-Loy raced across the room to greet her long-time friend
122648 (Image: Erin Simkin) Dr. MacFarlane holds court with University Health Network CEO Robert Bell and Michael Baker 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala22/ mar12uwigala22 0 0
Dr. MacFarlane holds court with University Health Network CEO Robert Bell and Michael Baker
122647 (Image: Erin Simkin) Dr. Anthony MacFarlane 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala21/ mar12uwigala21 0 0
Dr. Anthony MacFarlane
122646 (Image: Erin Simkin) Sculptor and painter Artis Lane and Pamela Da Camera 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala20/ mar12uwigala20 0 0
Sculptor and painter Artis Lane and Pamela Da Camera
122645 (Image: Erin Simkin) Ten-year-old singer Keon Marshall—looking all kinds of sharp 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala19/ mar12uwigala19 0 0
Ten-year-old singer Keon Marshall—looking all kinds of sharp
122644 (Image: Erin Simkin) Political activist Kamala-Jean Gopie alongside Zanana Akande and John Honderich 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala18/ mar12uwigala18 0 0
Political activist Kamala-Jean Gopie alongside Zanana Akande and John Honderich
122643 (Image: Erin Simkin) Two people who look truly dignified: former politician Zanana Akande and Torstar chair John Honderich 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala17/ mar12uwigala17 0 0
Two people who look truly dignified: former politician Zanana Akande and Torstar chair John Honderich
122641 (Image: Erin Simkin) Clothing magnate Harry Rosen and his daughter, photographer Racheal McCaig 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala16/ mar12uwigala16 0 0
Clothing magnate Harry Rosen and his daughter, photographer Racheal McCaig
122640 (Image: Erin Simkin) President and CEO of Hitachi Canada Howard Shearer 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala15/ mar12uwigala15 0 0
President and CEO of Hitachi Canada Howard Shearer
122639 (Image: Erin Simkin) Lawyer Frank Walwyn is every bit as charming as he looks 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala14/ mar12uwigala14 0 0
Lawyer Frank Walwyn is every bit as charming as he looks
122638 (Image: Erin Simkin) Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly and his wife, Leyla 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala13.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala13/ mar12uwigala13 0 0
Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly and his wife, Leyla
122637 (Image: Erin Simkin) Quincy Bullen tapping the keys 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala12.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala12/ mar12uwigala12 0 0
Quincy Bullen tapping the keys
122636 (Image: Erin Simkin) Seriously, did we mention how cool we think these guys are? 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala11.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala11/ mar12uwigala11 0 0
Seriously, did we mention how cool we think these guys are?
122635 (Image: Erin Simkin) Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-drum (heh) 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala10.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala10/ mar12uwigala10 0 0
Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-drum (heh)
122634 (Image: Erin Simkin) Is that real-life Kingsley Shacklebolt? We think so 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala9.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala9/ mar12uwigala9 0 0
Is that real-life Kingsley Shacklebolt? We think so
122633 (Image: Erin Simkin) Just a bunch of happy guys 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala8/ mar12uwigala8 0 0
Just a bunch of happy guys
122632 (Image: Erin Simkin) Case in point… 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala7/ mar12uwigala7 0 0
Case in point…
122631 (Image: Erin Simkin) We say, more drum group, less of everything else (no offence, everything else) 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala6/ mar12uwigala6 0 0
We say, more drum group, less of everything else (no offence, everything else)
122630 (Image: Erin Simkin) Journalist and diversity consultant Hamlin Grange and the CBC’s Suhana Meharchand 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala5/ mar12uwigala5 0 0
Journalist and diversity consultant Hamlin Grange and the CBC’s Suhana Meharchand
122629 (Image: Erin Simkin) Yes, Scotiabank is the corporate sponsor for absolutely everything in this city 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala4/ mar12uwigala4 0 0
Yes, Scotiabank is the corporate sponsor for absolutely everything in this city
122628 (Image: Erin Simkin) Light, learning, liberty. The three L’s 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala3.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala3/ mar12uwigala3 0 0
Light, learning, liberty. The three L’s
122627 (Image: Erin Simkin) We have to admit, we were hoping Gladwell’s hair wouldn’t be so subdued 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala2.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala2/ mar12uwigala2 0 0
We have to admit, we were hoping Gladwell’s hair wouldn’t be so subdued
122625 (Image: Erin Simkin) Malcolm Gladwell chats with E. Nigel Harris (vice chancellor, University of the West Indies) 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala1/ mar12uwigala1 0 0
Malcolm Gladwell chats with E. Nigel Harris (vice chancellor, University of the West Indies)
122771 (Image: Erim Simkin) 3rd annual University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mar12UWIgala_intro.jpg 656 420 [] https://torontolife.com/city/university-of-west-indies-toronto-benefit-gala/slide/mar12uwigala_intro/ mar12uwigala_intro 0 0
The UWI Toronto Benefit Gala is in a class of its own. I, along with the other board members of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers attended in support of our friend and past president, Frank Walwyn. Simone Olivero was not the only one to appreciate his charm filled speech. I want to send a big congratulations to Mr. Walwyn.