Members of Swirl and Twirl’s organizing committee and event sponsors gathered at the RBC building on Sparks St July 18 to present cheques to the beneficiaries of the May 31 night of wine and entertainment.
“We had a fantastic event this year; it went really well. We broke our record on how much money was raised,” Denis Schryburt, Swirl and Twirl’s chair of sponsorships and communications, said. “We’re very excited about that.”
The $10,000 raised at this year’s affair went to Capital Pride, Pink Triangle Services and the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument.
Capital Pride chair Loresa Novy said she applied to ensure the Picnic in the Park and Capital Pride Youth events would have the opportunity to flourish.
Richard Rutherford, president of the board of directors for the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, complimented Swirl and Twirl’s pragmatism and said it was “overwhelming” for the monument to receive the charitable donation.
“We’ve been trying to finish the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights for about 25 years, and it is still not finished,” Rutherford said. “It’s a small group of citizens who started it, take care of it and are trying to finish it. This contribution is exceedingly appreciated.”
Others in attendance included Kayla Miller, who accepted a cheque on behalf of PTS; Jeff Boyd, RBC Ontario North and East regional president; Eric Patenaude, president and chef at Todrics Fine Dining and Catering — Swirl and Twirl’s key sponsor — and James Stone, the chair of Ontario Pride.
“We value all . . . diversity and are particularly pleased to support the LGBT community through events like this. Thanks for all you do,” Boyd said.
Looking forward to next year, Patenaude said Todrics is committed to sponsoring its sixth Swirl and Twirl event, and Schryburt promised that an even larger amount will be raised to benefit local queer charities.
“This is just the beginning; we also have next year as well,” Schryburt said.
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