Fireball: Looking Beyond the Red Hot Event

By Jackielou Perez

Now in its thirteenth year, Fireball was founded by a group of young philanthropists who came together with a desire to host a red hot event to raise money for Sheena's Place, a charity close to their hearts.
Juliette Gonsalves, one of the committee members, took the time to chat about Fireball and the events the committee has organized for Sheena's Place.

1. What is Fireball?

Fireball, which took place in October, is a night to flaunt your hottest red attire and indulge in a fiery evening of savoury delicacies, cocktails, dancing and prizes. To date, Fireball has raised over $1 million for programming at Sheena’s Place, a non-profit organization that provides support for people with eating disorders and their families. Last year, Sheena's Place served more than 1,100 clients and held 1,306 group sessions. Sheena’s Place receives no government funding and is not a United Way member agency - we rely exclusively on the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and events like Fireball in order to continue to offer all programs free of charge.

3. Why is this a cause close you?

This cause is important to me not just because of the assistance it provides to those suffering from eating disorders, but also because of the light it sheds on the  societal pressures  to look a certain way and adhere to a particular image.

4. Can you name an experience that has stood out for you through your participation with Sheena’s Place?

Each year as we put together the Fireball event, hearing the stories of how Sheena's Place has been able to help those suffering from eating disorders and their families makes me realize the importance that this organization plays in our community, and how important it is that we continue to raise funds for its future.

5. Tell me about events that happen each year for Sheena's Place, including the most recent event.

Our most recent event was a wine dinner and auction at Sopra hosted by Sheena’s Place supporters Anthony Borg and David Friedman. This event was a huge success, raising over $60,000 for Sheena’s Place. We are also currently in the midst of our Heart 2 Heart earring campaign. These beautiful earrings, designed by Shay Lowe Jewellery Design, feature a silver-plated, nickel-free hook and a dazzling aquamarine Swarovski crystal. Each pair is $25, and $23 of each sale will go directly towards eating disorder support programming at Sheena's Place. 
Our next big event is our annual Awareness Breakfast presented by Scotiabank taking place at The Fairmont Royal York on Friday, February 10th, 2012.  The Breakfast is our biggest fundraiser and brought in over $160,000 net for Sheena’s Place in 2011.

7. How can people get involved or get more information?

People can find more information about Sheena’s Place at www.sheenasplace.org or by contacting us at 416-927-8900.