January 20

‘Dress for Success’&’An Evening with Lisa LaFlamme’@The Wintergarden Theatre-Thurs.,Jan.19th,2023

Posted by on January 20, 2023 in Arts, Camera Call And Announcement, celebration, Events, Foundation, premiere, reception, Showcase | Leave a comment


By Sally Warburton

Thursday, January 19th was a night to learn about Canadian journalist, Lisa Laflamme. To learn more – in person and in her own words. The event ‘An Evening with Lisa LaFlamme’ was a fundraiser for the Toronto organization ‘Dress for Success’.

The evening started at the Wintergarden Theatre with a Red Carpet: VIP guests included Tara Spencer-Nairn, Tamara Podemski, Sarain Fox, Teresa Pavlinek ,Sangita Patel, Morgan Hoffman, Pooja Handa, Charlotte Herrold, Lauren O’Neil, Madeline Forsyth, Ashna Bharkhada, Randi Mann. And of course, beloved journalist, Lisa LaFlamme with Globe & Mail journalist Robyn Doolittle, the interviewer of the evening.  And it couldn’t be a Red Carpet event without the Mayor of Canada’s biggest city – Mayor John Tory.

Dress for Success offers programs and services designed to help women to overcome challenges in their personal and professional journeys. DFS inspires, empowers and educates women. The life-changing opportunities offer insights, knowledge and expertise that empower women with confidence forever.  When we help women, we help their families, the economy and our communities. Everyone wins.

The Wintergarden Theatre is located on Yonge Street just north of Queen Street in Toronto. It’s a unique and fascinating theatre. The historic building houses both the Wintergarden and the Elgin Theatres.  

Evening started with an introduction by Farah Nasser, Global News anchor who was the host for the evening.  A videoclip of Dress for Success was shown explaining the organization’s philosophy and including a volunteer and a client speaking of the importance and success of DFS.  Kait Green, Executive Director of Dress for Success Toronto also spoke.

Lisa LaFlamme and Robyn Doolittle were welcomed warmly to the stage with rousing applause. It was a personal and informal evening of questions and discussion. Lisa LaFlamme was very candid in her responses and pensive at times… several times pausing due to emotions. The audience were riveted by the talk and felt Ms. LaFlamme’s emotions. Questions included what it was like to be a journalist at some of the most memorable events in history such as 9/11, Royal weddings and funerals, political events and being near war zone areas. Lastly, the most intriguing question was about her gray hair…  which looks fabulous…   The evening ended with questions submitted by the audience through the QR code in the program.  The hour and half flew by… and not only did we get to learn in person all about Lisa LaFlamme’s magnificent career… but over $500,000 was raised for Toronto’s Dress for Success!  It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all!