By Sally Warburton
Saturday, January 25th, 2025 was the date for the annual Dragon Ball – a wonderful fundraiser for the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation hosted the 36th Dragon Ball at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North in the lower level event space.
A thousand philanthropists, dignitaries and business and community leaders gathered to celebrate the Year of the Snake and raise funds to support Yee Hong Community senior services.
Fundraising while celebrating the Lunar New Year, the sold out Dragon Ball maintained its position as one of Toronto’s most anticipated events and the largest Lunar New Year celebration of its kind in North America. For the past three decades, the gala has raised more than $23 million for Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, supporting its operational expenses and development plans. Proceeds from this year’s gala will mainly go toward the construction of Yee Hong’s newest facility, Yee Hong Ng Siu Chan Centre, currently under construction in Scarborough.
Government dignitaries in attendance included Ontario Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, elegantly dressed Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Richmond Hill Mayor David West, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto LUO Weidong, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) Emily Mo amongst others.
Dr. Joseph Wong, Founder and Chair of the Yee Hong Foundation, said, “For over 30 years, Yee Hong has provided culturally appropriate care that respects the dignity and heritage of each individual. Their mission is not only to deliver exceptional care ensuring that each senior can age with dignity, joy and peace of mind.” Dr. Joseph Wong extended gratitude to the community for supporting Yee Hong.
This year’s gala was co-hosted by Elaine Lui (Lainey) and Winston Sih. The evening’s entertainment started with a stunning lion dance with pipa-percussion-Wushu performance, followed by Chinese folk dance : Sentiments of Love and Courage from Tang Dynasty – Yang Guifei.
Hong Kong sand-painting artist Hoi Chiu enthralled
guests with his mesmerizing sand art which was live but also shown on the screens around the gala dining room. A special duet of the Chinese folk song; Jasmine Flower featured Ukrainian soprano Antonina Laskarzhevska and harpist Andrew Chan, who performed on a 60-year legacy harp, crafted from 23-karat gold and rare Ziricote wood. The final act of the evening was the Dance of the Golden Snake performed by a dynamic blend of Chinese and Western instruments, celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Snake.
Well known for its exquisite and unique culinary experience, this year’s Dragon Ball featured another delicious four-course dinner designed by the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, highlighting Lunar New Year symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Guests dressed beautifully and elegantly enjoyed the pre-dinner oyster bar, the reception offered a selection of culinary delights, including Blue Label whiskey from Johnnie Walker, famous Goubuli Baozi, Taiwanese milk tea from CHICHA San Chen, Asian-fusion meals from Mi BOWL Meal, and roast suckling pig from New Century Palace. The dessert buffet featured specialties from Marathon Café, Wonton Hut, Saint Germain Bakery and Copper Tea. A wonderful way to top off the evening’s delicious food experience.
Guests dressed in beautiful outfits bid on exclusive live and silent auction items. Special auction items included a pair of business-class tickets from Air Canada to anywhere in the world, a $34,000 diamond bracelet
donated by Royal de Versailles, a luxury massage chair donated by Furnish Co., and Johnnie Walker’s limited-edition whiskey. Guests had time to browse through the large room where there were over 200 silent auction items, pure gold coins, RIMOWA luggage, restaurant gift certificates, premium wine sets, jewelry and designer handbags. A wonderful collection of items!
Four lucky guests won lucky draw prizes, valued at over $10,000, including
contributions from Delta Air Lines, Sunbook.ca, RIMOWA, and Casper. In addition, the 2025 Dragon Raffle was launched at the gala. The grand prize was a brand-new Audi A3 Sedan, generously donated by Audi Uptown. Final sales deadline is Sunday, September 21, 2025and
tickets are available at $25 each. So there’s still time to get draw tickets!
The Dragon Ball is an elegant way to raise money for a very important cause while celebrating The Year of the Snake! A wonderful evening! Mark your calendars for next year’s event! Happy New Year! Wishing you good fortune, prosperity and good health!
BKonthescene 