By Sally Warburton
Every two years Community Living has its massive fundraiser … Community Rocks! 2025 was the year! This year the event was as spectacular as ever! Held again at the Queen Elizabeth Building on the Exhibition Grounds in Toronto.
Doors opened at 6pm at the amazing venue which is spacious and convenient to get to. Upon arrival cheerful volunteers were there to greet guests with smiles. The theme of this year’s event was Community Rocks Secret Garden: From Blooms to Grooves. Every detail was put into creating the Blooms to Grooves theme. Decorations and volunteers dressed up creatively.
Guests also got into the theme by dressing in floral clothing. At the entrance was the photo booth with opportunities for fun photos to keep as everlasting memories! A fully stocked bar was waiting for guests with friendly and helpful staff. Inside the Queen Elizabeth building was a forest awaiting! A beautiful and intriguing one! A welcome cocktail – with or without alcohol, was offered. Staff circulated, serving delicious and (mostly!) healthy hors-d’oeuvre from platters. There were food booths serving small bowls of turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, green beans, delicious pasta and scrumptious salads. All delicious!
Before 8pm guests were ushered to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the concert! Who was performing this year? Dwayne Gretzy Band! For the 2nd time – they performed in 2023 as well. Who is the Dwayne Gretzky Band? Canada’s reigning music champions in delivering classic hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. A not to miss music experience. The band interacted with the crowd, got everyone up dancing and moving to the beat and entertained for more than an hour and a half. Everyone loved it! Seats had been removed in the QE theatre for lots of standing room and still lots of seats, too!
To help plan the evening this year was the Community Rocks app to learn ahead of time about the entertainers, attractions, sponsors, food and more! Rock Around the Garden ensured guests saw all Community Rocks had to offer and in addition were entered in a draw to win tickets to a 2026 Toronto Tempo game or tickets to Community Rocks 2027!
It really was an unforgettable night! And it was an event for supporting Community Living. Community Living Toronto has long been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families. Community Living Toronto offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment services, supported living, and community-based activities. For more info cltoronto.ca
The venue is clearly visible for Wheel-Trans Pickups and UBER and taxis. Steps from the TTC 29 Dufferin Bus (which goes thru the Exhibition grounds when CNE is not on) so not hard to reach.
It was a night of fun, music, inclusion and impact. It truly was the ultimate Party with a Purpose at Community Rocks. Brought to you by Community Living Toronto and LIGHTS. Mark your calendars for 2 years from now… November 2027!
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