TORONTO, Nov. 5 2017 — Conrad Black Sabbath, a band birthed out of The National Post newsroom, obliterated fake news, alternative facts and the competition at Newzapalooza Friday night at The Opera House. In attendance at The Media Event of The Year ™ were Iron Man, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and hundreds of hacks and hangers-on who helped raise money for the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada.
The dust is still settling as we type but our bean counters tell us we, thanks to fans and sponsors, raised around $13,000, bringing the total amount raised over the event’s 13 years to $180,000. The foundation works with over 50 child welfare agencies, providing support and scholarships for vulnerable young people.
A round of thanks to our co-hosts Robyn Doolittle and Michelle Shephard, and judges Dave Bidini, Raina Douris, Lana Gay and Anne-Marie Mediwake.
Closing out the night, honourary Newzapalooza co-chair Maizey Westaway — daughter of the late Jonathan Jenkins, who co-founded the event — presented Sarah Boesveld of Conrad Black Sabbath, once more, with the big trophy named after her dad, while brother Dexter watched on. It was the band’s third win in a row, for a cinematic set capped off with a rendition of Iron Man, complete with, um Iron Man, and plenty of theatre. CTV’s Highway to Bell, including anchor Lisa LaFlamme, and The Huffingtones, with stupendous performances by both, made it a very close call for the judges. Thank you to all seven media bands that competed this year. You were great.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors, especially long-standing support from Long & McQuade Musical Instruments and The Opera House and its terrific staff, including manager Athena Ellinas-Towers. Ace Awards donated the coveted trophy. Kudos to Nikon Canada, Ace Awards, Torq Ride, Rogers and the Toronto Star for the draw prizes.
Thank you, also, to Annie Arnone, Ainsley Cruickshank, Victoria Gibson, Alanna Rizza, David Rider and Patty Winsa for volunteering their time Friday to help with the show. Brian Hughes once again designed our tickets, and for that we are grateful. Thanks also to Jess Brayne of the foundation and her volunteers.
Lastly, all of us on the volunteer planning committee — Sarah Boesveld, Robyn Doolittle, Rob & Natasha Granatstein, Lauren Pelley, Jim Rankin, Graeme Roy, Michelle Shephard and Tanya Talaga — thank everyone who turned out for a terrific cause. See you next November!