PRESS RELEASE

––– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –––

“The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund to Benefit from the first annual “I See A Star” Benefit Concert Gala.”

Quartette headlines the new annual “I See A Star” Benefit Concert Gala, and will be joined by the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto Choir (MCC Toronto Choir) on December 4th, 2005 to support the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, and celebrate the Fund’s 100th Anniversary.

“Quartette, (Sylvia Tyson, Cindy Church, Gwen Swick and Caitlin Hanford) is headlining this event as one of the most electrifying collaborations in Canada and an evening with Quartette is an evening that is truly unforgettable, and the perfect way to start the Christmas season,” says Romelda Morson, the event’s Producer. Added to the musical lineup is The MCC Toronto Choir - one of the most dynamic and diverse choral groups in the city. “Attendees are in for an amazing evening!” adds Brian Cope, the event’s Co-Producer.

“Proceeds from this event will go to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, which provides gift boxes to over 45,000 needy children throughout the GTA at Christmas. The boxes are filled with many wonderful, needed items including socks, mitts, a hat, a warm sweater, a toy, a game, a book and a little candy - all age appropriate,” explains Morson, who also notes that “…this year is very special. It is the 100th Anniversary of the Santa Claus Fund, and this event is in celebration of the Santa Claus Fund’s dedicated service to the children that live in the GTA. The Santa Claus Fund relies solely upon donations to purchase the box items. The Toronto Star takes care of all the administration costs of the Fund.”

The event will feature a Gala Cocktail Reception following the live performances, with cash bar and catering by Lisa Shamai and Urban Source Catering. The evening will end with the conclusion of the Silent Auction.

Silent Auction items for this year include:

• an all-inclusive trip for two to the four-star resort Samba Vallarta by Pueblo Bonito in Nuevo Vallarta, courtesy of Signature Vacations

• Private cooking class for four with Master Chef Sasi, courtesy of Sasi Gourmet Thai

• Private catering for eight, courtesy of Urban Source Catering

• 4 VIP tickets to the Toronto International Airshow in the private VIP Tent of Airshow Partner, courtesy of TorontoHarbour.com

• Tickets to the production of Hair, courtesy of CanStage

• “The Incredible Edible Garden Party” hosted by HGTV’s “One Garden Two Looks” host Denis Flanagan and catered by The Four Seasons Hotel Executive Chef and Food Network’s Restaurant Makeover Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford at the bidder’s residence.

• A team autographed hockey stick, courtesy of the Toronto Maple Leafs

and many more great one-of-a-kind items!

The organization will also be celebrating the retirement of the ‘Riverdale Santa Claus’ Hank Condie, who has been playing the role of Santa for The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund and delivering toys to needy children in the GTA since 1973! He will be hanging up his reins and retiring this year at the ripe young age of 80!

“I See A Star” Benefit Concert Gala & Silent Auction is being held on Sunday, December 4th, 2005 at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto. Silent Auction beings at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7:30 pm, Gala Reception and Silent Auction Conclusion from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Tickets are $45.00 in advance. Tickets are available by calling TicketWeb at 1-888-222-6608 or online at www.torontoharbor.com. The venue is Wheelchair Accessible and the concert will be signed for the hearing impaired.

“We are happy that TorontoHarbor.com, Foxy 88.5, Toronto Star and Eye Weekly have stepped up to the plate as sponsors” said Brian Cope, “because it means more money will go to benefit the kids - they are the reason we are all doing this...because all kids should experience joy at Christmas time - and the Santa Claus Fund delivers joy, packaged in a box, delivered just in time for Christmas!”

For further information and interview requests for the “I See A Star” Benefit Concert Gala & Silent Auction:

Please contact Cheryl McKenzie 416-358-0744 cheryl@britgirlproductions.com

For more information on Quartette, please visit their website at www.quartette.com

More event information can be found on the MCCToronto Choir’s website at: www.mcctorontochoir.com

www.britgirlproductions.com