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Manulife Walk for Memories 2008 at Roy Thomson Hall was wonderful in so many
ways. Over 700 walkers raised a phenomenal $440,000, far exceeding our $375,000
goal. Over 1200 walkers, family, friends and volunteers stepped back in time to
the music, with live bands, dancers, and singers featuring songs from the 40's to today.
The morning kicked off with teen dancers choreographed by Christine Tavares of
Jacqueline’s School of Dance, a saucy Latin number from Mambo Dream Team, and
a great performance by the a cappella group The Essentials. The Hip Hop warm-up
that followed featured Concrete Stylez, then the musical adventure began with
Stilt Walker Top Hat from Zero Gravity Circus leading the way. Master of Ceremonies
Bram Goldstein introduced the main entertainment on the two stages, as we stepped
back in time to disco dancers from The Dance Company, Beatles tribute band
The Mockers, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, The Swing Cats, and finally The Bob De
Angelis Band and Erica Peck, star of We Will Rock You. Please check photos of the event.
CBC’s Tom Harrington led the closing ceremonies, which included prizes for the top
fundraisers and the most innovative costumes. Top Walker Richard McWhirter raised
over $9,000.00. In accepting the prize, with his baby Christopher in his arms, Richard
said: “I am walking for two reasons: my father who has Alzheimer’s and my son
(6 months) who I hope never sees the disease.” Second place, went to our very good
friend Dorina Vendramin, who for the second year in a row came in as one of the
Top Walkers, and third place went to longtime supporter Janet Eggby. Team Deloitte
waltzed away, for the second year in a row with the Top Team prize, followed once
again very closely by Team Manulife, our wonderful sponsor.
Many people took a moment to honour and remember family members who have
been touched by Alzheimer’s, by posting photos and stories on the Manulife Wall
of Memories. The Children’s Area was a big success, with face painting, caricatures,
balloon figures, air brush tattoos, a juggler, goodie bags and lots of great food.
And many walkers and their families came along in costumes. We had a big and little
Elvis, Sonny and Cher, hippies, punks and several disco queens. It was so much fun.
It was really a special morning and we thank you all. We do hope that you will join us next year in January, 2009 to
share the excitement of the next great Manulife Walk for Memories.
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