Friends of Ruby is grateful to Cadillac Fairview for their generous Blue Zen Relax Zone sponsorship of the inaugural Ruby Gala. Your support contributed to a successful event and pleasant and unanticipated accommodation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth attending. 

Youth were invited to take part in the Ruby Glam Experience on the afternoon of the event, in which they could get their hair and makeup done, and choose from clothing, jewelry, and accessories to express their authentic selves. While youth were waiting for the Gala to officially start, they instinctively collected in the Blue Zen Relax Zone.

In order to provide safety and security, and to support the mental health and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth we serve, we had planned to take photos and videos of the unique spaces created for the Gala before youth arrived. The Ruby Gala was planned, from the beginning, as a safe, trauma-informed event. Because of a minor oversight on our part (and with the positive choice of where youth chose to gather after the Glam experience), we did not have the opportunity to photograph the Blue Zen Relax Zone. 

However, this misstep led to a wonderful outcome. The Blue Zen Relax Zone served its purpose twofold, accommodating youth with a comfortable space where they felt safe, and contributing to youth feeling valued, welcomed, and understood at the Ruby Gala. 

For context as to how meaningful the Ruby Gala was, including the safety that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth felt, here is a testimonial from a youth who attended:

The gala was an unexpectedly wonderful experience. Previous experiences with similar functions haven’t been very pleasant, so I was hesitant about taking part but I’m glad I did. The venue was fantastic, very sophisticated, and accessible. The highlights of the night were the food, freebies, and the staff and attendees who made it possible. Everything was incredibly well coordinated. It was thoughtful and considerate of staff to arrange therapy dogs as well as a quiet hangout room for those who would otherwise be averse to traditionally loud party-style gatherings. Overall, it was a memorable experience that I would love to attend again.

Youth also enjoyed & celebrated receiving a gift bag – the “freebies” referenced in the quote above.  The photo highlights the Cadillac Fairview corporate sponsorship support overtop the “swag bags” with Cadillac Fairview logo. The bag included a Cadillac Fairview gift card along with some additional items.

Thank you again for your thoughtful and inspiring support. We look forward to the potential of partnering with you again in 2024 for the second annual Ruby Gala. 

About Cadillac Fairview

Cadillac Fairview is a globally focused owner, operator, investor, and developer of best-in-class real estate across retail, office, residential, industrial, and mixed-use asset classes. Wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, CF manages in excess of $40 billion of assets across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company’s Canadian portfolio comprises 68 landmark properties, including the Toronto-Dominion Centre, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Tour Deloitte, CF Carrefour Laval, CF Chinook Centre and CF Pacific Centre.