MEDIA RELEASE - For Immediate Distribution
Attn.: News Photo Editors

1,750 Gather this evening for the 31st Annual Cardinal’s Dinner

Daniel Sullivan chairs Canada’s largest annual dinner,
with the support of religious, political & business leaders

TORONTO (October 28, 2010) – His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will welcome 1,750 guests at the 31st annual Cardinal’s Dinner Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building).

Thirty-one years ago, Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter, believed that business, political and religious organizations in the Archdiocese of Toronto should come together in fellowship, ever mindful of our mutual responsibility to strengthen the communities in which we work, live and worship.

The event has grown to become Canada’s largest annual dinner, with thousands joining in the celebration each year. Approximately 40 dignitaries will be seated at the head table, with representatives from the Vatican, federal, provincial and municipal leaders in attendance.

Chair of this year’s Cardinal’s Dinner is Daniel Sullivan, Canadian Consulate General. The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m and a keynote address by the Archbishop of Toronto.

The event is primarily a community dinner with fundraising a secondary goal. Over the years, the dinner has raised more than $5.5 million, with funds allocated to charitable organizations not fully funded by traditional sources. Last year, 29 local charities were the beneficiaries of the dinner proceeds.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is one of the most diverse dioceses in North America, serving as the spiritual home to 1.9 million Catholics, celebrating Mass in more than 30 languages each week at 225 parishes.

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Media Contact:
Neil MacCarthy – Director, Public Relations & Communications
Archdiocese of Toronto
(416) 934-3400 x 552  (416) 879-2846 (cell)
neilm@archtoronto.org
www.archtoronto.org

NOTE – A press table will be available.