2008 July > The Brazillian Ball
Anna Maria de Souza moved to Toronto from Brazil in 1965 and immediately missed the excitment of Carnival. One year later, in a church basement, she created an event that grew to become one of the largest and longest running fundraisers in Canada generating more than $46 million net for numerous worthy charity causes. Sadly, Anna Maria lost her fight with cancer this year. However the 42nd Brazilian Carnival Ball was continued in her honour by her husband, Ivan de Sousa. "Live, Love and Laugh" was her wish celebrated by the over 1800 guests at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the 60 performers flown in from Rio for the indoor parade that was simply spectacular.
The event raised an unbelievable $7 million for the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Jody Glaser
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| No shortage of feathers |
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| Breathtaking costumes and beauty |
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| Everything was flown in from Rio for this one night |
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| Not as many male performers as women |
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| Huge floats indoors |
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| From Rio the Via Brazil Band |
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| Ivan de Sousa, President of the Brazilian Carnival Ball greets a performer and Regina Lesba |
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| The Welcome Parade |
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| The final honour went to founder Anna Maria de Sousa for 41 plus years of dedication |
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| Barry Flatman, Jeannie Becker, Heather and Max Gotlieb |
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| Hot tropical colours |
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| Michelle O'Connor and sister Jane Neal |
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| Miss Brazil, Vanessa Vioal |
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| The start of the spectacular Samba Parade |
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| These ladies are tall |
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| Victoria O'Toole |
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