Thank you Toronto! An impressive 1.2 million dollars was raised at the sixth annual Bovet 1822 and Artists for Peace and Justice 2015 Festival Gala held at Casa Loma. Co-Chaired by Natasha Koifman and Sylvia Mantella, the event was co-hosted by an influential team of artists, actors, and philanthropists, including George Stroumboulopoulos, Dame Helen Mirren and Mr. Pascal Raffy, Owner of Bovet 1822.

Click here for photos from the celebration.

The evening’s title sponsor was APJ strategic partner Bovet 1822, the extraordinary timepiece company that ensures APJ is able to give 100 percent of every dollar raised directly to Haiti. This year’s event included a beautiful sit-down dinner at the glorious Casa Loma, operated by Liberty Entertainment Group.

Tomy Swick began the evening with a musical performance, followed by the theatrical live auction hosted by the Scott Brothers, Drew and Jonathan. Our lots included joining Petra Nemcova for Fashion Week, lunch with Diane von Furstenberg, a live studio session with Jackson Browne and a walk on role in James Franco’s next movie!

Helen Mirren presented our inaugural Peace and Justice Award to Susan Sarandon, remarking that Susan is a true “social justice warrior,” a tireless advocate for human rights and peace throughout the world.

APJ’s CEO David Belle then presented our team member Jaebets Jean Gilles with his Peace and Justice Award. Mr. Jean Gilles serves as the head of the St. Luke Foundation’s education department, where he “works to empower future generations to create a better tomorrow for his country.”

Father Rick took the stage to talk about his work on the ground and the importance of action, leading us into our very special centerpiece film “Together We Will Go Far” about William Osias (a student at the Academy for Peace and Justice) and his brother Alexandre Osias. The Osias brothers came up from Haiti just for this special night and surprised the audience with a performance of the title song from the film. Everyone was on their feet dancing and gave them a standing ovation! It was a magical moment.

Moby then took the stage for a special acoustic set, and Win Butler (DJ Windows 98) and Régine Chassange of Arcade Fire started a dance party with some RaRa to close out the night! It was such a special celebration under the stars, which raised enough for 2,000 student scholarships. Thank you, Toronto!