The 2021 Black Diamond Ball Shines Bright, Giving Hope and Inspiration During COVID-19
The Black History Month Gala Fundraiser is Virtual and Interactive, with a National Broadcast on Citytv
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2021 (Toronto, ON) - The signature event of Black History Month, The Sixth Annual Black Diamond Ball Fundraiser Gala presented by ArtXperiential Projects is complimentary this year and takes place on Saturday February 27th on the Hopin.TO online platform at 7pm, with an encore broadcast on Sunday February 28th at 5pm nationally on Citytv. “Even though the gala cannot be held in person this year, we are bringing several new additions to the event,” revealed Shawn Cuffie, Director of Operations at ArtXperiential Projects. “The masterclasses and workshops we have added are designed to connect the community by providing teaching and learning opportunities for Black businesses and artists.”
ArtXperiential Projects has partnered with RBC Royal Bank and PitchBlac Marketplace to create the RBC Black Diamond Ball Virtual Marketplace featuring Black businesses on PitchBlac.com. The online marketplace showcases the businesses and offers a wide range of Black-owned stores and products to consumers. The businesses have already expressed their gratitude for the promotion and exposure during these tough economic times.
Beginning February 4th, we are excited to launch the RBC Black Diamond Ball Workshops Connect each week with virtual masterclasses that focus on business and the arts each Thursday 7pm –8pm and Saturday 10am – 11am until February 27th.
“We’re thrilled to have teamed up with ArtXperiential Projects to bring you the RBC Virtual Marketplace and the RBC Workshop Series. These are designed to showcase some of Canada’s best emerging artists, entrepreneurs, and youth initiatives,” said Kris Depencier, Regional President, Greater Toronto Region, RBC Royal Bank.
Rogers Communications Inc. is the Media sponsor of the Virtual Black Diamond Ball. In addition to broadcasting the gala nationally on Citytv, the event will also be promoted across the company’s media brands and platforms.
On Saturday night an interactive online pre-show on Hopin.TO starts at 7pm, the Gala event at 8pm and the virtual afterparty at 9pm. Tune in to Citytv on February 28th from 5pm. All Canadians will have a front row seat to a spectacular showcase of Canada’s top talent: Soul Sessions and the Recipe Band, R&B singer Jermaine Jones, Afro beats singer Jon Ogah, Opera singer Christina Smith, Trumpeter extraordinaire William Leathers, Poets presented by Dwayne Morgan’s When Sisters Speaks, singer Leanne Hughes, Mark Stoddart’s Beloved Project and Canada’s Queen of R&B Jully Black!
The Gala Fundraiser is in support of #SafeSpace 365 – which helps at-risk and bullied youth by connecting them with organizations, partners, and mentors. The other recipient is the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD-U)’s Black Youth Design Initiative.
In keeping with the spirit of the Ball, ArtXperiential Projects is offering a specially curated Black Diamond Ball Luxury VIP Box tailored to create the most memorable and celebratory evening with your loved ones. A limited number will be available for purchase and the Lux VIP Box delivery will include sponsored products from Hounds Vodka, custom chocolate treats, beauty products, candles and much more!
Although this time of economic hardship is affecting all businesses, our sponsors stepped up to align themselves with an event that brings hope and inspiration during a time in the world that it is needed the most. This year’s supporters include: Rogers Mosaic Inclusive and Diversity Employee Resource Group, RBC Royal Bank, Clore Beauty, Puma, MHC, TD Bank, M5V Inc., FACTOR and Hounds Vodka.
Complimentary tickets for the Black Diamond Ball Gala Fundraiser are available at blackdiamondballto.com Updates and Black businesses spotlight can be found at @blackdiamondballto