AN EVENING "IN PARIS"
COMPLETE WITH THE CANCAN

Review By

NICKI CRUIKSHANK - THE BARRIE EXAMINER
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010

I 've never been to France, but it's on my bucket list.
The chance to sit in a little bistro in Paris, eating a scrumptious pastry and taking in the Eiffel Tower would be truly spectacular.
On Saturday night, as I stepped inside the Silver Nightingale Ballroom at Casino Rama, I was there.
OK, not actually there. But with all the stunning decor, cuisine and musical entertainment, it was close enough for me.
My husband and I attended A Nuit a Paris (A Night in Paris) that night. The gala fundraiser was for Hospice Simcoe, and the theme was Paris from the 1920s to 1970s.
The ballroom was transformed into a very French inspired, romantic, elegant and intimate place, with lots of mood lighting, draped fabrics, images of stars and the Eiffel Tower projected on the walls.
The stage came alive with ladies dressed in brilliant red cancan outfits, then a couple dancing the tango, and a few sexy, but tasteful, numbers involving some nude body suits, feather boas and some very suggestive dancing!
The food was just as enjoyable, thanks to the chefs at Casino Rama. Atlantic salmon, roast duck, even beef drenched in gravy. It was mouth-watering, and I think I saw a few people scraping their plates clean.
It was such a majestic evening, and you really felt as though you were miles away in the city of love. Executive producer Robin Munro really knows how to design a venue and conduct performances that whisk you away to a different place and time.
It was also a nice departure from what you think of when you hear the word 'hospice'.
Hospice Simcoe's mandate is to comfort and empower those living with life-threatening illnesses and bereavement, and provide exemplary, compassionate care to residents in Simcoe Muskoka.

Hospice's board chairman, Blair Johnston, told me Saturday that people only seem to think of sadness and death when they think of Hospice Simcoe. But, this event and the celebration that went along with it, spoke to what the organization is really about.
Hospice Simcoe, and Hospice House, aim to make end-of-life as comfortable and as full of happy moments as possible. Athome hospice care, and residency at Hospice House, are valuable alternatives to hospitalization.
The staff and volunteers are all about making every step of that journey easier for all involved, and in my mind, that's a beautiful thing.
That's why I gave as generous a donation as I could that night, because I believe in what Hospice Simcoe stands for. And, judging from the full tables around me Saturday, a lot of people feel the same.
Through ticket sales alone, the event brought in about $21,000. That's not including money raised through a silent and live auction, tarot card readings and anonymous donations that night.
All that money will be used for operating the organization's community programs and Hospice House. Programs this city, and its surrounding areas, need.
All in all, it was a wonderful night for a wonderful cause, and I'm happy I could be a part of it.

Nicki Cruickshank is a reporter with the Barrie Examiner, who loves a night out and a chance to support her community.
Article ID# 2551567

LYNE TREMBLAY
CANADA'S CHERIE OF THE CABARET STAGE

BEVERLY TAFT
ET LES CHANSONETTES

Mesdames et Messieurs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am Lyne Tremblay, I will be your most devoted host for a night you will not forget at Casino Rama on Saturday, April 24th, 2010.
Hospice Simcoe is presenting their inaugural event,
the Casino Rama "Une Nuit À Paris".
And what a night it will be! We will take you straight to "Le Crazy Horse De Paris" and "Le Lido" in Paris, with a stop by "Le Moulin Rouge".
OH la! la! A night where the french will pour right out of you with the Can-can girls, the musicians, the food and the Je ne sais quoi?
You can come by car, by boat, by air or by bus … but come. Do not miss this voyage extraordinaire!!!
This is the "Hot Ticket!!

I will see you there April 24th at Casino Rama
A très bientot

Your Host Lyne Tremblay

UNE NUIT À PARIS

.... is the signature fund-raising and awareness-raising event in support of Hospice Simcoe. It is presented annually and provides its patrons and attendees with a taste of the continental and cosmopolitan experiences to be had during an evening in Paris, France. The theme and content of this "plus grand spectacle" is based on the world-famous cabarets "Le Moulin Rouge", "Le Lido" and "Le Crazy Horse De Paris". Mime, Illusionist, Cancan dancers, Musicians, Role Performers and an exciting, beautiful cabaret show are just some of the entertainments to be expected in this inaugural production. Additionally, fortune-telling, tarot card readings and unique opportunities will allow attendees to participate in all the fun during the evening. Gift bags and novelties from local and out-of-town retailers and suppliers will pamper all the ladies who attend, and the gentlemen will be treated to an abundance of fun and beauty.

Cuisine and beverages will encompass the richness of French culture, and will include such delicacies as fromages rare, patisseries délicieux, truffes chocolat, and more. Décor will be opulent and exciting - from the extraordinary entrance into Casino Rama Hotel, through the registration area into the impressive Rama Hall, and finally into the beautiful Silvernightingale Ballroom. Music and Art will reflect the Parisian era from the early 1900s to the mid 1900s. Beautiful ladies will provide courteous attention and assistance to all in attendance - using key French phrases in their role - and will emphasize the glamorous theme. All Artists and performers will adopt Parisian characteristics and behaviours during the evening.

The City of Barrie is populated by an intelligent, adventurous, generous, fun-loving and sophisticated citizenry, and UNE NUIT À PARIS will cater to these qualities across a broad-based demographic. This event will be appealing to many because it finally recognizes that Barrie is a mature, successful city that wishes to find new ways to express itself. Hospice Simcoe will address this aspiration and will be seen as presenting the annual "Hot Ticket" for years to come.

The vision for this event is to combine an high-level experience to a wide-variety of supporters with a significant vehicle for raising funds and developing partnerships. This will ensure - in conjunction with all other enterprises - the continued sustenance and success of Hospice Simcoe..