2ND ANNUAL STORY SOIRÉE
JOIN US & HELP CHAMPION THE NEXT CHAPTER!
Date: November 12, 2026
Doors open: 5:45pm
Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E)
Dress: Cocktail attire
Additional details: Children are welcome!
With the aim of raising $200,000 for The Children’s Book Bank, the Story Soirée is uniquely positioned as the only gala in Toronto focused on the issue of children’s literacy.
This event brings together educators, authors, as well as business and community leaders for an evening of immersive storytelling and lasting impact.
Evening At A Glance
For one magical evening, Daniels Spectrum transforms into an immersive literary world filled with imagination, creativity, and connection. Partake in interactive workshops facilitated by local artists, unexpected performances, inspiring stories, and spaces designed to spark wonder.
Together, we'll celebrate a milestone that’s changing the story for children across Toronto: 2 million books shared and counting. We'll also honour champions of literacy with the presentation of three inaugural Awards, recognizing individuals helping to build a more literate future for every child.
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5:45 pm — Reception
Let the story begin: Enjoy delicious bites, literary-inspired cocktails, activations, and an inspiring performance by children from the Community Music Schools of Toronto. Stop by Snaptique’s Vintage Photo Booth and capture a memory from the evening.
Be sure to browse the auction items on display and place your bids before the auction closes at 8 pm.
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6:35 pm — Opening Remarks & Awards Presentation
Hear from a special guest speaker and learn how your support is helping children write their own stories through access to books.
Celebrate literacy leaders making a lasting impact in our communities, including the presentation of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed educator, author, and children's literacy advocate Itah Sadu.
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8:00 pm — Musical Performance
Take part in our paddle raise, a powerful collective moment where guests come together to support our work and take us across the finish line.
Acclaimed musicians Ariana Chris and Suna Smith will take the stage for a special performance inspired by the connection between music, poetry, and the written word.
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9:00 pm — Until the Next Story
Take home a few keepsakes from the evening and leave knowing you've helped create brighter futures for young readers.
Event Activations
Printmaking Workshop
Guests drop in and create their own handmade print with artist Maureen Da Silva. Using pre-cut blocks or simple sketches, guests will learn the basics of carving, inking, and printing their design onto a ‘postcard from Soirée’ to take home.
Collaborative Mural
A collaborative artwork facilitated by Create Studios. Guests colour and personalize sections of a pre-designed mural on a large canvas, contributing to a collective piece that reflects the spirit of the event.
Typewriter Poet
A wandering wordsmith crafts personalized mini-poems from guests’ words or memories, typed live on a vintage typewriter and gifted as a co-branded keepsake.
Community Literacy Awards
The Children’s Book Bank is proud to introduce three new community literacy awards honouring extraordinary individuals whose use of the power of literacy, storytelling, and equity has reshaped the landscape for Toronto’s youth.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(Will be awarded to Itah Sadu)
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
(Nominations open until September 30)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
(Nominations open until September 30)
2026 Sponsors
Event Co-Chairs
Lauren Butler
Coralie D’Souza
Zenia Wadhwani
Sponsorship Packages
For sponsorship inquiries or to explore a custom partnership, please contact Hugh Lawson: hugh@childrensbookbank.com
To compare sponsorship tiers, click the image on the right >
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
For sponsorship inquiries or to explore a custom partnership, please contact Hugh Lawson: hugh@childrensbookbank.com
COMPARE SPONSORSHIP TIERS
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OAK SPONSOR - $25,000
(1 SPOT AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• Event naming rights: “Story Soirée presented by [Company Name]”
• 10 gala tickets
• Present an Annual Award recipient
• Activation branding opportunity
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Full-page ad in digital program packet
• Verbal recognition during the program
• Two (2) spotlight social media posts
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BRANCH SPONSOR - $15,000
(4 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 8 gala tickets
• Activation branding opportunity
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Full-page ad in digital program packet
• Verbal recognition during the program
• One (1) spotlight social media post
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LEAF SPONSOR - $10,000
(4 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 6 gala tickets
• Half-page ad in digital program packet
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Verbal recognition during the program
• One (1) group highlight social media post
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ROOT SPONSOR - $5,000
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 4 gala tickets
• Half-page ad in digital program packet
• One (1) group highlight social media post
