BOOST is a community-based agency committed to eliminating abuse and violence in the lives of children, youth and their families. With the latest news of young Tori Stafford, I felt attending the annual fundraising event was even more essential than ever.

The Butterfly Ball is the main fundraising event held each year. CTV news reporter Galit Solomon was the emcee for the evening and disclosed how her own abuse motivated her to be more involved in the prevention of child abuse.

I was invited this year as a special guest by the Executive Director Karyn Kennedy. I was deeply honoured to be her guest and I was overwhelmed by emotion throughout the evening as I thought about my own experiences of abuse as a child and how many children continue to be abused today. I actively participate in any events I can to raise awareness and understand the power of media. I hope that being a part of The Shopping Channel will help me in getting that message out there.

It was a wonderful evening, brilliant food and elegant décor, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. I shared a table with Detective Sergeant Paul Gillespie from the Toronto Police Sex Crimes Unit and his wife. It was also an incredible display of fashion too! Many of the women were decked out in the who’s who in the fashion world - I chose to wear David Dixon and pearls from Pearl Lustre. I am always quick to show off the goods from The Shopping Channel - so proud!

If you want to learn more about BOOST for KIDS please visit www.boostforkids.org

I just love breathing in culture in the city of Toronto. I know, I know, that’s not the only thing I am breathing in, but regardless of the smog and pollution, the Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival is a reason to visit the cool waters of Ontario Place.

With only one week left to visit the festival, I headed down to enjoy bright lights, architecture and a little history 101 refresher on the many structures of the world. Paris, India, Russia and the Artic, the Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival is a great way to explore the world at the footsteps of Toronto, Ontario.

The festival also features a world of animals, dinosaurs, and marine life, as well as a special glimpse at some of the world’s architectural wonders. 32 majestic sets will take you around the world in 80 minutes, as each continent bursts forth in the brilliant form of these intricately designed, colossal displays.

To find out times that it is open visit http://www.chineselanternfestival.ca/

Some of those ferocious dinos reminded me a bit about my co-hosts. Decide for yourself!