This year’s B’nai Brith Human Rights Gala featured an assortment of somewhat unlikely celebrities, including former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, comedian and actor Sinbad and the evening’s headliner, British Columbia-born record producer, composer and song writer David Foster.
Toronto Mayor John Tory and Michael Levitt, the MP for York Centre, were also in attendance.
The fundraising gala, which honoured Foster and the philanthropic contributions of his eponymous charitable foundation, was held Nov. 10 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in downtown Toronto.
Among the highlights of the event were the opening remarks by gala co-chair and MC of the evening, Avi Behar, a Toronto businessman and philanthropist, the presentation of B’nai Brith Canada’s 2016 Award of Merit; a live auction and performances by Foster, Studdard, singer Kelly Levesque and Sinbad.
The Award of Merit was presented to Foster by Haim Saban, an Israeli-American media proprietor, investor and philanthropist who has raised more than $150-million in support of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Saban is also the creator of the television show the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Close to 540 guests attended the event, not just B’nai Brith donors but also other community members.
B’nai Brith describes its annual Award of Merit as “the highest distinction the organization can bestow” and stressed in a statement that “human rights [is] the common thread that binds together B’nai Brith Canada with David Foster and his foundation.”
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The David Foster Foundation provides financial support for non-medical expenses to Canadian families with children who are in need of life-saving organ transplants.
In the past 29 years, the foundation has assisted more than 1,000 families with kids waiting for transplants.
Although Foster is not Jewish, he has also helped Saban, a personal friend of his, raise money for the IDF.
“We congratulate David Foster on his well-deserved honour, having harnessed a lifetime of creativity to help those in need…. His tireless devotion and dedication to doing good form only part of his legacy, and B’nai Brith commends him and his selfless work, [which has] spanned over 30 years,” Michael Mostyn, B’nai Brith’s CEO said in a statement.
Foster, who is also an officer of the Order of Canada, is the chairman of Verve Records and the winner of 16 Grammy Awards.
He has been a producer for musicians including Alice Cooper, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Michael Buble, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna.
The money raised by event ticket sales – B’nai Brith staff said it was too early for them to disclose the amount – will go towards maintaining the organization’s affordable housing and seniors’ programs, in addition to funding its advocacy efforts. B’nai Brith’s mandate is to promote Jewish unity and continuity, defend the State of Israel and global Jewry, advocate on behalf of senior citizens and act as a leader in combating anti-Semitism and racism.
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Its agency The League for Human Rights works to counter anti-Semitism and racism in Canada and internationally, and tracks reported incidents of anti-Semitism through its annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents.