The holiday season is around the corner, and that means parties and celebrations galore. One organization is throwing a party with a purpose: Community Living Toronto is hosting Community Rocks 2025: Secret Garden Blooms and Grooves on November 22nd at the Queen Elizabeth Centre. I caught up with Karla Dendrinos, Media and Communications specialist for Community Living Toronto to learn about the event and the amazing work this organization does for our city.
The holiday season is around the corner, and that means parties and celebrations galore. One organization is throwing a party with a purpose: Community Living Toronto is hosting Community Rocks 2025: Secret Garden Blooms and Grooves on November 22nd. I caught up with Karla Dendrinos, Media and Communications specialist for Community Living Toronto to learn about the event and the amazing work this organization does for our city.
Community Living Toronto has been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families since 1948. “The “community living movement” began with families who wanted their children to live in the community, rather than institutions,” Karla shared. “Today, Community Living Toronto (CLTO) continues to advocate for full inclusion and belonging by providing opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to live the life they choose.” The organization offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment supports, supported living, and community-based activities. Community Living Toronto’s impact is vast, with over 4,000 people and their families utilizing their services in more than 80 locations across the GTA.
Every year, Community Living Toronto hosts Community Rocks, their “party with a purpose”; a fun filled fundraiser that brings donors, clients and their friends together to celebrate the hard work of the organization and its staff. When asked to describe the event, Karla said “Community Rocks is our signature fundraising event we do every other year, and Secret Garden – From Blooms to Grooves is this years theme title. Funds generated from this event go back to support people with intellectual disabilities at Community Living Toronto.”
And what can people expect from Community Rocks? According to Karla, “a ton of fun and entertainment beyond expectation! There is a sense of community, inclusion, and positivity. The whole event space will be decked out to impress in the secret garden theme. A ton of gourmet food stations to choose from, or taste it all! Cocktails and Open Bar, Suprise entertainment, DJ’s and a dance floor and in the middle of it all, a live concert in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, by the popular Toronto cover band, Dwayne Gretzky. Guests will be dressed up with the theme, think boho chic, magical mystery forest etc. No dress code, just emphasis on “fun”.”
Community Rocks, From Blooms to Grooves will definitely be putting the fun in fundraiser this year, just like every other year. A true party with a purpose, funds raised by the event will go to support Community Living Toronto and their mission to foster inclusive communities by supporting the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. Their vision is a society where everyone belongs. A society where everyone is valued. And that is something I feel great about supporting.
For tickets to Community Rocks: Secret Garden Blooms and Grooves, click here. To learn more the overall mission of Community Living, head to their website here. And to support their work through donations, click here.
Nadia Elkharadly
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