After two years of virtual events, students in the post-grad Public Relations-Corporate Communications (PR+CC) program happily returned to hosting in-person events this term. It was certainly worth the wait. The Project and Event Management course takes students with little to no experience through the process of creating, planning, promoting and executing a special event in a 14-week course. The F22 class was divided into five teams who created and hosted five unique fundraising events this term.
The first event, Rainbow Rave, was a lively drag show supporting Rainbow Railroad. It took place in the heart of Toronto’s gay village at O’Grady’s on Church on Nov. 21, aligning with Transgender Day of Remembrance. Three local drag queens captivated guests with high-energy performances and words of inspiration. The grand finale was a raffle for a pair of Toronto Raptors tickets! The team raised more than $1,000 to help displaced LGTBQI+ people escape persecution. 
Photos by Odele Olusegun Paul
The next event, Reels for Food, was a short film festival raising funds for Club Sandwich. Five films were screened, including two from Centennial College graduates who also attended the event. Ricky Babcock’s humorous DOGMA tells the story of a couple and their new dog, who happens to be a grown man. Bosco da Costa’s documentary This-Ability follows a visually impaired man reflecting on his life as he moves through the world with his cane and his dog, Abide. The team raised $350 for supplies for Club Sandwich, providing food for the unhoused and food insecure in our neighbourhood.
Photos by Llyod Quiben
‘Tis the Season to Give Back, a Trivia Toy Drive, challenged guests to put on their thinking caps or Santa hats and enjoy two rounds of holiday-themed trivia in support of CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. Everyone came dressed in their favourite ugly Christmas sweaters, donated cash or a new unwrapped toy, bought lots of raffle tickets and got right into the holiday spirit. After answering questions ranging from the height of the tallest Christmas tree to naming the kid from Home Alone, four pairs came out on top to win prizes. The team raised $360 for this great cause, and 17 toys will go to children in need in the GTA.
Photos by Llyod Quiben
Cups and Canvases was a winter-themed paint and sip night, partnering with VIBE Arts, a charity known for making art more accessible for underprivileged youth. Art instructor Franny Potts, a decorated artist and facilitator, guided guests through a painting session of a beautiful snowy scene. Hot chocolate and treats from local bakeries tied everything together and left guests feeling creative and cozy. This team raised more than $800, thanks to a generous number of sponsors and raffle prizes, and everyone went home with their painting and a holiday-themed mug.
Photos by Llyod Quiben
The last event was A Pants Party, a networking event for CCPR alumni from the virtual cohorts of 2020 and 2021 who were invited to meet their colleagues face-to-face and get to know the current cohort. Since no one saw these students in person, nor did we know if they were, or were not, wearing pants during class, alumni were invited to ‘wear a pair of pants and donate a pair of pants’ to Covenant House.
Mixing and mingling was followed by a game of ‘Pin the Pants on the Prof,’ ‘Words of Wisdom Advice Board,’ and ‘Get to Know You Bingo.’ Everyone who showed up wore pants, and more than 50 pairs of pants were collected and donated to Covenant House.
Photos by Llyod Quiben
“It was wonderful seeing everyone come out in person and participate in various activities and contribute to these deserving causes,” says Laurie Hall, CCPR events instructor. “The first event was one of the most well-attended events, and all combined, these five events raised more than $2,500 for local charities. Now that’s impressive!”
These CCPR students learned that with a cohesive team, lots of meetings, a solid critical path and a positive attitude, planning and hosting a successful event is achievable, rewarding and a lot of fun.
By Abigail Gregorio, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Student