DINNER IS SERVED…

As part of its support of the arts, Roots hosts evening to benefit AGO

This week, Roots initiated the first in a planned series of evenings at the Head Office in support of the arts and other worthy causes. On Tuesday, Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green received some 75 guests who paid $650 each for a gourmet dinner prepared by celebrated chef Leo Schipani and a live, far-reaching interview with prominent New York artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel. Funds raised from the dinner are to benefit the Art Gallery of Ontario and its current expansion program.
The evening began on the Roots Piazza just outside the Hub where cocktails were served along with oysters, shrimp and salmon prepared and served by Coastline. Guests then moved inside for dinner in the Hub that was specially designed and decorated for the occasion by Diane Bald. The menu featured organic vegetable gazpacho, filet organic mozzeralla di buffalo and pan-seared Ontario spring of lamb. The wine was provided by Dan Aykroyd's Winery Diamond Estates.

The highlight of the event was the conversation/interview with Julian Schnabel conducted by Bruce Ferguson, Dean of The School of the Arts at Columbia University. Julian spoke of his background and his journey to becoming an artist; of his relationship with his father and son; of his movies, and of what his work means to him. Later, he demonstrated his little known singing talent, when he performed a moving rendition of Bob Dylan’s Just Like A Woman, accompanied by pianist Terence Gowan.

Guests included an A-list of major achievers and supporters of the arts in Toronto including Heather Reisman, Larry and Judy Tannenbaum, David and Carolyn Cronenberg, Garth and Elizabeth Drabinsky, Jack and Beverly Creed, and Frank Gerstein. It was especially gratifying for guest Matthew Teitlelbaum in his capacity as Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
In a different but no less poignant context, it was also a meaningful event for another guest. Helen Budman, Michael’s mother, used the evening to celebrate her 91st birthday in the presence of her children and grandchildren and many admirers.