2ND ANNUAL STORY SOIRÉE
JOIN US & HELP CHAMPION THE NEXT CHAPTER!
Date: November 12, 2026
Doors open: 5:45pm
Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E)
Dress: Business casual
Additional details: Children are welcome!
With the aim of raising $200,000 for The Children’s Book Bank, the Story Soirée is uniquely positioned as the only gala in Toronto focused on children’s literacy.
This event brings together educators, authors, as well as business and community leaders for an evening of immersive storytelling and lasting impact.
Your Story Soirée Ticket Includes
Full access to immersive activations (Printmaking workshop, typewriter poet, collaborative mural, & unlimited prints from the Snaptique photobooth)
2 drink tickets for use at cash bar. Premium selection of cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer.
Gourmet appetizers and interactive food stations by Curb Crave
Our 2026 Entertainment
Evening At A Glance
For one magical evening, Daniels Spectrum transforms into an immersive literary world filled with imagination, creativity, and connection. Partake in interactive workshops facilitated by local artists, unexpected performances, inspiring stories, and spaces designed to spark wonder.
Together, we'll celebrate a milestone that’s changing the story for children across Toronto: 2 million books shared and counting. We'll also honour champions of literacy with the presentation of three community literacy awards, recognizing individuals helping to build a more literate future for every child.
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5:45 pm — Reception
Stop by Snaptique’s Vintage Photo Booth and capture a memory from the evening.
Be sure to browse the auction items on display and place your bids before the auction closes at 8:20 pm.
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6:35 pm — Opening Remarks & Awards Presentation
Celebrate literacy leaders making a lasting impact in our communities, including the presentation of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed educator, author, and children's literacy advocate Itah Sadu.
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8:20 pm — Auction Closes
Take home a few keepsakes from the evening and leave knowing you've helped create brighter futures for young readers.
Event Activations
Printmaking Workshop
Guests drop in and create their own handmade print with artist Maureen Da Silva. Using pre-cut blocks or simple sketches, guests will learn the basics of carving, inking, and printing their design onto a ‘postcard from Soirée’ to take home.
Collaborative Mural
A collaborative artwork facilitated by Create Studios. Guests colour and personalize sections of a pre-designed mural on a large canvas, contributing to a collective piece that reflects the spirit of the event.
Typewriter Poet
A wandering wordsmith crafts personalized mini-poems from guests’ words or memories, typed live on a vintage typewriter and gifted as a co-branded keepsake.
Community Literacy Awards
The Children’s Book Bank is proud to introduce three new community literacy awards honouring extraordinary individuals whose use of the power of literacy, storytelling, and equity has reshaped the landscape for Toronto’s youth.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(Will be awarded to Dr. Itah Sadu)
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
2026 Sponsors
Event Co-Chairs
Lauren Butler
Coralie D’Souza
Zenia Wadhwani
Sponsorship Packages
For sponsorship inquiries or to explore a custom partnership, please contact Hugh Lawson: hugh@childrensbookbank.com
To compare sponsorship tiers, click the image on the right >
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
For sponsorship inquiries or to explore a custom partnership, please contact Hugh Lawson: hugh@childrensbookbank.com
COMPARE SPONSORSHIP TIERS
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OAK SPONSOR - $25,000
(1 SPOT AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• Event naming rights: “Story Soirée presented by [Company Name]”
• 10 gala tickets
• Present an Annual Award recipient
• Activation branding opportunity
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Full-page ad in digital program packet
• Verbal recognition during the program
• Two (2) spotlight social media posts
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BRANCH SPONSOR - $15,000
(4 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 8 gala tickets
• Activation branding opportunity
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Full-page ad in digital program packet
• Verbal recognition during the program
• One (1) spotlight social media post
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LEAF SPONSOR - $10,000
(4 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 6 gala tickets
• Half-page ad in digital program packet
• A bespoke employee engagement program (post-event)
• Verbal recognition during the program
• One (1) group highlight social media post
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ROOT SPONSOR - $5,000
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
• 4 gala tickets
• Half-page ad in digital program packet
• One (1) group highlight social media post
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Yes, paid underground & street parking are available.
563 Dundas Street East: An underground parking lot adjacent to Daniels Spectrum, where the Story Soirée is being held, operated by Precise ParkLink.
170 Sumach Street: Underground parking operated by Precise ParkLink
1 Cole Street: Underground parking operated by Precise ParkLink
Please consider using a ride-share service if you plan on enjoying drinks at the bar.
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Your ticket purchase, auction bid, and any donation at the event directly fund free literacy programs and place high-quality, free books into the hands of children across Toronto.
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Please arrive in business casual attire. We invite you to dress up and celebrate with us! Elegant dresses, sharp suits or sport coats, smart jumpsuits, and polished separates are all great choices. Above all, wear whatever makes you feel stylish and comfortable for a fun night out.
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Sponsor companies, general admission and Ambassador tickets are eligible for a charitable tax receipt from The Children's Book Bank. These letters will be sent out after the event concludes and all raised funds are collected.
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There are several meaningful ways you can champion children’s literacy from wherever you are:
Gift a Community Ticket: Purchase a Pay-It-Forward Ticket, which gifts an event entry directly to a local educator, community leader, or partner who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend due to cost.
Bid from Anywhere: You don't need to be in the room to join the auction fun! Remote bidding opens online on Monday, November 2 at 11:59 PM and closes during the event on Thursday, November 12 at 8:20 PM.
Make a Direct Gift: Support our ongoing literacy work by making a tax-deductible donation directly to The Children’s Book Bank anytime online.
