Unison Schmoozefest Raises $50K For Music Community

By FYI Staff

The annual Unison Holiday Schmoozefest isn't just one rootin' tootin' good time. It is also a seriously successful fundraiser, with Monday night's sold-out event netting $50,000 to benefit the music community through the Unison Benevolent Fund. Held at the Spice Route Asian Bistro & Bar in Toronto, the 4th edition of Schmoozefest brought together hundreds of colleagues in the entertainment industry for a celebratory evening.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Unison Benevolent Fund and help to ensure that financial assistance and professional counselling programs continue to be readily available for any music industry professional in a time of crisis.

“We're thrilled with the outcome of the 2018 Holiday Schmoozefest,” said Derrick Ross, Chair of the Unison Board of Directors. “The funds raised will ensure that the Canadian music community continues to thrive and that anyone who needs help can easily access it. Demand for Unison's services is rapidly increasing every year, and applicants continue to seek assistance each month. The charitable support of our community ensures that Unison can continue to provide valuable resources for every member of the music industry when they fall on hard times.

"I want to thank my fellow board member Bernie Breen and Unison Executive Director Amanda Power for making the event such a success! Our sincere thanks also go out to Unison staff, all of the generous sponsors, and to everyone who donated, volunteered, or simply came to schmooze with their peers."

Before the festivities began, the Unison Board of Directors took a moment to honour the generosity and dedication of Dr. Peter Poulus and Brian Huston.

Dr. Poulous was recognized for contributing his dental services to Unison's financial applicants, ensuring the ongoing health of the music community. In addition, Brian Huston was thanked for donating countless hours of his time and energy into supporting Unison as the organizer of the annual Canadian Entertainment Charity Golf Classic, which has raised $400,000 to date and has expanded into a national event with tournaments in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

During the evening, Unison staff and board members took a moment to introduce the inaugural Gold String Member Club, a new initiative which recognizes the contributions of loyal donors through the purchases of stunning, one-of-a-kind Gold Guitar String Bracelets.

Thanks to all of the 2018 Unison Holiday Schmoozefest sponsors; Absolut, Bell Media, Entertainment One, Labatt Brewing Company, Liberty Entertainment Group, Live Nation, Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky, Slaight Music, Sony Music, Spice Route Asian Bistro & Bar, The Arts & Entertainment Plan, Universal Music Canada, Up Cannabis, Universe, and Warner Music Canada. 

Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. We are here to help professional music makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties. Unison Benevolent Fund is an assistance program – created and administered for the music community, by the music community – designed to provide discreet relief to music industry professionals in times of crisis through financial assistance and counselling and health solutions.