"Simply Divas"- June 6 @ Berkeley Church

Sunday June 6 @ Toronto's Berkeley Church on Queen Street East, 'The Family Association For Mental Health Everywhere '('F.A.M.E.'), presented their 5th year of "simply divas", organized by Christine Cooper, F.A.M.E.'s executive director.

Showcasing singers and dancers from the Etobicoke School Of Arts, tributes were performed to "the most enduring and endearing divas of our time..." including Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Beyonce, Sarah McLachlan, Donna Summer, Tammy Wynette, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow and Aretha Franklin.

The Sunday afternoon event was in support of F.A.M.E., providers of services/education on the challenges of mental illness for families across the Greater Toronto Area.

"It's so much fun," said Cooper. "It's very much an experiential event - the calibre of talent, the magnificent backdrop of this two-level church. It's a big, giant cocktail party."

Guests were also treated to a silent auction and offered swag bags with jewellery.

"It's all about the diva decadence!", said Cooper, "including our diva inspired canapes created by a crew of George Brown Culinary grads, the Diva Dessert bar, a Hot Diva Latte bar, Chef Jose Hadad of Frida serving up a Saucy Salsa tasting Station, Buster Rhino's donating his famous smoked brisket & pulled pork for the mini sliders, CakeStarGirlz & Amaranto Creations coming up with a diva themed dessert bar and a chocolate fountain for fresh strawberries."

"This event was a blast!"

Sponsors included 'The Prima Donnas':

Harlequin, McGregor, Me To We Style, Authentic Buster Rhinos Southern BBQ, MVI: MultiVision Inc., Neo-Image, Cake Star, PS, b Espresso Bar, JCS Hair. FX, Cucci's, Juul Haalmeyer Designs, Sinyi Creative and Not Your Average Party

'The Femme Fatales' :

Medavie Blue Cross, Flowergirls Custom Floral Designs, Amaranto Creations, Mad Mexican, Sizzling Communications, Yelp and Moores Clothing For Men

'The Divas In Training':

adfactor, The School Of Makeup Art, Steam Whistle, The Berkeley, Redpath and Quality Response

One lucky winner also received this year's 'Simply Divas' bling necklace, designed by Anne Sportun of Experimetal, valued at $2,000.