"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.

"Miss Universe Canada 2010"- June 12 Preliminary

62 contestants continue to compete for the title of 'Miss Universe Canada, now in its 3rd year @ the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's John Bassett Theatre venue, with preliminaries held June 12 and a finale coming up June 14.

Created in 2002, the “Beauties of Canada” Organization has the exclusive rights to send a Canadian representative to the Miss Universe Pageant, with National Delegates competing for the title of 'Miss Universe Canada 2010', representing Canada at the 'Miss Universe 2010' competition, later this summer.

Canada is one of only four countries (including France, Germany, and the USA) competing in the 'Miss Universe' pageant since its inception in 1952.

"This is an exciting year, where we have brilliant, ambitious Canadian women from all walks of life competing to represent our country on the world stage," said Denis Davila, National Director of Miss Universe Canada. "Not only are this year's delegates multicultural diverse, but all have different academic, humanitarian, intellectual and other goals that they work to shed a spotlight on through this competition...The winner of the competition is not just the smartest or most beautiful woman, but someone who has the whole package, someone Canadians can fall in love with and relate to."

"...Since 2003, the 'Miss Universe Canada Organization' has strived to be an active member of the GTA community. We’re proud to have addressed over 10,000 students at schools thru the MUC inspirational speaking tour. Our talks focus on the importance of education, setting goals, pursuing your dreams as well as delivering an anti-bullying campaign..."

The reigning Miss Universe Canada, Mariana Valente will assist in crowning her successor.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek our exclusive video of the Miss Universe Canada event...