John Tory Appointed Chair Of TIFF Bell Lightbox Campaign

Tory to drive efforts to complete final phase of capital campaign

TORONTO – Paul Atkinson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced today that John Tory has agreed to serve as Chair of the TIFF Bell Lightbox campaign. Tory, a corporate director, Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance and a broadcaster with Newstalk 1010 in Toronto, will lead the charge as the organization closes off the final phase of the capital campaign. TIFF’s focus between now and the opening of the building, scheduled for Fall 2010, is to raise the $17.5 million in gifts needed to complete the TIFF Bell Lightbox capital target.

“I am thrilled that John has agreed to spearhead the final phase of our capital campaign,” said Atkinson. “John’s proven ability to generate enthusiasm and widespread support for the arts will be invaluable to us as we drive towards completion of this ambitious and successful campaign.”

TIFF Bell Lightbox will bring all of TIFF’s year-round programming under one roof, with more screenings, more events and more educational and outreach opportunities. With the completion of TIFF Bell Lightbox, TIFF’s economic impact is expected to grow to $200 million by the end of 2012, as audiences embrace TIFF Bell Lightbox as the ultimate destination for film.

“As a long-time supporter of TIFF and a lover of film, I am delighted to be lending my support to this important campaign,” said Tory. “I am proud to be carrying on the work of the previous campaign Chair David Pecaut, who shared my belief in the key role that TIFF Bell Lightbox will play in strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of the city of Toronto, allowing us to take our natural place on the world stage as a leader in film.”

To date, the campaign has raised $162.5 million, representing 82 per cent of the organization’s total fundraising goal of $196 million. The remaining $12 million in operating funding is also expected to be raised in 2010. After the building opens in late 2010, the final $4 million in endowment gifts will be the focus of the next phase of the campaign. 

About TIFF Bell Lightbox:

Currently under construction, TIFF Bell Lightbox, a breathtaking five-storey complex located in downtown Toronto, will provide a permanent home for film lovers to celebrate cinema from around the world and will propel TIFF forward as an international leader in film culture. Designed by innovative architecture firm KPMB, TIFF Bell Lightbox’s fluid structure encourages exploration, movement and play. The campaign to build TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by founding sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the King and John Festival Corporation - consisting of the Reitman family and the Daniels Corporation – RBC as major sponsor and official bank, Visa†, the Copyright Collective of Canada, the Slaight Family Foundation, NBC Universal Canada, the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, the Harbinger Foundation, CIBC and BMO. The Board of Directors, staff and many generous individuals and corporations have also contributed to the campaign. For more information on the TIFF Bell Lightbox campaign, visit belllightbox.ca.

About TIFF:

TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. Its vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image. TIFF generates an annual economic impact of $135 million CAD and currently employs more than 100 full-time staff and 500 part-time and seasonal staff, and counts upon the largesse of over 2,000 volunteers year-round.

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Contact:

TIFF Communications Department

Phone: 416-934-3200

E-mail: proffice@tiff.net