What happens when you combine a bunch of book lovers, members of the Canadian literature and publishing industry, a cover band and a few Steam Whistles? It gets pretty wild. Last night was the 10th Anniversary Scotiabank Giller Light Bash at the Burroughes Building on Queen West (also home to our Toronto Standard office). What began as a house-party fundraiser for Frontier College ten years ago, the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash is now a full-blown affair with a signature cocktail (the Doris-tini, a spiced apple martini garnished with a cinnamon stick) and swag bags (complete with the latest issues of sponsor magazines Chatelaine and The Walrus as well as goodies like Pop Chips and dark chocolate-covered goji berries). The Bash invites juniors in the publishing industry to partake in the larger gala festivities. Since its inaugural year it has raised nearly $300,000 for the national literacy organization through ticket sales, beverage sales and raffles. The ‘Guess the Giller’ raffle rewards the participant who correctly guesses the winner of the Giller a prize package that includes signed copies of all the short-listed titles While straining to hear host Jian Ghomeshi on one of the two screens airing the CBC’s broadcast of the Scotiabank Giller Prize Gala was appealing to some, others were perusing the selection of raffle prizes, donning goofy props at the fundraising photo booth and nibbling on mini beef burritos and vegetable samosas. A hush did fall on the room prior to the winner being revealed, followed by a relatively enthusiastic roar when winner Esi Edugyan was announced. Most in attendance gathered around the two screens to listen to the author’s acceptance speech, but half-way through her humble delivery the program was cut-off and Homes by Design began. At this point party-goers seemed to be split 50/50 between those frustrated by the CBC’s prompt programming switch who hurried for the exit, and those who grabbed another drink and headed towards the dance floor. Local band The Roughnotes rolled out Beatles and James Brown covers and kept both party organizers and attendees enthused on what became a surprisingly packed dance floor for the remainder of the 10th anniversary Bash. Winner: Esi Edugyan, Half-Blood Blues Short List: David Bezmozgis, The Free World Patrick deWitt, The Sisters Brothers Lynn Coady, The Antagonist Zsuzsi Gartner, Better Living Through Plastic Explosives Michael Ondaatje, The Cat’s Table Photos by Dominique Lamberton
