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12th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast BRINGS IT!

The 12th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast was a HUGE success! The outpour of support this year was truly phenomenal and we’re happy to share that we’ve met our $10,000 goal to support the year-round operation of the Rivertowne Breakfast Program in 2024!

After three years of a virtual event, it was truly a joy to reconnect in person and support the community together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and joined us.

Bottom Left Photo Left to Right: Santa /  ED of the Ralph Thornton Community Centre John Campey; ED of the Riverside BIA Jennifer Lay; Rivertowne Breakfast Program Founder Joan King; Rebecca Hodge of Rivertowne Breakfast Program; Head Chef at Avling Laura Maxwell; Riverside BIA Chair Mitch Korman

A very big THANK YOU to all our supporters this year which include: 

Santa sponsor: Outline Financial

Santa’s Helpers: Korman & Company, Belmar, Baird MacGregor, York Search Group, Isaan Der Thai Kitchen

Reindeer supporters: The Broadview Hotel, Il Ponte, Tabule

Elf supporters: Oma, J&C Toronto Real Estate Group, Wipeout, Dimensions, MPP Peter Tabuns, Sparkplug Coffee, Avling 

Auction donors: Dimensions, Arts Market, Tabule, Bonjour Brioche, Sparkplug Coffee, Second Voyage Vintage, Eastbound Brewing Co, Queen Garden Centre, Dresden Vision

Snaptique, which donated the fun photo booth! 

And a MASSIVE thanks to all the organizers:

Riverside BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre and Rivertowne Safety 1st

ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE ANTLER BREAKFAST

The Riverside Antler Breakfast has been held annually in December to raise funds for a local cause, now in its 12th year. We have been raising funds since 2014 for the Rivertowne Breakfast Program which was founded by Joan King and is championed by Rivertowne Safety 1st, a resident collective, comprised of Toronto Community Housing women leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in their community. The Breakfast Program year round, to provide over 100 children, seniors, and people with different abilities – including primarily BIPOC – in the local community with a free, warm breakfast.

Didn’t have a chance to support or want to pledge more?

You can support by donating anytime of year via Canada Helps, just choose ‘Rivertowne Breakfast Program’ in the dropdown. menu.

Meet the Artists of Riverside Window Wonderland 2023!

During the holiday season, Riverside shops and retailers are hosting the Window Wonderland contest! This year is an extravaganza with 15+ participating storefronts with many designs by local artists – it’s a fun way to get into the spirit whilst supporting local business and artists.

Artists Ella Mazur (@eecmazurart), Erin McCluskey (@mcclusk), Sherrill Tucker (@MotherTuckerArtworks), and Talie Shalmon (@talshal_), have each created window displays with hand-drawn illustrations and decorative lights in participating storefront windows as part of this festive project!

MEET THE ARTISTS…

This year’s Riverside Window Wonderland features amazing local artists. Here’s a brief introduction:⠀

ELLA MAZUR

Ella Mazur at The Opera House Grill, Riverside Window Wonderland 2023 (Photo Credit: James Lai)

Ella Mazur is a Toronto-based artist who explores nature’s beauty and human creativity through visual art and poetry, sparking imagination and celebrating life’s magic.

Check out Ella’s  Instagram

View Ella’s Riverside Window Wonderland creations and VOTE for your faves!

ERIN MCCLUSKEY

Erin McCluskey at Riverside Burgers, Riverside Window Wonderland 2023 (Photo Credit: James Lai)

Erin McCluskey is an emerging artist from Ottawa now in Toronto who specializes in illustration and murals. She’s thrilled to participate in Riverside’s Window Wonderland for the second time!

Check out Erin’s Instagram and Website

View Erin’s Riverside Window Wonderland creations and VOTE for your faves!

SHERRILL TUCKER

Sherrill Tucker at Dresden Vision, Riverside Window Wonderland 2023 (Photo Credit: Sherrill Tucker)

Sherrill is a lifelong artist who moved to Toronto at 50. In her hometown, she created murals and mastered calligraphy. Now, with more time, she was excited to join Riverside Window Wonderland this year.

Check out Sherrill’s Instagram

View Sherrill’s Riverside Window Wonderland creations and VOTE for your faves!

TALIE SHALMON

Talie Shalmon at Common Sort, Riverside Window Wonderland in 2022 (Photo Credit: Talie Shalmon)

Talie Shalmon is a Toronto artist who uses various media like murals, painting, ceramics, and digital art. She’s passionate about public art and spreading positivity in the community

Check out Talie’s Instagram

View Talie’s Riverside Window Wonderland creations and VOTE for your faves!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE ARTISTS!!!

THANKS GO TO…⠀

Participating Riverside Window Wonderland 2023 Artists: Talie Shalmon (@talshal_), Sherrill Tucker (@MotherTuckerArtworks), Ella Mazur (@eecmazurart), and Erin McCluskey (@mcclusk)

STEPS Public Art’s IHeART Mainstreet Program, the City of Toronto’s Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant Program, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and the Riverside BIA for funding and support to help make this possible.

Follow us on Facebook: /RiversideTO  X: @riversideBIA and Instagram: riverside_bia
Have questions? Please contact us!

Riverside Antler Breakfast is BACK in Person, Get Your Tickets!

After several years of holding our annual fundraiser, the Riverside Antler Breakfast, virtually (our last in-person event was in 2019!) we are bringing it back to the Ralph Thornton Community Centre for it’s 12th year on Friday, December 8th!

We can’t wait to come together with community members for a hearty hot breakfast, fun local entertainment, and great company – all in support of a good cause: the Rivertowne Breakfast Program.

Here are some of the highlights of the December 8th event, 8am-10:30am at the Ralph Thornton Centre (765 Queen St East, 2nd Fl):

  • Get together with local folks to enjoy a delicious holiday buffet breakfast prepared by Rivertowne Breakfast Program Founder – Joan King – and her team of Rivertowne Safety 1st volunteers
  • Bid on fabulous Silent Auction Items donated by local businesses and residents
  • Enjoy festive entertainment and holiday trivia!
  • Enjoy Snaptique to capture fun memories with their Photo Booth!
  • Learn more about the amazing work of the Rivertowne Breakfast Program
  • Take part in a commemoration of Riverside Antler Breakfast Founder – Chef Scott Savoie

Find out more and GET YOUR TICKETS to this community fundraiser!

Savour the Flavours of Riverside Delights While Enjoying the Beaches Jazz Festival

Craving delicious food after enjoying the sounds of Riverside and Leslieville? Look no further! The Riverside and Leslieville Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) have launched Queen East Eats, an initiative to support outdoor dining in the Queen East area. With over 50 outdoor patios to explore across both BIAs, you can easily hop from one patio to another or find a cozy spot to unwind. Don’t forget to check out our food features, where you’ll find mouthwatering photos of dishes that will have you craving another visit in no time. Get all the information you need for each location, making your dining decisions a breeze.

  • PATIO MAP: Discover over 50 outdoor patios across both BIAs. Dive into the info for each location, making your patio-hopping adventure a breeze.
  • FOOD FEATURES: Savour the flavours with our weekly food features! Discover delectable local delights (and drinks) that are patio-perfect.

Get ready to uncover the ultimate hidden gems and discover the absolute best spots in Queen East that will leave your taste buds wanting more!

 

MEDIA RELEASE: Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA Say ‘CHEERS’ to 2023 Patio Season With ‘Queen East Eats’

Food tours, colourful promotional displays, patio map, giveaways and more to welcome patrons to summer/fall outdoor dining experience 

Toronto, ON –  [June 12th, 2023] To mark the return of the City’s CafeTO program, two Business Improvement Areas have teamed up to launch ‘Queen East Eats’ – a unique, first-of-its-kind collaboration to promote the ‘support local’ experience and a patio season like no other on their shared main street.

Experience ‘Queen East Eats’ this patio season – it’s a partnership between the Riverside BIA (Queen St E between Davies and Empire Avenue) and the Leslieville BIA (Queen St E between Empire and Vancouver Avenue). Together, they have curated an online map of over 50 must-visit outdoor dining and drinking destinations, guided food tours, and monthly contests.

With a shared mission to attract and delight visitors, Queen East emerges as the ultimate summer hotspot for al fresco dining and drinking experiences.

Why ‘Queen East Eats’?

The neighbouring BIAs share many common features, including a diverse catalogue of small independent businesses along Queen Street, one of Toronto’s economic driving forces. Queen Street East maintains a close relationship with its surrounding communities.

This relationship is a springboard to launch this exciting summer/fall dining program, with the support of partners including the City of Toronto CafeTO program, and community sponsors including Hullmark and Amex Shop Small.

Queen East Eats is a vibrant celebration of the diverse culinary talents that thrive in the area, offering an exciting range of flavours and exceptional dining experiences.

 ‘Queen East Eats’ features:

  • An online map with over 50 outdoor patios across both BIAs, providing a quick guide with links and information for each location
  • Monthly giveaways hosted by the BIAs, showcasing the diverse offerings of local restaurants, bars, and cafes
  • Complimentary food tours, designed to offer an immersive and delicious culinary journey
  • Exciting food and drink specials from local establishments
  • An extended patio season, with the program running until October, offering ample opportunities to savour the flavours of Queen East Eats! 

Patrons are invited to follow #queeneasteats across the BIAs’ social media platforms and to stay connected to these networks for exciting updates on the Queen East Eats program:
Riverside BIA: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Leslieville BIA: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

For more information, please contact us

Queen East Eats 2023 was Made Possible Thanks to Incredible Community Supporters:

About the Riverside BIA – www.riverside-to.com

The Riverside BIA, established in 1980, is one of Canada’s first BIA’s, located along Queen Street East between the Queen Street Viaduct to just past De Grassi Street. Rich in history, green spaces and public art, the BIA includes over 100 unique eateries, retails shops, boutiques and a range of professional services. Spanning 10 vibrant tree-lined blocks, Riverside is home to many historic sites, over 4 acres of parkland, over 30 large-scale public art murals and sculptures, The Broadview Hotel, The Opera House, community centres, schools, craft breweries, and Toronto’s first cidery. Discover the area’s culinary delights and events.

About the Leslieville BIA – www.visitleslieville.ca

Representing over 200 businesses and property owners along Queen Street East from Empire to Vancouver Avenues, the Leslieville BIA strives to create and maintain a sustainable and vibrant commercial Main street. As an award-winning Main Street recognized for its marketing efforts, it taps into its biggest assets, including being a preferred destination for film, world-class restaurants, and a landing place for the creative community, to attract tourism. It maintains a strong focus on animating its Main Street to encourage patrons to walk and shop the strip.

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