CJ Graphics’ 32nd annual open house party and fundraiser December 7 at its new, expanded location in Mississauga, Ontario attracted over 2,125 guests that included clients, the trade media, celebrities, politicians, competitors, suppliers, staff, families and friends who came out to support the evening between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, December 7th. The popular annual industry event is held on the first Friday of every December and is known in the industry as the first party to kick off the holiday season.
At the event, the traditional silent and live auctions raised over $25,000 for CJ’s Skatepark, which serves all children in the community including at-risk youth and those with special needs – such as Autism, Asperger’s and Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Cancer, ADHD, the Deaf, or any other challenge one might have.
As usual, the admission “fee” was a donation of non-perishable food for the Mississauga Food Bank, or a cash donation which CJ Graphics matches. This year, about 3,000 pounds of food and $2,800 in cash was donated.
The evening also featured live demonstrations showing some of the newest technologies available in our industry. Many attendees walked away with some extremely eye-catching and unique posters, as well as magnets and laser die-cut sheets that can be hand-assembled into impressive Christmas ornaments without glue or tape.
Food stations were located throughout the new 250,000-square-foot production facility that was transformed into a lively party venue. As always, the food was incredible and included BBQ burgers (4 different choices), sushi, fresh oysters, pulled pork, braised ribs, chicken, cheeses, salsa and tortilla chips, assorted cold cuts, vegetables and various dips, sandwiches, pizza, fruit smoothies, pop, water, beer, wine, ‘spiked’ root beer, nutrition bars and an array of luscious, assorted desserts.
Everyone also had a chance to visit the second floor of the newly-opened CJ’s Skatepark which is now the largest not-for-profit, air-conditioned indoor Skatepark in the world! The park was open to the public and approximately 135 youthful skateboarders and scooter riders where showcasing their talents throughout the evening. At 9:30 p.m., host and CJ Graphics’ President Jay Mandarino changed from his suit to his skateboard apparel and performed a demonstration for the crowd. Suffice to say that everyone, as usual, had a wonderful, wonderful time. Graphic Arts Magazine would like to congratulate Jay, his hard-working staff, event volunteers, participating charities, and all those who attended.
To view CJ Graphics’ new ¼-million-square-foot facility, please visit https://youtu.be/Z2RSPkraHDA
You’ll also enjoy this 30-second shout-out of CJ’s Skatepark from Canadian comedian and satirist Rick Mercer: https://youtu.be/pPmbqG4qzcY
CJ Graphics’ annual open house party and fundraiser – another wonderful success
