On Sunday, April 27, 2025, The Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living proudly presented our inaugural 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence to internationally acclaimed sculptor and printmaker, B.R. Schwartz, at the beautiful private residence of Leslie and Anna Dan. At 92 years old, B.R. Schwartz continues to inspire with a body of work that spans generations, cultures, and continents.
The intimate evening honoured not only B.R. Schwartz’s remarkable contributions to the arts, but also our valued donors—whose generosity helps sustain our Meals on Wheels program. Guests were treated to a private viewing of NUCLEAR, a collection of etchings and lithographs that juxtapose beauty with an ever-present, lurking danger.
The evening was enriched with exquisite kosher hors d’oeuvres and wine, all lovingly prepared by the Bernard Betel Centre’s Food Services team in collaboration with Ariel Marciano, Chef de la Mesa. A moving live performance by opera singer Charlotte Siegel and pianist Elina Kelebeev added a magical note to the night.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and made the evening so special. A special thank you to the generosity and incredible hospitality of Leslie and Anna Dan, who opened their beautiful home to us. Events like this not only celebrate art and community, they also fund our Supporting our Seniors (SOS): Meals Initiative, which ensures isolated and vulnerable seniors continue receiving nutritious meals and personal connections through our Meals on Wheels program. Learn more about SOS at www.betelcentre.org/sos.
As we look ahead, please consider making the Bernard Betel Centre part of your annual personal or corporate giving. 100% of your donation goes directly to our Meals on Wheels program, helping us deliver over 156,000 meals a year to vulnerable seniors in need.
To donate, visit www.betelcentre.org/donate-now or call 416-225-2112, ext. 0.
