Event Recap: Julyna, Toronto

Julyna is more than a catchy name and a memorable mid-summer Thursday night fundraiser. The young professional-run charitable initiative is designed to compliment the popular male-oriented Movember. You guessed it; for the month of July, women were encouraged to get creative in the styling of their precious parts to fundraise and spread awareness about cervical cancer and HPV. The Julyna website even offers design inspirations that can be creatively crafted at an assortment of Toronto salons, like Waxon, Civello, Sugarmoon, and Allure Body Bar. 

Whether female guests actually participated, however, was left to the imagination on Thursday evening when Julyna, the main fundraiser, filled Toronto’s Storys with a good looking mix of young professionals, offering ample opportunities for networking, socializing and, of course, celebrating the beloved female body. The event took place on the second and third floors of the Duncan St. establishment, which was a celeb favourite during TIFF last year as the pop-up spot for Soho House. 

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Kristen Labriola (Teacher), Jonathan Risorto (Cadillac Fairview), Jacq Blackwood (Julyna Committee)

Although the early hour was noticeably female-dominated (with no shortage of perfectly-fitting, colourful party dresses and hair styled in high buns), the men filtered in to balance out the “Julyna fest” around 10pm. The third floor quickly became the decidedly rowdier level – perhaps thanks to the louder music and popular costume-heavy photo booth – with the lower level reserved for more civilized mingling with friends and colleagues or discreetly flirting with intriguing strangers.  

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Anna McGee (Nanny), Kristen Stuart (Teacher), Lauren Tight (Therapist for children with autism)

Guests sipped on drinks sponsored by Molson including Miller Chill and Miller Chill Mojitos, Coors Light Iced T (CLIT), Molson Canadian 67 & 67 Sublime, Molson M and Molson M Beer Cocktails. Reunion Island was in house to combat the hectic workday with a caffeine boost from its espresso bar, along with a $10 gift card for guests to take home. To fuel the taste buds and rehydrate, Vitamin Water was available in fridges on the sidelines for guests to grab themselves.  A candy station featured childhood favourites like Hot Lips, powder candy, sour candy and gum balls, providing a sugar kick after snacks like veggie tacos and, of course, the beloved slider.

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Jamie Metrick (Part Owner of Elte), Kyle Brack (self employed)

Julyna necklaces were sold for $20 a piece, with all proceeds benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society for cervical cancer research. For the ultimate in female decorating, involving more than a fancy wax job and popularized by Jennifer Love Hewitt, for purchase were Pritty Kitty vajazzling kits, made out of Swarovski crystals. Apparently easy to apply, the sparkly kits come with complete instructions and were demonstrated on the backs and shoulders of volunteers.

Raffle prizes included a $500 makeover at Civello, an overnight stay at the Oban Inn in Niagara, a 10-session package of workouts with Toronto’s Innovative Fitness, a TFC gift package and a Kitchenaid mixer, plus more.

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Mairi Omand (Research at St. Mike’s), Jennifer Hirsch (Doctor), Natalie Sischy (Account Manager for L’Oreal)

Attracting an eclectic mix of Toronto YPs from a variety of professions and social circles, the evening was a decided success, with the celebrations continuing into the wee hours of the morning….all in the name of the Julyna.   

Since it’s beginning last year, Julyna has raised over $55,000 for cervical cancer research. The committee is made up of 14 young women committed to increase awareness and funds for cervical cancer prevent the spread of HPV. 

For the full photo gallery, click here

Top photo: Mia Hochar, Ana Wheler, Amy Bugg, Lauren Doughty, Natalie Symons