SpinTO

We’ve got a couple more sponsors to announce today! Ian Capstick‘s MediaStyle are our first cash sponsor, providing $500 that will go directly to the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. MediaStyle works with a trusted network of small-businesses, agencies and freelancers to create earned media opportunities for progressive ideas and actions.

Ian is one of the people behind ChangeCamp Ottawa, which takes place just a day after SpinTO on May 16, and tells us that from a sponsor’s perspective, “Bike Rally + geeks + PWA + queers = FTW. SpinTO is community cross-pollination at its very best. Online, in person and with an admirable goal. The energy is what made me support it. It’s more than party it’s building another kind of community.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Our second announcement today is an in-kind donation from Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, the company behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC organizations. MLSE has donated to us an official NBA basketball signed by the entire Toronto Raptors team as well as a hockey stick signed by all of the Toronto Maple Leafs! We’ll be including both of these as part of our silent auction at SpinTO on May 15 at the Mod Club.

So how do you get a shot at these amazing items? Buy tickets! We’ve only got a few $15 early bird tickets left – once they sell out we’ll start selling at the normal ticket price of $20. Don’t miss your chance to save a few bucks! Early bird tickets are now sold out! Tickets are still available for $20.

If one awesome local sponsor wasn’t enough for today, we’re delighted to announce our first Silver sponsor, Amrita Chandra‘s wonderful tinku Gallery! tinku gallery was selected as one of Toronto’s Best New Art Galleries of 2008 by blogTO. tinku exhibits contemporary art from across Canada and the US in an environment that is welcoming to new and established collectors alike.

Amrita just celebrated tinku’s one year anniversary on Roncesvalles Ave. in Toronto and has been making a lot of buzz in Toronto with her showcase on emerging and mid-career artists from across Canada and the US. In addition to becoming a Silver sponsor, Amrita is also offering up a piece of art from her gallery by Toronto-based artist Iam Amell for auction at SpinTO on May 15!

This piece, “Aarenical” (2007) by Ian Armell is in a limited edition of 5, and comes 44″ x 34″ framed. The life of “drag queens” and others who cross dress has been outside the known world of most of society. Today that is changing. This work by Toronto-based artist Ian Amell is from the series Here There Be Dragons, which sets out to challenge the perception & fears of society’s unknowns.

Watch for Aarenical and many other high-value items available for silent auction at SpinTO on May 15. Early bird tickets for SpinTO’s kick-off party are almost sold out! Get yours while they’re still cheap!

We’re proud to announce our first sponsor – Ryan Taylor‘s Fair Trade Jewellery Company! Many of you in the tech community know Ryan well, as well his ongoing major renovation project on Parliament Street in Toronto of FTJCo’s atelier. As part of FTJCo’s sponsorship, Ryan is offering up a $2,500 voucher towards any custom engagement or bridal jewellery!

Ryan and the FTJCo are strong supporters of the queer community and Ryan saw the need for a sophisticated, inviting and inclusive space for same-sex couples looking for engagement or bridal jewellery. Community is important to the FTJCo and all designs are crafted locally at the Cabbagetown atelier. In addition, true to its name, the fair trade of source materials used in Ryan’s designs help promote sustainable community development in Colombia. The FTJCo welcomes you to drop by and learn more when the grand opening of the atelier takes place in late May.

This is an amazing contribution which we truly appreciate. You can look forward to this being given away at the SpinTO party on May 15.

If you’d like to sponsor SpinTO, and see your logo over on the right as well as getting some unique marketing and branding experiences at the event, check out our sponsorship page for more details.