The Canadian Music Therapy Fund (CMTF) is thrilled to present Un-Gala 2024, a night of celebration and fundraising dedicated to bringing the transformative power of music therapy to those who need it most but lack the financial means to access it. This year’s event will focus on expanding access to music therapy for older adults facing cognitive decline due to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related illnesses.
Un-Gala: A Night of Lyrics and Laughter happens on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 PM, located at Universal Music Canada, 80 Atlantic Ave, Toronto. The evening will be hosted by Big Norm, with music from DJ Celebrity Dru. Tickets Now Available Here.
JUNO Award winner and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Andy Kim will headline the event, with an opening performance by J3M. “As an artist, I’ve seen firsthand the healing power of music, and I’m deeply committed to supporting music therapy,” says Andy Kim. “It’s more than just a melody – it’s a lifeline for so many who are in need of comfort, connection, and hope.”
The funds raised at Un-Gala will be used to provide national clinical grants to music therapy programs across Canada. These grants will enable life-changing music therapy services for seniors struggling with cognitive decline, helping to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The Un-Gala will also support the growth of services at the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, a flagship program of the CMTF.
Quentin Burgess, Board Chair of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund, shared, “As we come together for this year’s Un-Gala, let’s remember the profound impact music therapy has on lives. This event not only celebrates the transformative power of music therapy but also serves as a crucial fundraising platform for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund. Through your support, we can continue making these life-changing services accessible to those who need them most, regardless of financial means.”
The Canadian Music Therapy Fund is dedicated to making music therapy accessible to all Canadians. The flagship Music Therapy Centre (MTC) in Toronto provides affordable sessions delivered by accredited music therapists, serving a diverse community of clients, including seniors with dementia, children on the autism spectrum, and individuals living with disabilities or mental health challenges.
As the only non-profit music therapy centre in Canada, the MTC plays a vital role in providing holistic health and mental well-being to those who face physical and financial barriers to accessing traditional mental health services. This year’s Un-Gala will ensure that these programs continue to thrive, especially for older adults coping with cognitive decline.
Anna Kajtár, Executive Director of CMTF, emphasized, “Our mission is to raise awareness about the power of music therapy and make it accessible to all Canadians. Music therapy is a vital, yet under-recognized, tool for enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With the Un-Gala, we are building a future where music therapy is recognized, valued, and available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or location.”
Event highlights include a celebration of the transformative power of music therapy, featuring live performances and heartfelt testimonials from individuals whose lives have been positively impacted. Attendees will also hear special announcements about the expansion of national clinical grants for music therapy programs, along with exclusive updates on the growth of the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto and its continued work serving underserved communities.
The Canadian Music Therapy Fund is a registered charity that promotes, develops, and supports music therapy services and research across Canada. Its mission is to restore, maintain, and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Canadians through accessible music therapy programs. In addition to offering affordable services at the Music Therapy Centre, CMTF provides grants and scholarships to ensure that music therapy is available to those who need it most.
