Article content

TORONTO — A recent men-only, fine-wine and grappa-tasting fundraiser for an addiction centre north of Toronto that was attended by some prominent Liberals, powerful businessmen and a senior police official has attracted some criticism.

Richard Lorello and his friend Tracey Kent, both from Vaughan, Ont., say they stood outside snapping photographs as dozens of men strolled into Avenue restaurant on Oct. 22.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Prominent Liberals and businessmen attend boozy, men-only, $1,000 per ticket fundraiser for addiction centre. Not everyone was impressed Back to video

The $1,000-per-ticket fundraiser, billed as a “Gentlemen’s Gala Event,” was to raise money for Vitanova Foundation, a non-profit mental health treatment facility for alcohol, drug and gambling addicts.

“If you’re going to raise money for an addiction centre, why are you involving alcohol?” said Lorello, a former Conservative executive in the riding’s association.

If you’re going to raise money for an addiction centre, why are you involving alcohol?

Kent echoed Lorello’s sentiments and took umbrage with the fact women weren’t invited to the event.

“Unfortunately, Vaughan has a reputation and hasn’t quite entered into the next century yet,” said Kent, a former member of the Conservative riding association in the area.