Photo Coverage: Canadian Cast of RENT Reunites for 15th Anniversary in Support of Fife House

On Monday Oct 29th members of the original Canadian cast of RENT gathered together with graduates from Sheridan College to perform a special benefit concern in support of Fife House.  Produced by Michael Rubinoff, the event celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Canadian production of the Tony Award Winning musical, and was a fantastic evening filled with songs and lots of love.  On hand to celebrate were Chad Richardson, Cary Shields, Dominique Roy, Karen LeBlanc, Jenifer Aubry, Gavin Hope and Thom Allison.

The benefit was for Fife House, an innovative, client-focused charity in Toronto that provides secure affordable housing and services to people living with HIV/AIDS.  In 2010/2011, the organization served more than 600 residents and clients and provided support services to 200 residents.  The Spotlight event is an annual fundraiser designed to promote awareness for the organization and raise money for Fife House.

The messages of love, hope, faith and tolerance that are so central in RENT provided a heartfelt and touching backdrop to Fife House's cause, with people sharing personal stories and experiences about how HIV/AIDS have touched their lives and how Fife House has helped.  It was an emotional evening, with friends old and new connecting through the music of Jonathan Larson.  While HIV/AIDS may not carry the same stigma it had 15 years ago when RENT first debuted in Toronto, there are many people still suffering who need the compassion and support that Fife House provides.  This is what Monday night was all about, reminding people how important love, compassion and tolerance are and that we need to cherish every moment as if its our last.  It was incredibly touching to see how Jonathan Larson's message has transformed so many lives, and how Fife House has helped so many as well.  Hopefully everyone who attended this special evening left remembering that there really is 'no day but today'. 

To donate to Fife House or learn more about their organization, please visit their official website at www.fifehouse.org