May 1, 2008 by Delinda Lombardo
For the past three years, Ben Affleck has watched his buddy Matt Damon host the ONE X ONE fundraiser in Toronto. This year, the Oscar-winning activist actor will take centre stage as he hosts the OneXOne Gala (June 14) from a new location – Commonwealth Hall in Calgary.
“We are delighted to add an additional gala to our schedule this year, and look forward to bringing the ONE X ONE message to Calgary,” said Joelle Berdugo Adler, founder of OneXOne, in a statement. “Our objective is to improve children’s lives here and abroad, and we have been deeply touched by the support and dedication of our guests, sponsors, and award recipients.”
The addition of a second event in a new location reflects a growing awareness of the charity.
“When they asked if I’d do Calgary, I said, ‘Sure. As long as Matt is not dragging me down!” said Affleck, referring to the fact Damon will be serving as the evening’s ambassador.
Now in its fourth year, the children’s charity has raised roughly $7 million for impoverished children around the globe. Their September 8 fundraiser, hosted by Damon in Toronto, is already one of the most coveted tickets during the Toronto Film Festival.
“They’re a great organization that is not pinned down by huge overhead,” said Affleck. “When ONE X ONE sees something they feel deserves their merit, they move quickly. You can tell a lot about an organization by the people they’ve cultivated to come back and work with them over and over again. I was struck by the energy and drive of this group.”
ONE X ONE Calgary will also feature Grammy winner George Benson, the African Children’s Choir, and the Canadian Tenors.
In the fall, ONE X ONE will add a third benefit to its 2008 schedule, with a gala in San Francisco on Oct. 23.
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