meet bloor street entertains co-chair melissa campisi
Canada's largest annual gala in support of HIV/AIDS research returns on Friday, November 21, 2025. guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and seated dinner at fashionable venues throughout Bloor-Yorkville before an evening of spectacular entertainment, dancing and performances at the Official After Party. We hope you will join us for another remarkable evening on and around Bloor Street!
Christie Garofalo is a respected Community Champion and solutions-driven leader in Canada’s charitable sector. With over 30 years of volunteer service, she has helped raise tens of millions for local and national causes as a board chair, connector, fundraiser, and philanthropist. Deeply committed to her values of family, community, and giving back, Christie lives by the motto: “Get involved and give back.” She is an alumna of UBC and lives in Vancouver with her husband and their eight children.
Why does CANFAR’s mission to end the HIV epidemic in Canada resonate with you?
HIV/AIDS doesn’t recognize boundaries. Increasing case rates across provinces – including here in BC – are a worrying trend that highlights a need for us to all work together to end Canada’s epidemic. As a national organization, CANFAR is well-positioned to bridge that gap from coast-to-coast.
It was shocking to learn that even in 2025, nearly a quarter of all new HIV diagnoses in Canada is among youth aged 15 to 29. And that heterosexual contact leads the new diagnoses at almost 40%.
Our youth aren’t educated about HIV, because they weren’t here during the height of the epidemic; they don’t have that point of reference. CANFAR’s dedication to national youth awareness and prevention resonates with me as both a mother and an advocate for empowering youth.
Why did you want to bring Bloor Street Entertains to the west coast with the upcoming Vancouver Entertains?
Bloor Street Entertains has been so successful – 29 years and running – and has built such reputation and prominence because of its unique, exciting and interesting format. People talk about it for weeks leading up to and after the event – and we want to build that same buzz and reignite conversations around HIV/AIDS here on the west coast.
What's in store for guests at BSE? Can you share any exciting details?
This year’s BSE promises unforgettable experiences—think dazzling decor, curated menus from top restaurants and catering teams, and amazing performances. Each venue has its own unique vibe, and guests can expect surprises that make the evening feel magical from start to finish.
What do you hope to achieve with BSE? What do you want guests to remember after the evening?
We want guests to leave BSE feeling deeply moved—not just by the beauty of the evening, but by the urgency and importance of the mission. We hope they remember that they’re part of ending the HIV epidemic in Canada, and that their presence and support have real impact. If someone leaves feeling more connected to the cause—and more committed to change—then we’ve done our job.
How would you encourage folks to get involved with ending HIV in Canada beyond attending Bloor Street Entertains?
Getting involved can take so many forms—whether it’s donating, starting conversations to reduce stigma, volunteering with local organizations, or educating yourself and others about HIV. Everyone has a role to play, and the first step is caring enough to take action. BSE is just the beginning—there’s so much more we can all do throughout the year.
Do you have any favourite/impactful moments from past Bloor Street Entertains? What were they and why?
I have been part of BSE since 2016, and this is by far my favourite evening of the year. There have been so many moments which have deeply touched me, but I have to say that the first time I heard Ashley Rose speak about her experience living with HIV I was moved and inspired by her grace, poise, strength and determination to help combat stigma. I hope that all our guests have the opportunity to hear from one of our national ambassadors- their stories are a powerful reminder of why we’re here—not just to celebrate…but to listen, learn, and act. That moment made everything feel so real. It was emotional, it was honest, and it underscored the deep impact this event can have.
BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS 2025
Friday, November 21, 2025
Dinners 6:30pm
Official After Party at 9:30pm
featuring venues across Bloor-Yorkville and Official After Party at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto