Earlier this month, Canadian fans of The Young and the Restless had a chance to meet Kate Linder (Esther Valentine), Christian Le Blanc (Michael Baldwin), and Bryton James (Devon Winters) and help raise money for charity at the same time.
The three Y&R stars traveled to Toronto for Linder's annual Kate Linder & Friends charity tea event, which was emceed by Jeff McArthur, co-host of Global Television's Morning Show. The beneficiary of this year's event was the Canadian Abilities Foundation's Canada Cares Caregiving Program, whose mission is to advocate, educate, build awareness, and deliver effective, well-run programs that support youth and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers.
"The tea was fantastic!" Linder enthused to Soap Central. "Christian, Bryton, Jeff, and I worked hard to make sure that everyone had a great time! It was a win-win situation for all as we were able to raise $50,000 for Canada Cares."
Sponsors of the event included Jane Jackson, the Flam family, media sponsors Global TV and the Toronto Sun, Salma Jaffer Law, Bronfman Foundation, Scott Grondin Photography, Toronto Police Association, Scotia Wealth Management Network, Dr. Dan Andreae, Meadowbrook Landscaping, Creekside Dahlia and Peony Farms, Roma Bakery, and RPA.
Kate Linder and Robin Wyss created the Kate Linder & Friends Charity Teas in 1998 to benefit charities in Canada and give Y&R fans there an opportunity to meet members of the cast and raise money for worthy local causes at the same time.
Here are some photos of the event. All photos are courtesy of Scott Grondin Photography, unless otherwise noted.
Salma Jaffer & Mira Grondin dedicate this year's Kate Linder & Friends Tea to Kate's late mom, Molly Wolveck, supported by Bryton James and Christian Le Blanc.
Christian Le Blanc laughs while auctioning off a signed Y&R script with Bryton James at Kate Linder & Friends Charity Tea for Canada Cares.
Christian Le Blanc, Bryton James, and Kate Linder pose with devoted Y&R fan Britt McVeigh at Kate Linder & Friends Tea for Canada Cares
Lori Moore with pal & longtime tea sponsor Jane Jackson. Jackson hosted Christian Le Blanc, Kate Linder, Bryton James at a post-tea celebratory dinner. Frequent tea sponsor Susan and Ron Flam also attended. Photo provided by Jane Jackson.
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