Close to 1,000 guests decked out in evening gowns and tuxedos converged at the Pearson Convention Centre Saturday night for the glamorous event, which is also known by its second title, Steppin' Out for the Arts.

The posh affair is an important fundraiser for the arts. Tickets carried a $500 price tag, but proceeds were going to a worthwhile cause, according to Mayor Susan Fennell.

"We've been using funds from this gala to add extras to the Rose Theatre that usually don't come with a performing arts venue, like two beautiful new Steinways and other instruments," she said. "We really want to help our local arts groups as much as we can because they contribute so much to our city."

Although it was the mayor's gala, the woman of the night was Lois Rice, who was this year's recipient of the Mayor Susan Fennell Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Brampton's cultural life.

The Rice family has been longtime supporters of the arts in Brampton. Lois Rice is a founding sponsor and donor of the Rose Theatre, as well as a principal benefactor of the Brampton Symphony Orchestra. Her late beloved husband, Max, was also a proud patron of the arts.

Rice's generosity has extended far beyond the arts realm. Some of the other groups that have benefited from her patronage are the Salvation Army, St. Paul's United Church, the Brampton and Area Community Foundation, and most recently the Brampton Civic Hospital, which received a $1 million donation from the Rice family.

"It is great to be honoured, but I'm overwhelmed," a beautifully-dressed Rice told The Brampton Guardian. "The arts are an important part of our lives and we should look after them. They educate people and bring the community together."

"A special woman like Lois Rice deserved a beautiful evening, so all stops were pulled out to make this a reality", Fennell said.

This year's theme was A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the corresponding d?cor was enchanting. Tables were covered in bright green tablecloths, complimented by shimmering orange chair covers. Oversized champagne flutes served as vases, overflowing with fuchsia hydrangeas, orange daisies and pink roses.

And a night wouldn't be complete without stars, with the front interior of the ballroom lit by a black backdrop featuring hundreds of tiny lights.

The menu also complimented the creative theme, with succulent appetizers like Thai chicken lollipops, grilled lamb chops and baked brie with cranberries. The multi-course dinner didn't leave anyone hungry, with dishes such as black Angus tenderloin, pepper crusted venison and goat cheese bauletti in vodka sauce. The dessert was the perfect ending to the delectable meal, with an exquisite chocolate slipper filled with white chocolate raspberry mousse.

"We're really stepping out for the arts in style tonight," Fennell said. "We wanted to give people a beautiful night, support the arts in Brampton and create a wonderful memory for Lois Rice. She is a one-of-a-kind, outstanding lady and her generous personality is felt right across this city."

While the body's appetite was met with delectable dining, the mind's appetite for entertainment was equally satisfied by continuous performances throughout the evening featuring Toni Anderson, The River Road Cloggers, Breakfast Television's Jennifer Valentyne and pianist Tyler Yarema, the Pipes and Drums of the Lorne Scots, and the Brampton Symphony Rose Garden Orchestra.

But the act that got the crowd the most riled up was renowned Canadian fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster and Celtic group Leahy, who made the evening extra special for Lois Rice. "It's great to be back here in Brampton," said Donnell Leahy, MacMaster's husband. "Tonight, we're playing just for you, Lois."