TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 22, 2014) - Mantella Corporation will help welcome Zac Posen to Canada as the iconic fashion designer debuts his 2014 fall/winter collection at the much talked-about Suzanne Rogers Presents on April 28.

Founded in 2010 by Suzanne Rogers, Suzanne Rogers Presents is an exclusive fashion show and black-tie gala that gives Toronto's VIPs a sneak peek at the latest ensembles from celebrated fashion designers while also raising necessary funds for great causes. Mantella Corporation takes the reigns as the presenting sponsor of this year's event, which will be held at the historic venue The Carlu. The funds raised will be donated to one of Mantella Corporation's long-time beneficiaries Boost Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention, as well as Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

"These organizations provide essential care and support for children who have endured terrible hardship," says Robert Mantella, president and CEO of Mantella Corp. "As a family business involved in the community for over 60 years, we believe it is our responsibility to provide them with the means to continue this indispensable work and better the lives of children in need."

Zac Posen will make his Canadian debut as he steps into the spotlight of this year's event and pulls back the curtain on the jaw-dropping attire of his 2014 fall/winter collection. The New York-based designer, whose red-carpet-ready gowns have wrapped some of the world's hottest stars, including the likes of Beyoncé Knowles, Claire Danes, Amanda Seyfried, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rihanna, will be the third designer to collaborate with Rogers on the event, following Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa.

"Having a designer as renowned and as celebrated as Zac Posen join us is such an amazing honour," says event chair Sylvia Mantella, director of branding at Mantella Corporation. "Not only does it continue the trend of bringing top talent to Toronto, but it's a great way to celebrate a night of fundraising."

Coco Rocha, a long-time friend of Posen's, will open and close the runway show, while Vogue contributing editor and co-founder of Moda Operandi Lauren Santo Domingo and Canadian actor Martin Short will sit as the event's honorary chairs. Posen has also partnered with Holt Renfrew to hold a trunk show before departing back to the Big Apple.

Since its inception, Suzanne Rogers Presents has raised $1.7 million for various children's charities across the world. It is the Mantella's hope that with the likes of Posen, they can continue to generate invaluable funds for these worthy causes.

ABOUT THE MANTELLA CORPORATION

Since 1946, Mantella Corporation has stood as one of the most highly respected real estate developers in Canada. Founded by Anthony Mantella, Mantella Corporation's expertise ranges from industrial warehouses to luxury condominiums, retail plazas to custom homes. Currently under the guidance of Robert Mantella, Anthony's grandson, this family-operated enterprise expanded its breadth in 2008 to launch Mantella Venture Partners, a $20-million early stage start-up fund that invests in innovative software businesses. Mantella Corporation is also highly committed to community involvement, supporting numerous national and international charities, including ONEXONE, Ronald McDonald House Toronto and Amore Without Borders.

For more on Mantella Corporation's philanthropic work, visit www.mantella.ca.