Toronto DEC-JAN 49-64_Layout 1 12-11-28 2:26 PM Page 55
Events On Saturday, October 27, over 580 guests, including many leading members of the Toronto and Vaughan business, professional and political communities gathered for the 11th Annual Oak Leaf Gala. The charity event helps raise funds for the Villa Leonardo Gambin long-term care residence, which houses and cares for seniors. The residence is dedicated to providing quality services and meaningful experiences for its residents. It offers culturally specific programs, as well as restorative care and nursing rehabilitation programs that greatly improve the quality of life for all residents. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Villa Leonardo Gambin and this year’s gala, which was held at Famee Furlane Toronto in Vaughan, surpassed everyone’s expectations by becoming the most successful to date. Co-chair Dawn Melchior Alexander is very passionate about this initiative: “This is a very important cause and one near to my heart as my dad lived here for the last seven years of his life before passing away two years ago. All money raised goes directly towards improving the quality of life of Villa Gambin’s patients.” The success of the event was the result of a very active Gala Committee, the support of its long standing members and the generosity of the broader Italian community. (David De Marco) All photos by Distinctive Foto Imaging
55
Oak Leaf Gala 2012
From left: Lia DelZotto Callà (Oak Leaf Gala Co-Chair), Matthew Melchior (Coram Construction Solutions and President, Famee Furlane Toronto), and Dawn Melchior Alexander (Oak Leaf Gala Co-Chair)
Carol and Angelo DelZotto (Chairman and CEO of Tridel Corporation)
From left: Marcel Aitoro (Future Buildings), Carla Aitoro, Linda Patullo and Antonio Patullo (Avenue Building Corporation)
From left: John Cinelli (Ozz Electric), Ann-Maria Cinelli, Pat Galati, Angie Galati, Mary Di Luca and Paul Di Luca (Falconcrest Homes)
Renaissance Gala 2012 From left: Mario Ferri, Michael Tibollo (President CIHF), Cavaliere Antonio Porretta, and the Honourable Julian Fantino
From left: Award Recipients Antonio Pavia, Susan LaRosa, and Father Marziliano
Renaissance Gala Board, from left: Cavaliere Antonio Porretta, Giuliana Beato, Alidad Pighin, Gemma Viviano, Michael Tibollo (President CIHF), Silvana Tibollo, Mercedes Tibollo, Marcello Tarantino, Melina Zeppieri, Fabio Gesufatto, and Vincenzo Somma
It was an evening of recognition and celebration at the inaugural Renaissance Gala, held on October 25 and presented by the Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation (CIHF) in partnership with the AMICI Museum and Interpretive Centre. Hosted by Minister Julian Fantino and his wife Liviana, the Gala was held to recognize the Famèe Furlane Club of Toronto as well as various individuals who work to promote Italian heritage and culture in Canada. Approximately 350 guests attended the event, which was hosted by Primavera Convention Centre in Vaughan. During the evening, the Famèe Furlane Club of Toronto, a social club and benevolent society, was named the first recipient of the Italia Award. The club, founded 80 years ago by a group of Furlan friends, has grown to become an important and dynamic player in the promotion of Italian culture in Canada through its many diverse groups and activities. “We are honoured to co-host this event and honour an organization that has contributed to the
The Secret to
Men's
Italian-Canadian community by providing social, cultural and economic opportunities to the community for over 80 years,” said Michael Tibollo, president of the CIHF. Also recognized for their work in the promotion of Italian culture in Canada were Susan La Rosa, Father Vito Marziliano and Antonio Pavia. Susan La Rosa is currently the Director of Education of the York Catholic District School Board and has always promoted Italian language learning in the region. Father Vito Marziliano is the pastor at two Toronto churches and is also the head of Toronto’s Sacred Arts Committee. For years, Antonio “Tony” Pavia has given life to Italian culture through his photography and journalism. Three youths — Emily Pietrangelo, Claudio Santaluce and Maria Cusimano — were also recognized for their contribution to the Italian cultural community in Canada. Guests enjoyed entertainment by two young Italian-Canadian musicians, Daniel Panetta and Daniele Monticelli. (Sarah Mastroianni).
Verdi Shoes European Footwear Mens and Ladies Fine Italian Shoes wide width and large sizes available
Fashion
Woodbridge Square Shopping Centre 7600 Weston Road, Woodbridge, ON
905.851.6500 www.perlui.ca
• • • • • •
AQUATALIA LA CANADIENNE CESARE PACIOTTI CRISTIN ROBERTO CAPUCCI MEPHISTO
31 Colossus Drive, #105, Woodbridge, Ontario (Inside Colossus Centre, beside Finch Centre Jewellers)
Tel: 905.264.7463