Mayor inspires Spirit of Generosity
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Gala raises a record-setting $2 million
“I am proud to host the Mayor’s Gala each year because of what it represents and who it supports. We made history last night. With every act of kindness and each dollar we raise, we are making someone’s day brighter. Vaughan is a socially responsible community with people who genuinely care about one another. We are blessed to have citizens who give back, and, with each passing year, I continue to be inspired by the spirit of generosity that defines our community. That’s what the Mayor’s Gala is truly about – working together to inspire positive change in our city. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to the success of this event. Thanks to our caring and generous citizens, we have raised millions of dollars to help tens of thousands of people. I look forward to continuing the tradition of giving and fulfilling our noble mission to change lives.”
The compassion and generosity of the residents in
the City of Vaughan was demonstrated last night as almost 1,000 people gathered
at the Mayor’s Gala, raising a record $2 million to help make a difference in
the lives of people who need it most. The annual event benefits more than 100
not-for-profit organizations that provide essential services in the City of
Vaughan and beyond.
As part of
Vaughan’s commitment to support the development of healthcare services close to
home, guests were invited to participate in a live auction to have dinner with
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and an opportunity to name a street in the Vaughan
Healthcare Centre Precinct where the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will be
located. The successful bid came from Liberty Development at a record $400,000 which
will go directly to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. As the evening progressed,
Greenpark Group of Companies pledged $1.2 million towards the Mackenzie Vaughan
Hospital as well.
The theme
of the Gala – Making Modern History – was inspired by Vaughan’s silver
anniversary and provided an opportunity to highlight the City’s tremendous
transformation in the last 25 years. Canadian
music star and Juno Award winner Jully Black kicked off the evening at the
Terrace Banquet Centre with a headline performance that had the guests
singing along to her greatest hits. The Mayor’s Gala – together with the Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf
Classic – have raised more than $5 million since 2011.
QUOTE
“I am proud to host the Mayor’s Gala each year because of what it represents and who it supports. We made history last night. With every act of kindness and each dollar we raise, we are making someone’s day brighter. Vaughan is a socially responsible community with people who genuinely care about one another. We are blessed to have citizens who give back, and, with each passing year, I continue to be inspired by the spirit of generosity that defines our community. That’s what the Mayor’s Gala is truly about – working together to inspire positive change in our city. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to the success of this event. Thanks to our caring and generous citizens, we have raised millions of dollars to help tens of thousands of people. I look forward to continuing the tradition of giving and fulfilling our noble mission to change lives.”
-Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2011, the annual Mayor’s Gala and Golf Tournament events have raised more than $5 million.
- More than 100 not-for-profit and community groups that cater to youth, seniors, people with special needs, women’s centres, special education schools and sports groups have benefitted.
- Distributed proceeds have been used for many important purposes, including iPads for children with autism, expansion of hospice programs, camp programs for children, toys for children at Christmas, to help victims of abuse and to build a new home for special needs adults.
- Vaughan resident Stella Acquisto emceed the event.
- Juno Award winner Dominic Mancuso and his band also performed.
- The presenting sponsor for the 2016 Mayor’s Gala was Greenpark Group of Companies.
- The diamond sponsor for the 2016 Mayor’s Gala was Cortel Group/Zancor Homes.
LEARN MORE
- Mayor’s Gala webpage
Juno Award winner Jully Black delivers an electrifying performance that had guests up on their feet and singing along to her chart-topping hits.
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Members of Council and City
Manager Daniel Kostopoulos.
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua with Presenting
Sponsor Carlo Baldassarra, Chairman and CEO of Greenpark Group of
Companies.