Mayor’s Gala gives the gift of hope
Annual event raises funds that support our community
On Thursday, June 4, the City of Vaughan’s Mayor’s Gala was held in support of more than 100 not-for-profit and community organizations that provide important services in our city and beyond.
The theme of the Gala was ‘Sen5e in the City’ and celebrated each of the five senses. The headline talent was Juno Award nominee and Canadian jazz-pop singer/songwriter Nikki Yanofsky, who dazzled more than 800 guests in attendance with an incredible performance.
For a group of beneficiaries, the highlight was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Yanofsky at an intimate reception before the Gala, where she gave an intimate performance, took pictures with guests and signed autographs. Some of the special recipients in attendance included children with multiple disabilities, youth affected by family crisis, and adults with developmental disabilities working towards living an independent life.
As part of the City’s commitment to healthcare, guests were invited to participate in the live auction item ‘Dinner with Mayor Bevilacqua’ which raised a record-breaking $320,000 with all proceeds going directly to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.
QUOTE
“Five years ago we started a new tradition with the Mayor’s Gala where all proceeds raised would be shared widely, helping tens of thousands of people. For me, there are few things more rewarding than giving the ultimate gift of hope and seeing an individual recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their own lives, but the lives of those around them as well. This is what the Mayor’s Gala is all about – it is about the power of bringing people together through the spirit of generosity. We are building a truly incredible City and with the support of our caring and generous community, we will continue to move Vaughan forward without leaving anyone behind.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2011, the Mayor’s Gala and Golf Tournaments have raised more than $3.3 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, help victims of abuse, and build a new home for special needs adults
- Diamond sponsor of the 2015 Mayor’s Gala was Cortel Group/Zancor Homes
- Stefano DiMatteo, Canadian actor and founder of the Actors Room, emceed the event
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Beneficiaries of the Mayor's Gala got a special meet and greet with
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Canadian singer Nikki Yanofsky
Nikki Yanofsky performing for guests at the 2015 Mayor's Gala
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council with Nikki Yanofsky at the 2015 Mayor's Gala