A City with Heart

The spirit of philanthropy is alive and well in the Greater Toronto Area! The following are some of the altruistic individuals and the charity events that I've had the opportunity of featuring in my written publications:

3rd Annual Pink Diamond Gala 
August 27

Loved this fundraiser! Most breast cancer organizations focus on research and a cure. What makes the After Breast Cancer (ABC) organization unique is its focus on assisting women surviving the disease, those who don't have insurance and those who can't have their basic needs met following a mastectomy. In recognition of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month was the 3rd Annual Pink Diamond Fundraising Gala which benefitted this incredible initiative. Congratulations to bra fitter and owner of Premier Jour Fine Lingerie, Alicia Vianga, who founded ABC after identifying serious gaps in the health care system upon her review the official Bra and Breast Prosthesis Guide for a major Toronto hospital.
ABC objectives include:
1. To provide women who have limited financial resources with a bra, camisole and breast prosthesis at NO cost to them after breast removal surgery (mastectomy).
2. To identify underserved areas in breast cancer survivorship that lack resources and provide evidence based information that can facilitate informed decision making on issues related to breast cancer survivorship.
3. To provide resources that contribute to a woman’s Quality of Life (QOL) after breast cancer.

Breast Cancer survivors

Elvira Caria, Sandra Carusi, Nadia Cerelli, Lucy DeFranco 

Alicia Vianga

Savour York Region Food Drive

Oct 3

There's nothing more satisfying than giving to others - especially to those who are in desperate need. The 9th Annual Savour York Region Food Drive, held this past Saturday at Fortino's (HWY 7/Ainsley Grove), benefited the Vaughan Food Bank which is ALWAYS in need of donations. Congratulations to my friends Nadia Cerelli and Elvira Caria on another successful drive. It was a fun day with hugs from Vaughan Fire Inspector, Andre Clafton and a heated debate between Nad and Tony Monaco in the grocery store aisle (over the price of TIDE??!!! LOL) 
*Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Vaughan Food Bank Thursdays and Fridays 10:00am - 4:00pm @ 71 Marycroft Ave, Woodbridge.

SYR's Nadia Cerelli, Elvira Caria and Tony Monaco 

Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco and Vaughan Fire Inspector Andre Clafton 

Prostate Cancer Canada

Movember was in full swing in November and I loved seeing so many guys growing their "mos" and raising awareness to male-related illnesses. I've been following Rocco Rossi, President of Prostate Cancer Canada on Facebook as he grows his moustache! This PRE-MO photo was taken a short time ago at the Fredi Magazine office where I had the great pleasure of interviewing Rocco for an upcoming feature. He is a wealth of information and in addition to troubling stats I learned that with early detection this form of cancer can be beat. PC is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men - one in eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime and this year alone an estimated 4100 will die from the disease. 
This article featuring Rocco Rossi and PCC is coming soon and thank you to my editor Filomena Rosati for another great opportunity. 

Rocco Rossi, President of Prostate Cancer Canada

Hats On For Awareness "Hatsquerade" 

October 16

Although the nature of this fundraiser is very serious the 7th Annual Hatsquerade was a amazing fun! According to statistics one in five Canadians has dealt with mental illness and depression. However, I believe the number is even higher. Many of us are just too afraid to open up and talk about how we feel. Kudos to Enza Tiberi-Checchia and Benny Caringi who founded Hats On For Awareness as a means of breaking down social barriers and eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness as well as addiction - which a coping mechanism for many. AND a special thank you for inviting me to be emcee and share my own personal family story.

Nikki Bettinelli, Benny Caringi, Enza Tiberi-Cecchia 

Iliana nd Michael De Biase and Patrizia Nigro 

Hats On For Awareness Founders Benny Caringi and Enza Tiberi - Cecchia 

Designer Danny De La Venta...Love my outfit! 

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council 

Hats On For Awareness Committee 

Evening Under the Stars Gala

November 8

It was an incredibly touching evening as supporters gathered at the "Evening Under the Stars" Gala in Vaughan to raise proceeds for GTA-based Meta Centre and their various programs servicing people with developmental disabilities. The 24th annual fundraiser presented by the Meta Foundation remembered one of its most devout patrons, the late James De Zen. I was moved by the beautiful tributes - a choir performance and video presented by clients in honour of Jimmy. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua was also on hand to present a donation allocated from proceeds raised at the annual Mayor's Gala. Thank you Laura Tonelli for all your assistance in covering this event.

Breakfast Television's Jennifer Valentyne 

Laura Tonelli

Laura Tonelli and Meta Executive Director Antonet Orlando 

Inspire North Launch

November 17

What an inspiring group of people.  Entrepreneurs and community advocates John Lettieri (Founder - Hero Certified Burgers/Lettieri Cafes), Domenic Primucci (President - Pizza Nova), Jason Polsinelli (Scotia McLeod), Alessandra Piccolo (VFF), Luciano Volpe (Inspire North - Casa Sana), Antonio Ienco (VFF), Joe Ercolao (Scotiabank). 
Great being at Cibo Wine Bar King St West with friends to support Luciano Volpe and his team as they launched their new Inspire North initiative. For the last several years this non-profit organization has empowered local youth to pursue their dreams through sharing of experiences and advice by Canadian leaders. Inspire North's goal now is to reach educational institutions cross-country. Just love this!

Alesandro's Wish to Walk Comedy Night

November 20

Little 7 year-old Alesandro Ciampa recently went through a life-altering operation at St.Luois Children's Hospital. As a community our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. Alesandro was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and was in desperate need of a specific surgery not available in Canada. In order to raise $150 000 for the surgery the Walk With Alesandro Campaign was launched and with efforts of family, friends and the entire community the goal was achieved! These pictures were taken at Alesandro's Wish TO Walk Comedy Night in Vaughan where 800 people gathered to raise proceeds and laugh alongside some of the greatest comedians in the GTA. Congrats to headliner Frank Spadone, my friend Sandra Carusi, JACK DANI and all the other great comedians for a sensational night!!!! Sending love to Alesandro during this time. 

Comedians Frank Spadone, Jack Dani,  Sandra Carusi

Alesandro and friends :) 

Hahahhahhaaa!!!!!!!.......I'm still laughing!!!!!!! Great to see my friend Frank Spadone headline the "Alesandro Wish to Walk" Comedy Night. No one makes me laugh as much as Frank does... all I have to do is look at him and I'm in stitches. Laughter for a great cause. Nothing better than that. 

Frank Spadone