Around the Town with RO On The GO!

Universal EventSpace Grand Opening 

August 23
Opening its doors for the very first time this autumn was the much-anticipated Universal EventSpace - byPeterandPauls.com smile emoticon An exciting collaborative between the byPeterandPauls.com Hospitality & Entertainment Group and the ZZen Group, this 32 million dollar venue is one of a kind!!! The 85,000 square-foot facility accommodates over 2000 guests, has 6 multifunctional rooms, 2 swanky rooftop patios, state-of-the-art kitchens, illuminated bars everywhere and a multi-million dollar audio/visual system. Congrats to, Peter Eliopoulos the visionary behind this beautiful venue...you are a rock star!!!

Peter Eliopoulos, Tony Monaco 

Vic De Zen, Peter Eliopoulos, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Members of Council 

Eliopoulos Family 

ByPeterandPaul.com Gathering at THE VIEW 
Just another one of the great celebrations hosted by Peter and Anna Eliopoulos 

Fun with Sarina Paris! 

3rd Annual Scotiabank "Branching Out" Program
August 30
Once in a while I like to get my hands dirty...but only if it's for a good cause! It was so much fun participating in the 3rd Annual Scotiabank "Branching Out" tree planting event and kudos to the amazing team of volunteers who planted 250 trees in just a few hours. This initiative was created by my good friend, Jason Polsinelli of Scotia McLeod who was deeply concerned about changes to Vaughan's urban canopy. After noticing the devastation to the city's greenscape caused by the emerald ash borer beetle infestation including the 2013 ice storm, he has worked alongside his Scotiabank colleagues to replenish the environment by planting trees in city parks and boulevards

Awesome City of Vaughan workers! 

Planting away with my friend, Jason Polsinelli 

smile emoticonAn exciting collaborative between the byPeterandPauls.com Hospitality & Entertainment Group and the ZZen Group, this 32 million dollar venue is one of a kind!!! The 85,000 square-foot facility accommodates over 2000 guests, has 6 multifunctional rooms, 2 swanky rooftop patios, state-of-the-art kitchens, illuminated bars everywhere and a multi-million dollar audio/visual system. Congrats to, Peter Eliopoulos the visionary behind this beautiful venue...you are a rockOnce in a while I like to get my hands dirty...but only if it's for a good cause! It was so much fun participating in the 3rd Annual Scotiabank "Branching Out" tree planting event and kudos to the amazing team of volunteers who planted 250 trees in just a few hours smile emoticoOnce in a while I like to get my hands dirty...but only if it's for a good cause! It was so much fun participating in the 3rd Annual Scotiabank "Branching Out" tree planting event and kudos to the amazing team of volunteers who planted 250 trees in just a few hours. This initiative was created by my good friend, Jason Polsinelli of Scotia McLeod who was deeply concerned about changes to Vaughan's urban canopy. After noticing the devastation to the city's greenscape caused by the emerald ash borer beetle infestation including the 2013 ice storm, he has worked alongside his Scotiabank colleagues to replenish the environment by planting trees in city parks and boulevards.Hospice Vaughan is a free service vital to our community and it's important we ensure accessibility to all those who need it. I was happy to attend the organization's 6th Annual 'Giving Thanks Gala' which raises awareness as well as funds benefiting the development of a future residential hospice. Thank you to my friends at Scotiabank for inviting me to join their table!!! It was a great time and all for an excellent cause

6th Annual Hospice Vaughan Gala

October 2

Hospice Vaughan is a free service vital to our community and it's important we ensure accessibility to all those who need it. I was happy to attend the organization's 6th Annual 'Giving Thanks Gala' which raises awareness as well as funds benefiting the development of a future residential hospice. Thank you to my friends at Scotiabank for inviting me to join their table!!! It was a great time and all for an excellent cause.
* Since 1995, Hospice Vaughan has provided compassionate support to individuals dealing with life threatening illness by providing quality home care, counselling and ensuring that bereaved family and friends are supported.

Minister Steven Del Duca, John & Cathy Amendola, Mayor Bevilacqua, Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco

MP Francesco Sorbara and Rose Greco

Anna Ventura, Minister Steven Del Duca 

Mackenzie Health "Las Vegas" Gala 

Oct 24 

To all the naysayers ...there's no question....a state-of-the-art hospital will be built in Vaughan!! With ground already broken on Major Mackenzie Dr.-Hwy 400 and the foundation being laid in one year's time, the Mackenzie Health Foundation (MHF) is working hard to further its completion. Announced at the MHF "Las Vegas Gala" last weekend was the "Exceptional Care Belongs Here" campaign chaired by Greg Sorbara and its mission to raise 250 million dollars - the remaining portion of funds required for the hospital's development. With the Province of Ontario footing 90% of the expense there really isn't that much more to go. Especially considering the extremely generous 10 million dollar donation recently made by Magna International which will be allocated to Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital's future emergency facility. Congrats to gala chairs Grace Sgro and Lee Zanetti and their entire committee on organizing such an incredibly fun eve.
*Proceeds from the annual Mackenzie Health Foundation gala benefit both the Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital as well as the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

Rose & Gus Sinopoli,  Benny & Parry Caringi, Tony Monaco, Marlena & Tony Molezzi 

Photo Bomb! 

Joe Ercolao , Jo-Ann Folino 

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce "Women to Women" 

November 4

I always have a great time hanging with my gal pals at this event. Hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce the purpose of the "Women to Women Symposium" is to celebrate and empower women through keynote speakers. This year's emcee was Jennifer Valentyne (CityTV's Breakfast Television Toronto) and guest speakers included Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco (Founder -Opus Homes), Anna Eliopoulos (Co-Founder of byPeterandPauls.com), Susan Niczowski (Founder - Summer Fresh) and Lisa Lisson (President - FedEx Canada). Not only did we hear their remarkable stories but we also got to sample products by vendors and enjoy an amazing lunch at the Universal EventSpace... mmmm... I even got to exercise on a ball!! Thanks for that Niko T Sofianos. 

Nik Sofianos

Jennifer Valentyne of Breakfast Television 

Laura Tonelli ,  Maria Montinaro 

Daniela Hoffman of Freedom Medi Spa 

Jennifer Ladouceur,  Dolores Rotondo 

Elvira Caria , Nadia Cerelli 

63rd Annual CIBPA President Ball 

November 7

This is for sure the grandest event held by the Italian Canadian community and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Presented by the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association (CIBPA) the 63rd Annual President's Ball recognized four outstanding individuals for their economic, political and/or social contributions. There were heartfelt speeches by award recipients and great moments such as the beautiful toast by Lenny Lombardi and his lovely wife, Grace. I can't forget the evening's sensational emcee, Andrea Trentadue of CHIN, including the delicious food served at the Universal EventSpace.  Thank you to MP Francesco Sorbara and event sponsor Scotiabank (Joe Ercolao). I definitely would not have been able to cover this event properly without your assistance. Congratulations to the following 2015 award recipients for their incredible achievements...bravo!!!!
CIBPA President's Award - Nick Di Donato (President and CEO - Liberty Entertainment Group) 
CIBPA Business Excellence Award - John Lettieri (President and CEO - Hero Certified Burgers and Lettieri Cafes) 
CIBPA Community Leader Award - Vivian Risi (Founder - Your Community Realty) 
CIBPA Next Generation Award - Andrew Mizzoni

Minister Steven Del Duca,  Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua,  Lenny Lombardi, John Lettieri 

Andrea Trentadue of CHIN Television

Eddy Burello (Presiident CIBPA)  and Andrea Trentadue

CIPBA Business Excellence Award recipient John Lettieri 

Lenny Lombardi, Tony Monaco , Bobby 

DIA D 

Italian Ambassador,  GainLorenzo Cornado

Grace & Lenny Lombardi 

Ali Bidabadi of CHIN Television and Tony Monaco of 103.5 

CIPBA Ladies' Auxiliary Founder Jackie Rosate 

Love my dress by Danny De La Venta 

Joe Ercolao of Scotaibank 

Remembrance Day Woodbridge Cenotaph

November 11

Millions upon millions have fought and died for freedom. Let us always remember those who sacrificed - even giving the ultimate sacrifice - so we could vote, practice any religion, observe any holiday, attend any school, marry who we want, follow our dreams....

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 

Julian Fantino