Freezing but what a fabulous February!!

February 27th - "Relay for Life" Launch 

I’m very excited to be a member of Team Vaughan at this year's "Relay For Life" (benefiting Canadian Cancer Society). I had the opportunity to meet my team members during the launch at T2 Lounge. What a great group of people! Looking forward to June...

Donations link :https://secure2.convio.net/cco/rflcanpc22014/dashboard.html?pc2_page=center&fr_id=14894

I was deeply moved by cancer survivor Ian's eloquent speech 

Ida Vivacqua and her childhood friend, Tony! 

Joe and Pina Montagnese 

Strong women!! Regional Councillor Deb Schulte with Councillors Rosanna DeFrancesca and Sandra Yeung Racco 

February 26th - Cinephile Society Pre-Oscar Party 

...and the Oscar goes to both Alessandra Piccolo and yours truly!  Well, according to CBC film critic Tom Ernst...although he doesn't really know for what exactly! Fun, fun, fun at the Cinephile Society's Pre-Oscar Party. Can't wait to see Tom again at the Vaughan Film festival this coming April. (National Club, Downtown Toronto) 

Oscar recipients Alessandra Piccolo and yours truly with Tom Ernst...thanks Tom! 

February 26th - Mayor's Luncheon 

Hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon was a great opportunity for business and community leaders to come together. In his speech Mayor Bevilacqua discussed the city's exciting current and future projects:

• Hwy 427 Extension

• Vaughan Mackenzie Hospital

• Toronto-York Spadina subway extension 

• Vaughan's Downtown Metropolitan Centre

Also mentioned was the city's successful sustainability as well as its growing relaions with vibrant international cities. Looks like Vaughan IS definitely the place to be!
Vaughan Momentum Report Online Link -http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=192121

Anthony Pullano & Mayor Bevilacqua 

Top: Anthony Pullano, Alessandra Piccolo Bottom: Ida Vivacqua, Sandra Porretta 

Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco 

Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase 

The Big Cannoli! 

February 21st - Michael Tibollo Nomination Kick-Off 

Attorney Michael Tibollo, who is seeking the Conservative nomination for the new King-Vaughan federal riding, held his kick-off at the West River Event Centre. A long-time business leader and active volunteer Tibollo spearheaded the Italian Heritage Month of Ontario (IHM). I worked alongside Michael when I was an IHM board member.

Donata Morandi, Gino Cucchi, Michael Tibollo, Laura Tonelli, Alex Kosarew, Tony Monaco, Silvana Tibollo 

Freezing but still a fabulous February!

February 10th - Sandra Yeung Racco Women's Luncheon 

Despite having lost my most prized possession (my bluetooth) and having almost choked to death (teaspoon of restaurateur's homemade hot peppers), I had a great time at at women's luncheon in support of the Sandra Yeung Racco Campaign. Inspiring speeches, delectable food and strong, empowering women...I couldn't imagine spending the noon-hour any other way! (Mezza Notte Trattoria, Thornhill) 

Patricia Curto, Sandra Yeung Racco, Almerinda Casciato 

Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Mario Racco, Sandra Yeung Racco 

February 9th - Vaughan WinterFest Celebration! 

Food, outdoor games and lots of fun with friends at the 25th Annual WinterFest celebration (Vellore Village Community Centre).  A great outing for the whole family! 

Hanging with Vaughan's finest 

Brrrrrrrr!!!! 

Crazy foodies, Nadia Cerelli and Jenny Galati.

Posing with Elvira Caria (Plan B Promotions) at the Z103 booth! 

February 8th - Emceeing the Heart to Heart Foundation's 3rd Annual Valentine's Gala 

Was I ever feeling the love at this fundraiser. Guests, performers and volunteers showed their community spirit by coming together in support of Sick Children's Hospital. Held at the Presidente Banquet Hall in Vaughan, this annual event raises funds for the hospital's cardiology department. Also in attendance and giving his support was Mayor Bevilacqua including Regional Councillor Deb Schulte. Thanks to Stefania Tersigni Pizzi for giving me the honour of emceeing your special event! A heartfelt thanks to Joe Montagnese (Vaughan Citizen) and Michelle DeBuono for providing these great photos. 

Bold Dance Company 

Chilly January but RO is still on the GO!

January 29th - Customer Appreciation Luncheon @ The Savoy 

LOTS and LOTS of yummy food at the byPeterandPauls.com "Client Appreciation Party" - Savoy Event Venue.. Thanks, Rita Borges...the Salmon Wellington (which I'd never tried before) was TO DIE FOR!

Peter's "Social Butterfly", Rita Borges and Tony Monaco 

January 28th - CIPBA Kathleen Wynne Dinner 

I had the great opportunity to attend a dinner welcoming The Honourable Kathleen Wynne. What a great time sitting with the team from Scotia Bank...who would have thought bankers could be so much fun! The event, which was held downtown at the  Liberty Grand, was hosted by the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association. 

January 24^th – Inspire 

I really didn't mind getting lost at York U campus in minus forty degree weather (that includes wind chill factor, my friends!). Not at all considering I was there to INSPIRE 2014's latest line-up of incredible speakers. Geared mainly to university students the purpose of INSPIRE is to motivate, engage and inspire Canadian youth as well as provide graduate/undergraduate bursaries. I was captivated by all the speakers and had, as Oprah would say, many "aha" moments. Speakers: Allan Cosman VP Ferrero International, Shelley Martin President/CEO Nestle Canada and Alex Rechichi founder Extreme Pita/Mucho Burrito.

Me and founder of Inspire Luciano Volpe 

Rino Spano, Luciano Volpe and Alex Rechichi 

January 1st  - New Year's Eve (Hilton Garden Inn, Vaughan) 

Celebrating another exciting year ahead!