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.
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.
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| Breast Cancer survivors |
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| Elvira Caria, Sandra Carusi, Nadia Cerelli, Lucy DeFranco |
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| 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.
*Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Vaughan Food Bank Thursdays and Fridays 10:00am - 4:00pm @ 71 Marycroft Ave, Woodbridge.
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| SYR's Nadia Cerelli, Elvira Caria and Tony Monaco |
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| 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.
This article featuring Rocco Rossi and PCC is coming soon and thank you to my editor Filomena Rosati for another great opportunity.
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| 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.
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| Nikki Bettinelli, Benny Caringi, Enza Tiberi-Cecchia |
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| Iliana nd Michael De Biase and Patrizia Nigro |
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| Hats On For Awareness Founders Benny Caringi and Enza Tiberi - Cecchia |
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| Designer Danny De La Venta...Love my outfit! |
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| Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council |
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| 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.
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| Breakfast Television's Jennifer Valentyne |
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| Laura Tonelli |
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| 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!
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!
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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.
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| Comedians Frank Spadone, Jack Dani, Sandra Carusi |
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| 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.
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| Frank Spadone |
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