More than $700,000 was raised at the 2017 Spirit of Our City Vaughan Mayor’s Gala, presented by Two Sisters Vineyards and held at Universal EventSpace in Woodbridge on June 8. Between the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic, a total of $6.2 million has been raised since 2011—which goes towards more than 150 not-for-profit and community organizations that are instrumental to the City of Vaughan, as well as surrounding areas. The initiatives of these organizations range from helping youth and seniors to those with special needs, and women’s centres. “When people unite for a good cause rooted in the core values of generosity, optimism and gratitude—magic happens,” Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua recently stated in a news release. “I am grateful to the groups and individuals who play a vital role in making our city the kind, caring and compassionate place it is. It is that commitment to positive change that allows us to continue to make a meaningful difference to thousands of lives.”

Over 800 guests celebrated the black-tie gala, which consisted of a cocktail reception followed by dinner and live entertainment. A highlight of the night was the live auction and when Silvio DeGasperis and family made a $350,000 bid toward the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital Among the great food and people, the night was directed by accomplished radio and TV personality Elvira Caria, who was the master of ceremonies for the evening. Guests also took in the incredible sounds of the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra. Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua gave a presentation about the City of Vaughan and all that it has to offer. Aside from the mayor, some other notable guests in attendance included MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge Francesco Sorbara, MPP Steven Del Duca, and Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli of Two Sisters Vineyards.

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