2024 Villa Charities Heart & Hand Awards
Friday, October 25, 2024
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On Friday, October 25, 2024, Villa Charities Foundation proudly hosted the 2024 Heart & Hand Awards, Villa Charities’ signature event for recognizing the outstanding contributions of our volunteers and partners.
Over 320 guests gathered at the Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre to help us celebrate our remarkable volunteers and partners, and enjoy musical entertainment from Michael Occhipinti, exceptional dining, and a silent auction. This signature recognition event was transformed to mark an important time in raising much-needed funds to support Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Throughout the evening, 13 volunteer and corporate partner recipients for the Villa Charities group of companies were presented with the 2024 Heart & Hand Award. In addition, Villa Charities Founding Member Mr. Anthony Fusco Sr. was recognized with the inaugural Villa Charities Heart & Hand Outstanding Volunteer Award for his remarkable dedication, advocacy, and philanthropic support of Villa Charities and its affiliates over the past five decades.
The event raised $485,350, which included a generous donation that evening of $250,000 from Anthony Fusco Sr. and the Fusco family. The Fusco family donation will be designated to Villa Colombo Toronto and the remaining net proceeds of the event will be distributed among Villa Charities affiliates to support Villa Charities' programs, services and areas of greatest need.
Villa Charities extends its sincere appreciation to the Boards, leadership and staff at Villa Charities and the Affiliates. Grazie mille!
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
Napoli-raised Procolo and Amalia Saglioccolo is a beautiful reminder of the strength found in family bonds and shared traditions. This #TributeThursday, we spotlight their legacy as they navigated their new life in Canada despite facing language barriers.
“Not able to speak the language they somehow managed with hard work, sacrifice and perseverance to build a life that they could have never imagined. Procolo and Amalia instilled family values. Their love for family and tradition lives on today with their children, 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. ‘The love of a Family is life’s greatest blessing. Like branches on a tree, we may grow in different directions but our roots remain as one.’ ”
Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.
Procolo and Amalia Saglioccolo’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the unwavering bonds of family. Their legacy will shine on for future generations as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. For each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.
Official Unveiling Ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Tomorrow: Savour the True Taste of Ontario’s Harvest! |
Don’t miss our celebration of local, sustainable food with Slow Food Toronto’s Farm to Table Dinner on Friday, November 8 at 6:00pm. This event showcases the best of the region’s seasonal produce and artisanal craftsmanship, offering a menu that highlights the values of ethical sourcing and community-supported agriculture. Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano. Presented in partnership with Slow Food Toronto and Ristorante Boccaccio. $10.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Villa Charities Arts, Youth and Culture Department.
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After two sold-out events, SERATA is bringing Italian nightlife to the heart of Toronto's Little Italy once again on November 9, at Last Call Cocktail Bar. Part aperitivo, part Italian discoteca, SERATA delivers a “dolce vita” party filled with fun activations, complimentary treats - including the famous "DISCO PASTA," and an all-Italian DJ set filled with classic and modern chart-topping Italian hits. For further information and tickets follow @serata.to or visit Eventbrite. Villa Charities is proud to be a Community Sponsor.
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Celebrate Festa della Castagna,
the Chestnut Festival
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Join us for our next ‘festa’ community event on Wednesday, November 13 to enjoy complimentary chestnuts* in celebration of San Martino, courtesy of ICBSAC and Villa Charities. The evening coincides with our popular Ballo Liscio nights, with social dancing and DJ Gianni Mignardi.
*First-come, first-served. While supplies last.
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“La Superficie Introvabile” /
“The Unfindable Surface”
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The exhibition “La Superficie Introvabile” / “The Unfindable Surface” features the works of Anna Romanello and Mario Martinelli, two artists who explore symbols, history, and the passage of time. Both artists masterfully layer materials and play with transparency to create immersive, timeless pieces that transcend traditional artistic boundaries. Exhibition continues until November 13, 2024. Presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, and Heritage Calabria.
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Book Launch of “Canadian Plays of Italian Heritage” |
This landmark collection of thirteen plays plus a previously unpublished translation, by playwrights including Lucia Frangione, Tony Nardi, Nick Mancuso, Dina Morrone, and the late Michael Macina, aims to displace critical misconceptions about Italian Canadian theatre. Join us for this book launch event on Monday, November 18, 7:00pm, followed by a meet-and-greet reception.
Register Now
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Giancarlo Esposito: Crafting Villains with Italian Flair |
Villa Charities is proud to support ICFF in presenting an extraordinary evening with the iconic Giancarlo Esposito at “Giancarlo Esposito: Crafting Villains with Italian Flair.” Starting at 6:30pm on Friday, November 29, at the TIFF Lightbox, the event features an exclusive “On the Couch With” session, where Esposito will share insights into his creative process and the influence of his Italian heritage on his memorable villainous roles. Following this, continue the celebration at Casa Loma with an elegant after-party, featuring gourmet culinary stations and a premium open bar, as we toast to Esposito’s impressive career. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of film, culture, and festivity!
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Our Italian Christmas Baking Contest Returns |
As part of our Ballo Liscio night with musical guest DJ Gianni Mignardi, we invite you to bring your homemade Italian Christmas dessert and take part in our Italian Christmas Baking Contest for your chance to win a prize, as selected by our judging panel. Join us on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30pm and share your traditional desserts such as Panforte, Struffoli, Scalilli, and Turdilli with fellow community members. Enjoy a slice of Panettone, courtesy of Villa Charities!*
*First-come, first-served. While supplies last.
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Coming Soon: Villa Charities’ Festive Christmas Market |
Mark your calendars now for the Villa Charities Festive Christmas Market, on Saturday, December 7 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Shop from over 30 local vendors and enjoy delicious seasonal food and beverages at the Columbus Centre. Get into the Christmas spirit as you discover great gifts, live musical entertainment by Joe Maio and a raffle for holiday prizes. Plus, kids can have their photos taken with Santa!
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Rent a Vespa or an Ape for Your Next Event |
Head Over Wheels specialize in the rental of carefully curated classic cars that make weddings, engagements, photo shoots, and promotional events unforgettable. Bringing the timeless elegance of vintage Italian vehicles to your next special event. Check out their classic Italian vehicles in our lobby!
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Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. on Friday, November 8 or December 6. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Spotlight on Villa Charities Board of Directors |
In this new feature, we are thrilled to shine a light on the members of the Villa Charities Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers generously give their time, expertise, and passion to guide our organization and support the communities we serve. Learn more about the inspiring individuals who help make our work possible.
Joseph Arcuri
Chair, Villa Charities Inc.
Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.
Read Full Bio
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Coming Soon: Demo Classes for Premium Fitness Programs |
Interested in trying out one of our Premium Fitness Programs? Coming soon, we’ll be offering one-time free trial classes prior to registration. Stay tuned for more information or contact the Membership Office at 416-789-7011 ext. 217 or fitness@villacharities.com. Check out our current programs at the link below.
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Host Your Next Party at our Indoor Pool |
Take your celebration to the next level with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it's for a birthday party or a social event, our pool rentals will guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. Plus, our certified staff will keep the fun safe and worry-free. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and complete details.
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VCTA’s Christmas Pasta Bingo Fundraising Event |
Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their annual Christmas Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, November 28, 6:00pm in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Your $60 ticket includes a pizza, pasta, and salad dinner, coffee/tea and traditional Christmas treats, as well as three bingo games and dabber. Funds raised are for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email vcla@villacolombo.on.ca.
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Messages From Our Valued Arts Partners | |
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Leonardo Da Vinci Academy Open House |
Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, November 13 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori and Italian Immersion Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while touring our newly renovated campus. We look forward to meeting you!
Register Now
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Watch in Theatres: “The Prince of Rome” |
Join us on November 17 & 18 for this month’s TLN Italian movie (with English subtitles) feature screening in partnership with @CineplexMovies in theatres across Canada! ‘The Prince of Rome (Il Principe di Roma)’ starring Marco Giallini, Giulia Bevilacqua, and Filippo Timi, is a captivating adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" set in 1820s Rome. Don’t miss this Italian box office hit! Visit Cineplex today to secure your tickets for this limited screening!
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Our Mission:
Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Our Vision:
Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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