Villa Charities Announces Recipients of the
2025 Heart & Hand Awards
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Villa Charities Foundation will proudly host the 2025 Heart & Hand Awards on Friday, November 7, 2025. This is Villa Charities’ signature event recognizing the outstanding contributions of our volunteers. More than 350 guests will gather at the Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre to celebrate our remarkable volunteers and enjoy musical entertainment from Jazz and Cocktails Toronto, exceptional dining, and a silent auction.
We are excited to announce the 2025 Heart & Hand Award recipients:
| | | Don’t Miss Mariachi Fiesta – Tomorrow at 7:30pm! |
Feel the excitement of Mariachi this Friday, October 10 at 7:30pm, as acclaimed tenor Romulo Delgado performs with the Viva Mexico Mariachi Band. Joyous and contagious in spirit, this tradition captivates audiences worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to see why The Globe and Mail hails Delgado as “one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.” Tickets are still available!
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| | | “The Dance” Exhibition by Vince Mancuso |
Be among the first to view “The Dance” by Vince Mancuso at the Opening Reception on Sunday, October 19 from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Mancuso recalls a time of innocence, when joy wasn’t ironic—when it was OK to love a song, dress up, and truly mean it. Now everything needs a shield, but the paintings and drawings in this exhibition say no. They say joy is real, and it always can be. Explore this exhibition in the Columbus Centre lobby from October 19, 2025, to January 6, 2026.
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| | | Experience Movie Magic with Beatrice and Adolfo |
Enjoy a live performance celebrating iconic movie music when fan favourites Beatrice Carpino (vocals) and Adolfo De Santis (piano) return to the Columbus Centre on Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm. This classically trained Italian Canadian duo will delight audiences with beloved songs from popular films. Join us to experience Beatrice’s captivating voice paired with Adolfo’s expressive piano as they bring cinematic melodies to life in an unforgettable evening of music.
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| | | Enjoy A Musical Autumn Evening |
Celebrate the spirit of autumn on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30pm with the rich sounds of the Columbus Concert Band. Led by Annamaria Mazzaferro, this award-winning ensemble will delight audiences with Italian favourites, jazz standards, concert band classics, and selections from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. This uplifting evening of music is perfect for all ages. Presented in partnership with the Columbus Concert Band.
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| | | Explore Italy’s Past, Present & Future |
Author and historian David Pantano presents a FREE two-part lecture series on Thursday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 25 at 7:15pm, tracing Italy’s political, socioeconomic, and cultural history from the 1860s to the 2020s. The talks will cover key historical periods including the Risorgimento, both World Wars, the post-war economic boom, gli Anni di Piombo (Years of Lead), and more. Each lecture concludes with discussion on the future course and global influence of Italian culture and creativity.
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| | | “The Voice: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” |
With a career that spanned more than half a century, Frank Sinatra remains a towering figure in the world of music. Experience his timeless songs live on Thursday, November 27 at 7:30pm at "The Voice: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra”, featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist John Alcorn and The Daniel Barnes Trio. These performers will revisit beloved classics like “My Way”, “Come Fly with Me”, and “Fly Me to the Moon” in a moving tribute to one of the most iconic Italo-American artists of the twentieth century.
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| | | Ballo Liscio Continues Through the Fall Season |
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues at the Columbus Centre every Wednesday until December 17. Join us from 6:30 to 8:30pm for these lively social dancing nights featuring music by Italian DJs and musicians. No matter your experience level, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community on the dance floor.
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| | | Register your Toddler for Italian Lessons |
Villa Charities is proud to continue the Italian Immersion Toddler Program this fall in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun-filled program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs and engaging activities led by an experienced Italian instructor. Sessions run until December 8 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays from 9:00–10:00am at the Columbus Centre. A parent or guardian must accompany each child.
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| | | Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco |
Book your Friday Chats with Marco! Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, November 7. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, 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
| | Villa Charities Foundation | | | Villa Charities Launches Next Gen Leaders at Sicily-Inspired Event |
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Villa Charities launched its Next Gen Leaders Committee with 'Sicily in September' – a dynamic mixer at NODO Liberty. Over 160 guests attended this vibrant evening, bringing together young Italian Canadians and community supporters to connect, socialize, and network in an atmosphere inspired by the warmth of Sicily. Guests enjoyed gourmet appetizers, refreshing drinks, and decadent desserts that complemented the cultural ambiance. The event introduced the Next Gen Leaders initiative while spotlighting Villa Charities’ vital work and rich traditions.
View Photos from the Event
| | | Start Your Musical Journey This Fall |
It’s not too late to register for fall lessons at the Columbus Centre School of Music! Learn from professional instructors who bring expertise across a variety of instruments, genres, and techniques. New this year, students can also explore Italian folk traditions with Intro to Italian Folk Music and Tamburello.
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| | | Limited Spaces Available for Landscape Painting |
Explore new perspectives in painting with our Less Defined Landscape workshop led by artist Sam Paonessa. This 11-week class blends landscape and abstract approaches, encouraging students to simplify references and experiment with imaginative colour palettes. Classes begin today, but there’s still time to register!
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| | | Take Your Dance Training Further this Season |
DanzArts Toronto at the Columbus Centre offers professional-level training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2025/2026 Dance Season. Check out our Recreational Schedule or contact us for more information. Don’t miss your chance to dance with us this season!
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| | | Stay Active with Fall Aquafit Classes |
Make a splash in your fitness routine this fall with Aquafit classes at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Led by certified instructors, these classes build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and support mobility in a fun, low-impact format. Open to Members and Non-Members, registration is still open for fall term classes.
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| | | Get in the Game with Squash Programs |
Take your game to the next level with Squash programs at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Designed for kids and adults of all levels, these programs teach fundamentals like strokes, footwork, grips, and rules—no experience required. Advanced players can also join our Adult Intermediate Clinic or compete in the Squash House League. Open to Members and Non-Members, registration is still open for fall squash programs.
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| | | Relaxation Awaits with Wellness Services |
Treat yourself with wellness services at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, open to both Members and Non-Members. Choose from Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, or Modern Cupping—each treatment designed to relieve stress, support recovery, and leave you feeling renewed. Book your appointment or purchase a gift certificate today.
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| | | Turn Your Next Event into a Pool Party |
Celebrate your next birthday or special event with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Our indoor pool rentals offer a fun and memorable experience for all ages, with certified staff on-site to ensure a safe and stress-free celebration. Visit our website for pricing or email gungar@villacharities.com for booking and full details.
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| | | Villa Colombo Vaughan: October Event Highlights | Residents enjoyed one of our final outings of the year with a visit to Nino D’Aversa Bakery, where they shared coffee, pastries, and connection in the community. On October 2, families and residents gathered for Italian Grandparents Day, honouring our Nonni with live music and food. Residents will celebrate Thanksgiving with seasonal pies and good company, followed by Villa Colombo Vaughan’s 19th birthday on October 23. The milestone will be marked with cake, entertainment, and reflections on nearly two decades of community and care. Meanwhile, ongoing programs like the Drum Circle with Vaughan Public Libraries continue to bring rhythm, creativity, and joy to residents. | | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy | | | Thanksgiving Fundraiser – Supporting Northern Indigenous Communities |
This Thanksgiving, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy is giving back by supporting Indigenous communities in northern remote areas of Canada. We have partnered with True North Aid to raise funds for their Educational Fund, which provides backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students. Many children in these communities face barriers to accessing basic educational tools, and together we can make a difference. We invite our school community to join us in this meaningful initiative. To contribute or learn more, please visit our fundraising link below. Thank you for your support and generosity!
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| | A Message From A Valued Arts Partner | | | “Brushstrokes of Tradition”: Minhwa Canada Exhibition 2025 |
Join us for “Brushstrokes of Tradition”, an inspiring exhibition presented by the Minhwa Art Association of Canada. Showcasing the vibrant world of minhwa, Korean traditional folk painting, this exhibition features the latest works by members who are preserving and reinterpreting this timeless art form. The Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, October 19 at 7:00pm—no registration required. Experience how minhwa artists bring new life to cultural heritage through detailed brushwork, symbolism, and storytelling rooted in Korean tradition. This exhibition runs from October 17 to 28, 2025.
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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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