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Farm to Table Dinner
at Ristorante Boccaccio
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Join us for a celebration of local, sustainable food with Slow Food Toronto’s Farm to Table Dinner. 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. Savour the true taste of Ontario’s harvest! Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano.
Date: Friday, November 8, 6:00pm
Tickets: $90.00*
Location: Ristorante Boccaccio, Columbus Centre
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Menu
Three Sisters Salad – First Course
A traditional mix of corn, beans, and squash,
served with local greens, sunflower seeds, and a maple-mustard vinaigrette.
Smoked Trout and Wild Rice Cake – Second Course
Ontario-smoked trout served atop a wild rice cake,
accompanied by a drizzle of cranberry coulis and garnished with watercress.
Venison with Juniper Berry Reduction – Main Course
Seared venison loin sourced from a local farm,
served with roasted sunchokes, foraged mushrooms, and a juniper berry reduction.
Sweetgrass-infused Panna Cotta – Dessert
A light panna cotta infused with sweetgrass,
served with a blueberry compote and candied walnuts.
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Presented in partnership with Slow Food Toronto and Ristorante Boccaccio.
*Ticket includes 4-course dinner, with mineral/sparkling water.
$10.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Villa Charities Arts, Youth and Culture Department.
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | |
#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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Calabria-born Carmine Murano moved to Canada at age of 16, where he met his wife and built his family and business. This #TributeThursday, we spotlight his legacy and the sacrifices he made for his family, working to give them a better life.
“Making wine and Calabrian cooking is a part of Carmine’s household, which has been passed down to his children. Despite being continents away and the only one of his siblings to settle in Canada, the connection between his family in Ciro and his family in Toronto are strong. Carmine is honest, has a big heart, strong family values and a willingness to help anyone in need. He continues to work, enjoys tending to his garden, making wine and spending time with his grandchildren.”
Read more of his story on the Immigrant Map.
Carmine Murano’s legacy will shine on for future generations as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. Purchase your Tribute plaque today to ensure your family’s name will be included on the installation when it is unveiled on November 13, 2024! Plus, for each plaque purchase, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.
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Villa Charities Congratulates Edward Sorbara | |
Congratulations to Edward Sorbara, who was honoured with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the York University Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies ceremony on October 17, 2024. Edward's unwavering support and service, including his time as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board, have been invaluable to Villa Charities. The Sorbara family
have been generous supporters of Villa Charities from the very beginning and were instrumental in the development of Villa Colombo Toronto.
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Ballo Liscio Welcomes All
this Fall | |
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues at Villa Charities. Join us for these popular social dancing nights featuring music by DJs Fortunato Gratta, Sam Severino and Gianni Mignardi! Everyone is welcome! Wednesdays, October 30 – December 11, at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartment Corporation (ICBSAC) and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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Live Music for an Autumn Evening | |
Celebrate the glow of autumn with a live musical performance by the returning crowd favourites Columbus Concert Band! This award-winning ensemble under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro will perform a selection of great music, guaranteed to entertain. Presented in partnership with Columbus Concert Band on Tuesday, October 29, at 7:30pm.
Buy Tickets
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Jazz Night with Daniel Barnes Quartet | |
Drummer, composer, and producer Daniel Barnes performs with the acoustic Daniel Barnes Quartet for one night only! Joined by saxophonist Richard Underhill, pianist Robi Botos and bassist Paul Novotny, the quartet plays tunes from Barnes’ “Classic Beauties” and his debut release, “Culmination”, on Wednesday, November 6, at 7:30pm.
Buy Tickets
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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.
*While quantities last. First-come, first-served.
Learn More
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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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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. 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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Villa Charities Foundation | | |
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2024 Heart & Hand Awards – TOMORROW! | |
We are excited to celebrate our 2024 Heart & Hand Volunteer and Partner Award recipients, tomorrow evening, Friday, October 25. This will mark the revival of our signature volunteer and partnership recognition event, which has been transformed to mark an important time in raising much-needed funds to support programs and services that honour Italian heritage and culture. The exclusive Heart & Hand Award remains the premier volunteer and partner recognition across the Villa Charities family and was last presented in 2007.
Thank you to the Heart & Hand Awards event Co-Chairs Nick Torchetti and Senator Toni Varone as well as the entire Fundraising Committee for their ongoing commitment and dedication in ensuring this event was a great success. Grazie mille!
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Villa Charities Launches
Next Gen Leaders Committee
| We officially launched the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee on Thursday, October 10 with an in-person kick-off. This new Committee will gain exposure to Board governance and act as ambassadors for the organization by engaging young adults and professionals. | | |
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Premium Programs Special Offer Ends this Sunday | |
Find your fit this fall! Unlock a healthier, stronger you with our group Premium Fitness Programs, led by our expert instructors. Register for two or more Premium Fitness Programs and receive ONE-MONTH FREE General Membership* for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! For registration or more information, visit the Membership Office or email fitness@villacharities.com. Offer ends on Sunday, October 27.
*Conditions apply.
Learn More
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Change Your Party Venue to a Private Pool | |
Make a splash this fall with a private pool party at 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.
Learn More
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Message From Our Valued Arts Partner | | |
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Heritage Calabria Wants to Honour Your Family | |
Heritage Calabria invites families to share their unique journeys, detailing the challenges and triumphs experienced during their immigration and settlement in Canada. Participants are encouraged to provide a narrative that captures the essence of their family's heritage, emphasizing the preservation of Calabrian culture and the contributions made to their Canadian communities. The submission process aims to recognize and honour one family with a name plaque on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation, which will be presented during the Heritage Calabria Gala 2024 on November 29, 2024. Deadline for submissions is November 3, 2024. For more information, contact heritagecalabria@gmail.com.
Submit Your Story
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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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