Order Sons of Italy

2011 Gala Photos (53)

Created on: March 22, 2011

Gala 2011

Photos of the 25th Annual Gala on March 19, 2011, starting with the pre-gala reception, through the dinner and presentations to the dancing and espresso/pastry bar.  Click on a picture for a larger view.

Photos by John Johnston and immagine.ca
  • Guests begin to arrive
  • Registration table is ready
  • A fashion-filled evening
  • Honourary Co-chairs Bob Irving and Reno Molinari with Lou Caci and Tat-Liang Fabio Cheam
  • Everyone is having a wonderful time
  • Justin Bova is interviewed by media
  • This reception is full of smiles
  • One of three ice sculptures
  • Joe and Eveline Bova
  • SOI National President Josie Cumbo with Past President Fernando Forcucci and his wife
  • Pre-gala reception buzz is on!
  • Walle Larson warms the crowd
  • Gala father/daughter finance team Claire & John Giavedoni
  • Fr. Sam Argenziano tests one of his dinner jokes on Mayor Sam Katz
  • Part of the team of models ready to sell raffle tickets
  • Mayor Katz, Justin Bova, Reno Molinari, Tom De Nardi
  • Pre-gala reception is filled with music, laughter and drinks
  • Representatives from Canadian Hero fund (bow ties) flew in from Toronto for the Gala
  • Ice sculpture recognizing our title sponsor: CIBC
  • Everyone is looking fantastic!
  • A pre-dinner cocktail -- perfect way to start the evening
  • Inter-governmental relations are good as federal minister Hon. Vic Toews, MP laughs with Premier Greg Selinger
  • The packed reception is about to enter the ballroom
  • Hugh McFadyen poses with Hon. Steven Fletcher, MP
  • The ballroom looks ready
  • The tables are set
  • The presentations begin with an opening joke (jaw-droping joke?) by our MC Fr. Sam
  • Justin Bova, Garibaldi Lodge President, greets the crowd
  • Honourary co-chair Bob Irving
  • The room, filled with 1300, looks fabulous
  • Our first order of business: giving $10,000 to Dante Alighieri Cultural Society and $10,000 to Canadian Hero Fund
  • Jose Cumbo, National President of Order Sons of Italy brings her greetings, and presents the Vince Bova Award
  • Robert Scaletta, past president of Garibaldi Lodge, accepts the Vince Bova Award for 2011
  • Justin Bova poses with Robert Scaletta and the Vince Bova Award. Robert was not aware of his selection until his name was called.
  • Premier Greg Selinger brings greetings from the Province of Manitoba
  • Mayor Sam Katz brings greetings from the City of Winnipeg
  • Mayor Sam Katz presents Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge with the City of Winnipeg Organization Community Award for 25 years of giving
  • Senator Hon. Don Plett brings greetings from the Prime Minister
  • Tat-Liang Fabio Cheam presents the toast to Italy and Canada
  • Fr. Sam tells the one about ... (oops, can put that on here)
  • Charlie Aiello accepts his CIBPA 2011 Professional Award
  • Justin Bova with a very proud Charlie Aiello
  • Hugh McFadyen introduces the keynote speaker
  • Keynote speaker Hon. Vic Toews, MP, Minister for Public Safety
  • Vic shares some political humour
  • Franco Petrelli and Tom De Nardi, Gala Chairs, present appreciation (looks like a bottle?) to Bob Irving, Hon. Don Plett and Reno Molinari who were the honourary co-chairs
  • Gala Chairs Franco Petrelli and Tom De Nardi
  • Fr. Sam is surprised with a $10,000 donation to Holy Rosary Parish by SOI
  • For the first time in the evening, Fr. Sam is speechless
  • Hon. Don Plett and Fr. Sam share a laugh
  • Tek-9 plays amazing music and the dance floor quickly fills
  • Baristas from De Luca's make cappuccinos at the espresso and pastry bar
  • Just part of the pastry bar ... you couldn't just take one!
 
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