31th Annual Sons of Italy Gala
Order Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge held its
31th Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Presented by
RBC, this acclaimed event not only demonstrates the philanthropic spirit of Sons of Italy, but also the caring and giving that Winnipeggers, their businesses and leaders are known for.
Together with our sponsors, Sons of Italy strives to ensure that this Gala will a premiere event -- and we have a long tradition of amazing galas.
Attendees enjoyed a welcoming reception, and outstanding five course dinner, fine wines, engaging (and short) presentations, and wonderful music that had the dance floor full.
Want to relive the 2017 gala? Check out our
photo gallery.
It's About Giving to the Community
An outstanding pouring of generosity allowed us to give an unprecedented $150,000 this year to the Holy Rosary Church - Community Outreach Program to renovate common areas allowing the church to sustain and enhance programs that assist the poor, offer refugee integration and aiding the homeless in the Osborne Village and the greater Winnipeg area.
In addition, we also provided $10,000 of on-going support to the Dante Alighieri Cultural Society, who teaches the Italian language to both children and adults.
Thank You to our Sponsors!
An event like this is not possible without the support of many. We specifically wish to thank our sponsors, many who have supported us andour selected charities for many years.
A very large thank you to RBC, our title sponsor! Kim Ulmer (picture) and her team have been super to work with and their ongoing support is very very appreciated.
Please check out our full list of sponsors, and support them, as they have supported us.
Vince Bova Award:
Alex Baskina
The highest award given annually to a Sons of Italy member is the Vince Bova Award. This prestigious award is for the member who works diligently behind the scenes. The award winner is not notified in advance so it is a total surprise each year. This year the award was presented to Mr. Alex Baskina.
CIBPA Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Peter Mignacca
The 2017 award by the Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association (CIBPA) for the Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Mr. Peter Mignacca, President and CEO of Subterranean (Manitoba) Inc. at this year's Gala.
This award is presented annually to a local businessperson of Italian descent who has excelled in their business. We congratulate Mr. Mignacca on receiving this prestigious award.
Sal Valentinetti Performs
Singing sensation
Sal Valentinetti, direct from America's Got Talent, wow'd the Gala with his rendition of some of the classics.
Sons of Italy and Winnipeg Sun also brought Sal to the Metropolitan Event Centre the night before the Gala for a special concert, and it was indeed special as Sal's warmth and personality took over the theatre then filled it with his beautiful voice.
