Mayoral Events Prove Vaughan is World Class

Vaughan is forever evolving and this year’s Mayor’s Gala -"The Next Chapter" recognized and celebrated the incredible changes that are happening within the city. A vital component to this overall transformation was the 2014 Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf Classic, which raised funds for countless humanitarian causes. 

It's all about the spirit of generosity!

Mayor's Gala - The Next Chapter 

Rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the evolution of a thriving city was Vaughan’s annual Mayor’s Gala held on June 24^th at the Paramount Conference & Event Venue.  Driven by a spirit of optimism, gratitude and generosity, Maurizio Bevilacqua’s four-year term as mayor is being recognized as the catalyst of a new movement etched deep in social responsibility.

“Since 2011, we have worked hard to create a caring and compassionate city with a strong sense of community spirit. In that time, more than 100 community groups and organizations have benefitted from the generosity of the people of this city who understand that collectively, we have a responsibility to support those who need our help”, explains Bevilacqua adding that the annual gala is a vital component to this commitment. Beneficiaries of the $300,000 donated at this year’s event include Giuliano’s Journey Foundation which aids children dealing with Leukemia, Safehaven - a respite home for youth with cognitive and physical disabilities and Hospice Vaughan, an organization providing support to those coping with life threatening illness or dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Although the 800 guests enjoyed a stellar performance by Juno-winning artist Serena Ryder, everyone was on the edge of their seats during the exciting live auction.  The big ticket item was dinner with Mayor Bevilacqua which raised a record-breaking $310, OOO for Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. The evening raised over $600,000, resulting in $2 million over the last four years.

As presenting sponsor Solmar Development Corp. paid tribute to the inspirational mayor and in a touching speech befitting the gala theme, The Next Chapter, Director of Land Development Maurizio Rogato stated, “Now we move forward to the next chapter. A chapter with many unknowns but with one thing being certain –Vaughan is stronger today than it has ever been and we will continue to prosper with the commitment of a leader who won’t rest until our city is providing something for everybody by everyone”. 

Mayor and Members of Council

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase

My girlies!

Congratulations to newly-appointed Transportation Minister, Steven Del Duca 

Mario and Ginesia Cortellucci 

Minister Julian Fantino 

Serena Ryder

Charity Golf Classic

Even the slightest bit of rain couldn't prevent golfers from enjoying the green at the Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Golf Classic. Following a fun-filled day participants enjoyed a fabulous gourmet dinner afterward prepared by the amazing chefs of Copper Creek Golf Club. Some of you may not be aware but this tournament impacts many lives. In conjunction with the Mayor’s annual gala, it’s raised more than $2.7 million since 2011! These two vital fundraising events support over 100 not-for-profit and community groups providing essential services for Vaughan citizens. Some of the beneficiaries include Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Giuliano’s Journey, Safehaven,Hospice Vaughan, Moving Forward Foundation, Kleinburg Leo Club, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal and my latest project of the heart - The Vaughan Film Festival. For a full list of charities visit:http://www.vaughan.ca/news/General%20Documents/June%202014%20-%20Recipient%20list.pdf

The Greens of Copper Creek 

Jenny Galati 

Brian Bentz, President and CEO of PowerStream and chair of the Golf Classic Committee.

Debby Rossi (Greenpark Homes), Domenic Gurreri (Forest Contractors) Mark 

Stellar City staff

Golf Tournament Committee

Only Elvira Caria would put Tony down for $300 on a $25 Chilli's GC 

Vaughan Fire Chief Larry Bently 

Gurus, Knights, Dames and Relay Games!

JUNE 1st  Inspire 

This motivational seminar geared to university students kicked-off with spiritual insights by Canadian singing sensation, Chantal Kreviazuk. Also giving words of wisdom to Toronto youth were Alex Rechichi founder of Extreme Pita and Mucho Burrito, Frankie Flowers a.k.a. Frankie Ferragine of City TV, Cityline and Breakfast Television as well as award winning news anchor Mary Garafalo. 

JUNE 5th Knights of Malta Investiture

This was an amazing and new experience for me!!! Chivalry was definitely in the air at the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta International Investiture. Sponsored by the order’s Grand Priory of Canada, the millennia-old ceremony conducted by the Grand Prior H.E. Chev. Dr. Mario Cortellucci was followed by the Spring of Hope Gala at the Riviera Parque Convention Centre in Concord on June 6^th. Also in attendance alongside the 800 guests were Cardinal Thomas Collins and the Order’s Royal Protectors, Imperial and Royal Highnesses Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen Archduke of Austria, Prince of Tuscany and Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Tuscany.

Dating back to the time of the Crusades, the purpose of the order was to protect and provide shelter for poor and sick Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Although the circumstances have changed, its cause is still a noble one. Today knights and dames are recognized for their outstanding service to the public and by accepting the post their duty is to continue setting a positive example within the community.

Raising $300,000 for the Archdiocese of Toronto this charity event benefitted the St. Augustine Seminary and Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute.  In all the order has raised millions of dollars with proceeds from the Canadian Priory going to hospitals, nursing homes, various foundations and homeless shelters as well as disaster relief efforts overseas. 

Grand Prior Dr. Mario Cortellucci 

With York Region's Finest 

Newly appointed Knights and Dames

Tony Monaco and I with Royal Highnesses Sandor and Herta Margaret Habsburg-Lothringen Archduke and Archduchess of Austria 

 Cardinal Collins graciously accepting cheque 

June 6th Moving Forward Gala 

Thanks so much to Tony Di Battista as well as Mary Barone for asking me to emcee their annual Moving Forward Gala, I was thrilled when MY Tony got the night off and was able to do a little emceeing with me....the first time the Monacos have worked together!!! Congrats to the entire gala committee for putting together "An Evening in Morocco". What a blast we all had 
The Moving Forward Foundation is an organization that collaborates with other York Region organizations to assist those suffering from emotional, physical and sexual abuse as well as those living in poverty and/or dealing with addiction. For more info visit - http://movingforward2015.org/ 

Moving Forward Gala Committee 

Tony Di Battista honours Marie De Poce

Members of City Council and friends

Mayor of Georgina, Rob Grossi 

The Monacos with belly dancers 

JUNE 7th Vaughan Health Expo 

From vegan wines to organic food, juicing, yoga and acupuncture, the first annual Vaughan Health Expo had it all! I was so excited to see my gal pal Toby Davidson showcasing her delicious her 'Cookin Greens'..a staple at casa Monaco. And girl can never have too much jewelry so I decided to purchase a bracelet from Stella & Dot LOL! Featuring everything and anything to do with health, this event was right up my alley 

Toby Davidson 

Stella & Dor - jewelry definitely improves my health! 

Toby Brand "Cookin' Greens" 

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JUNE 18th MICBA Golf Tournament 

Teeing-off for charity on the tranquil greens of Piper’s Heath Golf Club were avid supporters of the Mississauga Italian Canadian Benevolent Association (MICBA). Held on June 18th at Piper’s Heath Golf Club, the 23rd Annual MICBA Forum Italia Golf Tournament raised over $40, 000 for senior care and children's programs. Great to sit with two exceptional mayors during dinner, Mississauga's Hazel McCallion and the ever-charming Rob Grossi of Georgina. 

Mayors Hazel McCallion and Rob Grossi 

Goofing around on the green! 

JUNE 19th  Client Appreciation Luncheon at The Manor 

I don't believe any catering company can come close to Peter & Paul's. Held at one of their many gorgeous venues, this luncheon on the golfing greens of the Carrying Place was fare of culinary delectables! Nice to meet Tony's old colleague Steve Anthony as well as noted Canadian actor, Art Hindle. 

Art Hindle 

Rita Borges (P&P), Art Hindle and Steve Anthony (City TV)

JUNE 20th Relay For Life 

Due to the generosity of my family and friends and that of many others my team, Team Vaughan, raised the most funds at Vaughan's Relay for Life - exceeding $10, 0000!!!! Congrats to all the other teams who worked tirelessly for this amazing cause. All proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Although Relay assists in fight against cancer, hundreds gathered to remember loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer as well as raise funds for treatment and research. It was a fun night....and extremely emotional at times. Especially when I let luminaries in honour of friends and family I have lost. Thank you to Ida Vivacqua for asking me to join your Royal LePage team (Team Vaughan) . What an INCREDIBLE feeling it is to give back!!!!!!

Team Vaughan Royal LePage 

Team Vaughan comes in first for overall funds raised 

Team Girls Night Out - 2nd Place 

A Celebration of All Things Italian!

In 2010 the Legislature of the Province of Ontario passed Bill 103 into law, forever declaring the month of June as Italian Heritage Month. Its mandate is to promote and preserve Italian heritage for future generations of Italian Canadians. It's also an incredible platform for all Canadians to celebrate this dynamic culture. Here a just a few of the celebrations I attended in the Greater Toronto Area! 


JUNE 1st  "Castello Italia" @ Casa Loma

The kick-off to this year’s festivities took place at the enchanting Casa Loma in Toronto. Reminiscent of a scene from Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, the castle’s regal gardens set the stage for a cultural extravaganza where guests could indulge in delicious dishes prepared by some of the city’s most recognized Italian restaurants. 
Drink was also in abundance with aromatic vintages hailing from the renowned wine regions of Piedmont, Tuscany and the Veneto including homegrown varietals from Niagara. Entertainment was provided by multi-genre artists performing operatic, jazz, traditional as well as contemporary music.  While the inner gateway was lined with Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis appealing to Italian automotive enthusiasts, those wishing to investigate the elegant corridors of castle’s interior found on the third floor an exhibit honouring five prominent Italian Canadian families whose contributions greatly impacted the province’s economic and cultural landscape. My hat goes off to the Liberty Entertainment Group and countless other organizations assisting in creating this incredible event. And stellar emceeing by my husband, Toronto radio personality, Tony Monaco and legendary CHIN Radio broadcaster Franco Valli!   

Reminds me of the parking lot in Monaco! 

Tony Monaco (Z103.5 FM), Franco Valli (CHIN Radio), Fabio Gestufatto (NCIC) 

Lenny Lombardi (CHIN Radio and Television),  Fabio Gesufatto (NCIC)

The afternoon entertainment! Daniele Monticelli, Christopher Dallo, Belinda Naccarato, Vincenzo Benenati

JUNE 3rd Italian Flag Raising Vaughan 

The storm clouds broke just in time for this 3rd annual celebration. Raising the flag in honour of Italian Canadians and their contributions were Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and members of City Council.Organized by the National Congress of Italian Canadians the launch of June’s Italian Heritage Month of Ontario was commemorated by flag raisings not only in Vaughan but also at Toronto City Hall and Queen's Park. 

Gino Cucchi (NCIC), Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Deputy Mayor Gino Rosati, Councillor Marilyn Iafrate 

Mary Mauti, Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase, Former Vaughan MPP Candidate Peter Meffe and Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca 

Borsaglieri 

JUNE 12th ICFF Launch  @ TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre and Ritz-Carlton

The 2014 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) kicked-off SENSATIONALLY!! "The Best Offer", the opening film at the TIFF Lightbox Theatre and the party afterward at the Ritz-Carlton were both unforgettable. I congratulate the founders of the ICFF on a job EXTREMELY WELL DONE 

Screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre

Emila Capo, Tony Monaco and friends! 

Tony photo-bombing my pic with actor Steven Baldwin 

Andrea and Ali 

My sister-in-law Lucy Langstaff and celebrity chef, Massimo Capra 

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Peter Eliopoulos (Peter & Pauls)

Tanya Phillips and Fabio Gesufatto

Nick DiDonato (Liberty Group) and Tony Monaco 

JUNE 21st "Caboto Picnic" @ Veneto Centre 

In honour of the Italian explorer, Giovanni Caboto, this 3rd annual picnic offered people an afternoon of entertainment and cuisine ITALIAN STYLE!! 

Carabinieri, Frank Miele, Tony Monaco, Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca 

You can't celebrate all things Italian without pizza! 

Cristina Popa 

Michael Tibollo and Mirella Collaricci 

Carmina