Order of Vaughan honourees inducted during 25th anniversary ceremony
25 residents honoured for work in philanthropy, public service, arts and entertainment, media and more
Yorkregion.com
Oct. 26, 2016
By Adam Martin-Robbins
For Hannah Godefa, being among the first inductees into the Order of Vaughan was “incredible.”
“Vaughan has been the city that’s enabled me to do everything that I’ve been able to do. To pay homage to that and be able to be a part of something inaugural for the city is very important to me,” said the 18-year-old human rights activist and founder of the Hannah Godefa project, inducted for her non-profit work.
Godefa was among 25 residents invested into the order by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua during a special evening ceremony Oct. 25 at Riviera Parque banquet hall, which was attended by hundreds.
The Order of Vaughan recognizes people within the following categories: arts and entertainment, media and communications, athletics, health and wellness, business, philanthropy, public service, education, science and technology, not-for-profit, equity and diversity, accessibility, environment and spirituality.
It was established this year to mark Vaughan's 25th anniversary as a city.
“It means all my dreams of helping seniors have become a reality and it is recognized,” said Isabella Ferrara, chairperson of SAVI (Seniors Association of Vaughan Initiative), who was inducted for public service.
A selection committee comprised of city staff members and a representative from the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce chose 25 inductees from a slate of nominees and recommended them to city council for final approval.
“It’s an honour to be recognized by the place where you live,” said Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO of United Way of Toronto and York Region, inducted for his work in the not-for-profit sector. “We are who we are with and where we are with them and so the city is very much a part of that.”
Rounding out this year’s inductees are:
- John Amendola, owner of local Snapd newspapers, (media and communications)
- Carlo Baldassarra, president and CEO of Greenpark Homes, (philanthropy)
- Avi Benlolo, chief executive officer of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, (equity and diversity)
- Franca Damiani Carella, Vitanova Foundation founder, (health and wellness)
- Sam Ciccolini, co-founder of Masters Insurance and community volunteer, (philanthropy)
- Mario Cortellucci, real estate developer with The Cortellucci Group of Companies, (philanthropy)
- Noor Din, founder of non-profit organization Human Endeavour, (not-for-profit)
- Marie Fiorellino Di Poce, leader of ETA Vaughan Women’s Shelter and Outreach Centre, (public service)
- Julian Fantino, former OPP commissioner and chief of Toronto, York and London police services as well as a former Vaughan MP, (public service)
- Sandy Keshen, founding president and CEO of Reena, (accessibility)
- Gus Longo, co-founder of Longo’s grocery store chain, (business)
- Dominic Mancuso, Juno-award-winning singer/songwriter, (arts and entertainment)
- Shernett Martin, founder of Vaughan African Canadian Association and CariVaughan, (education)
- James Maynard, longtime community volunteer dedicated to protecting Vaughan's heritage and promoting experiences in agriculture, (public service)
- Nick Puopolo, innovator in the field of lighting, (business)
- Vivian Risi, real estate leader and a contributor to numerous charities, for philanthropy.
- David Rocco, celebrity chef and best-selling author, (arts and entertainment)
- Bob Santos, encouraged employers to integrate people with disabilities into workforce, (accessibility)
- Giuliano Todaro, founder of Giuliano's Journey in support of children with leukemia, (philanthropy)
- Garry Vosburg, community volunteer involved in various initiatives for disadvantaged youth, (public service)
- Nicholas Voudouris, a physician holding leadership roles in the medical community, (health and wellness)
- Peter Wixson, long-serving executive director of Vaughan Food Bank, (public service)
Bevilacqua saluted the recipients for their efforts to improve life in Vaughan.
“Today has been an historical day for the City of Vaughan recognizing individuals who have given of themselves, selflessly, to the incredible positive change that has occurred in our city,” he said.
Following the investiture ceremony, inductees along with family, friends and local residents were treated to dinner, live music and a massive 25th anniversary cake.
