Vaughan Mayor's Gala raises $700K for local non-profit groups

YorkRegion.com
June 13, 2017

The Vaughan Mayor’s Gala, once again, raised big bucks to support dozens of local non-profit organizations and the future hospital.

This year’s installment of the annual event, the theme for which was "the spirit of our city," garnered more than $700,000, according to a news release.

The bulk of that — $350,000 — was raised during a live auction for an exclusive winery tour and gourmet dinner with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua at Two Sisters Vineyards, which reportedly went to members of the local business community who united to make the donation.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake winery, founded by real estate developer Benny Marotta and his daughters, served as the presenting sponsor for the gala, which reportedly drew more than 800 people to Universal EventSpace in Woodbridge on June 8.

The diamond sponsor for the gala was Cortel Group/Zancor Homes.

Attendees were treated to a cocktail hour, a meal and live entertainment including a performance by the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra.

Since 2011, the mayor has raised $6.2 million through the gala and his annual charity golf tournament with proceeds supporting more than 150 not-for-profit and community organizations including groups that assist youth, seniors and people with special needs, according to the news release.