From goalies to Gala: Transforming the Bradford Community Centre for International Women's Day

Inaugural Women's International Gala brought an international flair to the old arena.

Bradfordtoday.ca
March 12, 2019
Miriam King

When Helder Botas, Pedro Maia, Tony Gutta and and his brother Michael decided to organize an event for International Women’s Day, they wanted it to be “something different,” said Tony – a red carpet Gala, featuring international talent and fashion.

“Everybody goes to the city for these events – to Toronto, Vaughan,” Gutta said. “With the size Bradford is now, we wanted to hold an event here.”

But the organizers’ choice of venue raised a few eyebrows. The Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre arena?

It was a choice that puzzled even some of their strongest supporters – until Saturday night, when guests walked through the doors into the large space that usually houses events like the Lions Car Draw, Home Show and ball hockey games.

Then, the reaction was, “Wow!”

The arena was transformed, using curtains to hide the walls and bleachers, and dramatic lighting to provide ambience and highlight the structural beams and arches of the ceiling. Tables encircled red carpets, where models and entertainers strolled.

The International Women’s Gala on March 9 was hosted by Portit World Music, and included live music, a five-course gourmet meal catered by Cabral Catering, and entertainment that ranged from stilt-walkers, a contortionist and a magician, to the Army of Sass, band Nelz and singer joee.

International designer Rafael Freitas provided the fashion show, and Cavalinho, an exclusive Portuguese designer of handcrafted handbags and accessories, set up a mini-store at the arena.

The event was also a fundraiser for the Hospital for Sick Children. “We’re donating $1,500 to Sick Kids,” said Gutta.

About 250 people paid $75 apiece to attend the inaugural event. Organizers were hoping for more, Gutta admitted; the arena could hold up to 600.

“We wanted a lot more,” he said, acknowledging that when the doors opened, “We weren’t sure – was this going to work?”

It not only worked, it provided a unique evening out for those who attended – like Bradford Board of Trade president Tina Morrison. She enjoyed the international flair, finding a pair of shoes at Cavalinho as well as the gourmet dinner. 

“The food has been amazing,” Morrison said. “I don’t eat fish. I ate fish – it was amazing, so good.”

Deputy Mayor James Leduc, dropping by to congratulate the organizers and greet the guests, was also wowed by the transformation of the old arena. “I’ve never seen it look like this,” said Leduc. “Fantastic!”

Mayor Rob Keffer thanked the women who attended the event, saluting them on International Women’s Day. “Take a bow and be proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Keffer said.

Gutta gave credit to sponsors like Vaughan Chrysler, Studio Five Hair Salon, and numerous other businesses and individuals “that made this possible,” but also to the Bradford arena, which provided such a spectacular venue.

“We have this in Bradford, and nobody’s every used it,” he said. One of the best parts of the evening was demonstrating the Community Centre's potential.

“We just wanted to do something different… make it as perfect as possible,” Gutta said.