DANI fundraising gala pays tribute to Thornhill MP Kent
Thornhill-based charity presents dinner and casino night May 21

YorkRegion.com
May 15, 2015
Simone Joseph  

A unique organization hosts its annual gala May 21.

The Thornhill-based charity DANI creates employment, training and educational opportunities for adults who have cognitive, emotional or physical challenges.

DANI’s goal is to engage these adults so they will become financially empowered and gain the self-confidence needed to participate fully as community members, enjoying a dignified, independent life.

The upcoming event is the eighth annual DANI Gala Dinner and Monte Carlo Charity Casino evening, which will also honour Thornhill MP Peter Kent.

Typically, more than 300 people attend the annual gala fundraiser.

Thanks to funds raised at the gala, DANI is able to offer a variety of programming, including: an August summer day camp program (open to participants 14 and older), the five day/week program  (focuses on the educational, social, recreational, emotional and vocational needs of young adults post-high school), and the bridges to transition program which teaches independent daily living skills to adults who are candidates for a supported, independent living model.

DANI also offers social programs – including the after-school music program, Dinner ‘N Chillin and a Sunday program.

DANI was created in 2006 by parents of children who have special needs — Susie Sokol and Kathy Laszlo.

The organization run out of Thornhill’s Garnet A. Williams Community Centre.

In addition to private and public donations, DANI supplements its programs with projects, including: DANI café, a local lunch restaurant; DANI Delights, a dairy catering company; DANI venue, used for events of up to 200 people; DANI kiosk, a concession store and DANI gifts.

The Dinner and Monte Carlo evening will be held at the Venetian Banquet Hall at 219 Romina Dr. in Concord. Ticket for full dinner and casino vouchers is $250; for dessert reception and casino vouchers, $100.

The event will also offer a sneak peek at the Alice in Wonderland performance by DANI young adults coming up June 7 at the Vellore Village Community Centre.

DANI participants have been rehearsing since the fall. Tickets for the play are $12 each by calling 905-889-3264 ext. 231.

For more information on DANI, visit dani-toronto.com