2022
Immigrant Tribute Project
Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project
In July 2022, Villa Charities launched the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, to honour Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. The Immigrant Tribute installation will be a national destination for people of Italian heritage to gather, commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on their immigrant heritage and collective achievements. When completed, the wall will feature upwards of 5,000 individual plaques with the names of family members and the year they immigrated from Italy to Canada.
2021
Villa Charities 50th Anniversary
Villa Charities Celebrates 50th Anniversary
On April 15, 2021, Villa Charities proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. For the past five decades, VCI has played an important role in supporting the Italian community and advancing the appreciation and promotion of Italian culture. Today, Villa Charities also attracts an increasingly diverse non-Italian community who enjoy Italian culture through numerous programs and experiences at VCI.
2020
Columbus Centre Turns 40
Columbus Centre Celebrates 40 Years
The Columbus Centre’s milestone 40th anniversary (October 10, 2020) was commemorated by two special art exhibitions hosted in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. “40 under Forty” featured artwork by 40 artists under the age of forty, and a special anniversary collage was created by multimedia artist and VCI Artist in Residence Franco Berti.
2019
Luncheon with Formula 1™ Driver
Luncheon with Formula 1™ Driver Antonio Giovinazzi
Villa Charities Foundation hosted an exclusive charitable event with special guest, Formula 1™ driver Antonio Giovinazzi, on June 4, 2019, at the Columbus Centre. This event kicked off Villa Charities’ Italian Heritage Month programming.
2018
City of Toronto Heritage Register
Columbus Centre added to City of Toronto Heritage Register
In 2018, the City of Toronto designated the rotunda and lobby of the Columbus Centre as a heritage site, in part for its role in fostering Canadian multiculturalism.
Venetian Ball – “The Jazz Era”
Guests were invited to step back into the jazz era and relive the glamour and mystique of the legendary jazz lounges at the 2017 Venetian Ball. Villa Charities’ signature annual fundraising event was held on March 30, 2017, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
2016
40th Villa Charities Golf
40th Annual Villa Charities Golf Classic
The 40th Annual Villa Charities Golf Classic, presented by Lady York Foods, was held on June 21, 2016 at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg, Ontario.
2015
Pioneers in Excellence
Pioneers in Excellence Raises $4.2 Million
Pioneers in Excellence Raises $4.2 Million. Villa Charities Foundation and the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation co-hosted a tribute event honouring two “Pioneers in Excellence,” Dr. Fred Gentili, a Canadian pioneer in skull base surgery, and the late Fred De Gasperis and the De Gasperis family, who built ConDrain Construction Ltd. April 30, 2015 – Liberty Grand (L-R) Antonio De Gasperis, Jim V. De Gasperis, Dr. Fred Gentili, Angelo De Gaperis.
Villa Mediterraneo Association donates $200,000
2015 Members of the Villa Mediterraneo Association donated $200,000 to Villa Charities Foundation toward the purchase of 63 new state-of-the-art beds at Villa Colombo. The new advance beds were installed on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of Villa Colombo’s Fidani wing. Picture – Dr. Morana and Mr. Edward Sorbara.
2014
Gino Farnetti & Family
The Story of Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia
Peace Through Valour - The Story of Gino Farnetti-Bragaglia. June 1944, following a deadly battle between Canadian and German Armoured units in the town of Torrice, members of a Canadian Transport Unit found an almost naked little Italian boy. After caring for his wounds and giving him food, the Canadian soldiers determined that this little boy was now an orphan and homeless. Three Canadian soldiers – Lloyd ‘Red’ Oliver, Paul Hagen and Mert Massey took little Gino under their wings and became his mentors and tutors.
2013
Top 100 Toronto Events
Venetian Ball in BizBash Top 100 Toronto Events
Included in the BizBash Top 100 Toronto events for 2013, this star-studded edition of the Venetian Ball was hosted by TV personality Dina Pugliese and featured legendary singer-songwriter Canadian Paul Anka as the performer. (October 2013).
2012
Giro Cycling Fundraiser
Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser
Lead Sponsor Lady York Foods – team members.
Venetian Ball Co-chairs meet Stevie Wonder
Venetian Ball Co-chairs Steven Muzzo and James Di Luca with Stevie Wonder.
New Ambassador visits the Columbus Centre
New Ambassador visits Columbus Centre (L to R) N. Torchetti, P. Di Iulio, Ambassador A. Meloni, G. Barini, N. Sgro.
Marchionne Lunch for Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund
Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund – Marchionne Lunch C. Di Nino, S. Marchionne, P. Di Iulio.
Vita Board Receives Cheque from Province of Ontario
VITA Board receiving a cheque from the Province of Ontario.
2006
First Giro Cycling Fundraiser
The First Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser Begins
(L to R) K. Sorbara, G. Sobara, E. Sobara, C. Di Nino.
2005
Columbus Centre Turns 25
Columbus Centre Celebrates 25 Years
Politicians and past Presidents cut the cake to celebrate Columbus Centre’s 25th anniversary. (L to R) M. Giomini, M. Colle, J. Volpe, J. Bartleman, P. Di Iulio, N. Torchetti, T. Fusco, R. Martella, T. Varone, R. Pillon, P. Pellegrini, J. Chiappetta, H. Moscoe.
2004
Villa Colombo Vaughan Opens
Villa Colombo Vaughan Official Opening Ceremony
Official Villa Colombo Vaughan opening: (L to R Front Row) D. Chiesa, L. Jackson, G. Sorbara, R. Bratty, A. DeGasperis, S. Ciccolini, Maria di Salvo (Villa Colombo Vaughan resident), G. Smitherman, M. Bevilaqua, D. Alfieri.
2003
Villa Colombo Vaughan Roof
Villa Colombo Vaughan Roof Topping
Villa Colombo Vaughan rooftop ceremony (L to R) ?, T. Varone, M. Ferri, E. Rinomato, J. De Gasperis, P. Di Iulio, S. Ciccolini, M. Baldassarra.
Villa Charities Receives Cheque from Viva Italia
(L to R) E. Ponti, Sophia Loren, E. Del Zotto, H. Weston at Holt Renfrew fundraising event for Villa Charities.
2001
Villa Colombo Vaughan Begins
New Site for Villa Colombo Vaughan Acquired
From the new site for Villa Colombo Vaughan (L to R) R. Bratty, J. Di Poce, D. Alfieri.
Sophia Loren Visits Villa Colombo
Acclaimed actress Sophia Loren visits Villa Colombo with members and friends of Villa Charities. (L to R) R. Grittani, T. Varone, A. Cundari, N. Profetto, Mrs. Caruso, M. Caruso, Sophia Loren, E. Di Pasquale, J. Di Poce, J. Lippa, R. Bratty, E. Cuttini
1999
New Beds at Villa Colombo
Villa Colombo Awarded 125 New Beds
Villa Colombo Services For Seniors awarded 125 new long-term care beds.
1996
Villa Charities Turns 25
Villa Charities Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Villa Charities, Heart in Hand Awards were presented to (left to right) Elvio Del Zotto, Colly Cavalluzzo, Father Luigi Malorzo, Helen Lettieri, John Gennaro and Galli Tiberini. Mssrs. Del Zotto and Gennaro received special lifetime achievement awards for their volunteer work with Villa Charities (1996).
Villa Charities, the new corporate name of the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC)
Villa Charities, the new corporate name of the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC), was officially launched at a Meet the Neighbours Brunch on October 4, 1995 at Columbus Centre. Representing each of the boards were Presidents (left to right) Toni Varone for Villa Charities, Renzo Pillon for Columbus Centre, Enrico De Pasquale for Villa Colombo, John Gennaro for VITA Community Living Services, and event chair Nick Simone. (October 1995)
First Villa d’Arte at Villa Colombo
The first Villa d’Arte at Villa Colombo was a piazza with music, fun, food, new fashions, and auctions. Co-chairs Roberto Martella (top L) and Catherine Barbaro (6th from R-in front row) posed with volunteers who helped at the event.
Rudolph P. Bratty Athletic Wing
Honouring many years of volunteer leadership with the ICBC, the Rudolph P. Bratty Athletic Wing was dedicated to acknowledge his contributions. At his personal request, the unveiling took place informally. In attendance were (left to right) Columbus Centre administrator Ugo Di Federico, ICBC board member Silvio De Gasperis, ICBC chair Con Di Nino, Foundation members Joe Carrier, Orey Fidani, Rudy Bratty, Joe Chiappetta and Fred DeGasperis, ICBC President Toni Varone, Villa Colombo President John Capo, ICBC auditor Tony Canale and ICBC executive director Pal Di Iulio.
1990
Columbus Centre Turns 10
Columbus Centre Celebrates 10th Anniversary
A reception celebrated the appointment of ICBC President Con Di Nino to the Senate of Canada, as well as the tenth anniversary of Columbus Centre. In front of a large cake were: (left to right) ICBC President Toni Varone, ICBC Executive Director Pal Di Iulio, VCLA honourary chair Mary Bartolini, Senator Con Di Nino, ICBC Vice-President Mary Lou Ianni, granddaugter Kristin Di Nino, Italian Canadian Charitable Foundation President Tony Fusco and Minister of Finance Michael Wilson. (October 1990)
Italian President at Villa Colombo
Italian President Francesco Cossiga (left to right), officiated at the unveiling of a cornerstone for the new Joseph Fusco Memorial Wing at Villa Colombo with Ontario Premier David Peterson, Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Susanna Agnelli, and ICBC President Con Di Nino. (June 1986)
Luciano Pavarotti Reception
Thousands came to see tenor Luciano Pavarotti (centre) at Columbus Centre for a reception in his honour. Welcoming him were (left to right) ICBC President Joe Chiappetta, ICBC chair Joe Carrier, women’s committee and gala event chair Georgina Madott and ICBC fundraising committee chair Rudy Bratty. (January 1982)
1981
Italian Prime Minister Visits
Italian Prime Minister Visit
Tony Fusco (left) gave a tour of Villa Colombo to Italian Prime Minister Amintore Fanfani (centre) and Italian Ambassador Paolo Fulci (right) while Carabinieri formed an honour guard. (Autumn 1981)
Thanking Telethon Viewers
Thanking telethon viewers for their generosity were (left to right) Anthony Fusco, special guest hosts Gina Lollobrigida and Rosanno Brazzi, and Paul Ariemma. (May 1978)
1978
ICBC Annual General Meeting
ICBC Annual General Meeting
At the ICBC annual general meeting, the architectural model of the campus, including the proposed Columbus Centre, was presented to members by (left to right) ICBC Vice President Joe Chiappetta, President Tony Fusco, Executive Director Paul Ariemma, Governor Elio Rosati, chair Joe Carrier, and Celeste Iacobelli.
Villa Colombo Ladies Auxiliary Board
Some of the founding members of the Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary (VCLA) posed for a photograph: (left to right) Angela Mealia, Josie Carrier, Elsie Lato, Mary Fidani, Marie McCormick, Mary Bartolini, Jenny Alexander, Tony Ciccarelli, Lucy Fidani, Elda Marcocchio, Esther Shiner, and May Nunzi. (April 1976)
Villa Colombo Toronto Opens
ICBC board member Frank Ciccolini proudly sang the National Anthem at the official opening of Villa Colombo. Guests and board members seen in the photo were: (left to right first row) ICBC Governor Laureano Leone, North York Controller Jim Trimbee, North York Mayor Mel Lastman, ICBC President Tony Fusco, building committee chair Joe Marrese, Ontario Premier William G. Davis, opening event chair and ICBC Governor George Damiani, ICBC Chair Joe Carrier, Canada Housing Minister Barney Danson, Italian Consul General Rosario Nicosia, Nick Leluk MPP, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services James Taylor, ICBC Vice-President Con Di Nino, (left to right second row) North York Alderman Esther Shiner, and ICBC Governors Dario D’Angela, Johnny Lombardi, Marie McCormick and Elvio Del Zotto.
Fruili Earthquake Fundraiser
In 1976, the Mother’s Day Telethon efforts were redirected to raise funds for victims of a major earthquake in Friuli, Italy. Appealing for funds were (left to right) Primo Di Luca, President of the Famee Furlane, ICBC Executive Director and telethon producer Paul Ariemma, and Marco Muzzo, co-chair of fundraising for the disaster. More than $700,000 was raised. (May 1976)
Villa Colombo New Rooftop
ICBC board chair Joe Carrier, President Tony Fusco, and Villa Colombo construction superintendant Jim Cirillo proudly raised the Canadian and Italian Flags for the roof topping ceremony marking completion of the external structure. (April 1975)
1973
756 Ossington Seniors Club
756 Ossington Seniors Club
Members of the 756 Ossington Seniors Club visited the newly purchased Playfair Avenue site of the home for the aged with ICBC President Tony Fusco (third from right), ICBC staff Palmacchio (Pal) Di Iulio (third from left) and Paul Ariemma (first on left). (July 1974)
1972
Home for the Aged Project
Home for the Aged Project
Between 1971 and 1974, hundreds of meetings and events were held to support the home for the aged project. At the Italo-Canadian Recreation Club, (left to right) John Di Poce, Con Di Nino, Marco Muzzo and Paul Ariemma reported on progress. (Circa 1972)