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2024

Villa Charities Announces Eataly Scholarship Partnership

March 4, 2024

Renowned Italian brands collaborate to help culinary students elevate their careers

TORONTO – March 4, 2024 – Villa Charities Inc. is excited to announce their partnership with Eataly, the largest Italian retail and dining experience in the world, in support of the Villa Charities Culinary Scholarship at George Brown College. This initiative strengthens the relationship between the two prominent Italian organizations launched in 2019, with a focus on supporting the next generation of culinary talent and helping to elevate their professional careers with invaluable experiences in the nuance of Italian cuisine and culture. To celebrate this new co-sponsorship, the 2023/2024 Culinary Scholarship will be renamed to the Villa Charities & Eataly Italian Culinary Program Scholarship.

 

The collaboration reinforces Villa Charities’ commitment to supporting students in their academic endeavours who will help further their mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture. As part of this partnership, Eataly will additionally provide in-kind support of Villa Charities Foundation’s key 2024 fundraising events including Ferragosto and the new VCF signature event planned for the fall.

Prior to Eataly opening their first Canadian location in November 2019 in Yorkville’s Manulife Centre, Villa Charities hosted an exclusive pre-opening event to welcome the global Italian food brand to the Italian Canadian community in Toronto. In March 2020, Eataly named Villa Charities as one of their official charities of choice and has supported the non-profit organization since then with food product donations and other collaborations.

“Eataly has been a great friend of Villa Charities since their opening in Toronto, and growing this relationship in support of our Culinary Scholarship at George Brown College is an exciting development,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “We are grateful for their commitment to inspiring culinary students to explore their passion and achieve excellence in their academic and professional goals.”

The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Five students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and ten students will be the recipient of the rebranded Villa Charities & Eataly Italian Culinary Program Scholarship. Since launching the Villa Charities Scholarship Program in 2020, $240,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students.

In October 2023, ten awards of $2,000 each were presented to the following full-time students enrolled in the Italian Culinary Program at George Brown College:

  • Govind Aggarwal
  • Bhavuk Chugh
  • Isabella Rosa Comello
  • Ankit Dhingra
  • Andy Joseph Gonsalves
  • Shivam Goyal
  • Connor Richard McNichol
  • Vandit Chirag Vaishnav
  • Tanmay Chandrakant Vaity
  • Connor William Underwood

Eligible students were required to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as exhibit strong interest for their field of study and passion for future academic and professional goals in relation to Italian heritage and culture.

The selection and adjudication process was conducted by the George Brown College Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year.

For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit  villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Lena Ciccotelli, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / lciccotelli@villacharities.com.

There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Foundation

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.


About Eataly

Eataly stands as a distinctive brand with a high commitment to elevating the global presence of Italian food and wine excellence. Engaged in the distribution and promotion of premium-quality products, Eataly seamlessly integrates production, sales, catering, and educational components in its offerings. Distinguished as the sole genuinely international Italian food retail company, Eataly serves as an emblem of Italian culinary artistry and, more broadly, the essence of Made in Italy.

Since 2023, Investindustrial, a leading independent investment company in Europe, has held a majority ownership stake of 52% in the Group. Eataly presently boasts a workforce of over 5,000 employees and operates in more than 50 locations across 15 countries worldwide. These include Italy, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France, Sweden, Brazil, Turkey, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. The company is actively executing an ambitious expansion plan, with new openings slated for some of the world’s major cities. Additional information is available at eataly.ca.

About the Italian Culinary Program at George Brown College
The Culinary Arts – Italian Program allows postgraduate students to elevate their careers by learning specialized Italian culinary skills and experiencing Italian culture from experts in Canada and Italy. Students experience the special connection between food and life in Italy, while acquiring the techniques that make the cuisine famous around the world.

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For further information, please contact:

Marley Burnes

SUGO Communications

marley.b@sugocommunications.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

The Italian Community Celebrates Senator Toni Varone on his Appointment to the Senate of Canada

January 31, 2024

TORONTO – (January 31, 2024) It was announced today that the GTA’s Italian Canadian community will be coming together for a special celebration to honour Toronto businessman and philanthropist Toni Varone.  The memorable evening will commemorate the recent appointment by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, of Mr. Varone to the Senate of Canada as an independent senator for Ontario.

The event on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre is
co-hosted by Toronto’s leading Italian organizations, the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA Toronto), the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) and Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) and will see members of the Italian Canadian community gather to celebrate this impressive achievement by one of their own.

Toni Varone is a pillar of the community who has dedicated his life to civic engagement with a focus on constructing safe and affordable housing. As a proud Italian Canadian, Mr. Varone has been a long-time board member of Villa Charities Foundation and is a former Chairman of the Board of Villa Charities Inc. and the Columbus Centre of Toronto. His commitments to promoting the social and cultural fabric of the Toronto’s vibrant Italian Canadian community have earned him numerous awards and honours, including the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association Achievement Award, the Italian Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, the Heart and Hand Award from Villa Charities, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

This cocktail reception with light refreshments, and a live and silent auction will highlight Mr. Varone’s many achievements. Proceeds from the auction and event will go to the CIBPA Scholarship Fund, the ICCO Canada Scholarship Fund and the Villa Charities Scholarship Program. Tickets for the event are free of charge and are available now at Eventbrite.ca. Donations to the three hosting charitable organizations will also be accepted.

When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre, 3710 Chesswood Drive,
North York, ON M3J 2W4

Tickets for the event are now available. To register and for full event details, please visit the event website at Eventbrite.ca or call 647-819-9320.

 

About CIBPA Toronto

The Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto (CIBPA) is a
non-profit member organization founded in 1952. Since then, we have earned a reputation with Greater Toronto Area communities and government for representing the interests and views of Canadians of Italian heritage. Our mandate is to promote and cultivate the business, professional, cultural and social interests of our members, and to serve as their local voice, as well as representing the Italian-Canadian community at large. We build and foster forums for the exchange of business and civic ideas and to encourage the growth of close-knit communities. Our organization provides much more than the simple practice of networking or exchanging business cards. We create events and opportunities to build sustainable professional relationships. Since 1949 all of the CIBPA chapters combined have distributed several million dollars in bursaries and scholarships to deserving students of Italian heritage at the college, university and post-graduate level. Many of these high-achieving students, in turn, join our ranks and revitalize the Association. We embrace the future and give back to our community by investing in future generations as it is the core of our mission. Our new initiative with Italia360 Incubator program helps students, recent graduates and newcomers by bringing their business ideas to life. We continue to support our communities through the philanthropy and community leadership of our Ladies Auxiliary. For more information, visit toronto.cibpa.com.

 

About ICCO Canada
The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) is an independent, non-profit business organization whose aim is to enhance and promote investments, trade, and cultural alliances among visionaries, entrepreneurs, and global organizations in Canada and Italy. Since its inception in 1961, ICCO Canada has been a facilitator of business, a seeker of investment and a builder of commercial relationships. Among its many tasks, ICCO Canada works as a consultant for several local and regional governmental agencies in Canada and Italy, as well as in commercial mediation. In addition to Toronto, ICCO Canada has Italian offices in Milan and Udine. For more information visit italchambers.ca.


About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

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For more information please contact:

Ilaria Venoso

Communication & Events 

Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada)

647-819-9320

venoso@italchambers.ca

Villa Charities Announces the Winners of Inaugural Young Artist Grant program

January 9, 2024

Italian Canadians from across Canada awarded grants in music, literature and film

 

Toronto, ON – January 9, 2024 Toronto’s registered charity and non-profit organization Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of their inaugural Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of fictional literature, music and film. The Young Artist Grant was launched in September 2023 with the aim of providing financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.

 

“Each of the three inaugural Young Artist Grant recipients submitted proposals that demonstrated outstanding originality, excellence and a passion for their chosen creative genre,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “I am thrilled that Villa Charities can support these exceptional young Italian Canadian artists as they pursue a career in the arts while proudly representing their Italian heritage.”

 

The Young Artist Grant awards three grants of $5,000 each to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage. This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in the community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.

 

Villa Charities announced the three grant recipients along with an Honourable Mention today.

 

Category: Fictional Literature

Winner: Claire Tatangelo, Halifax, NS

Creative Project: “Roller Barbie and Her Magic 8” (Graphic Novel)
A coming-of-age story about an Italian Canadian woman who leaves her family and moves to a new city alone. She learns to love herself through roller blading and reconnects with lessons she learned playing Italian cards from her nonna as she figures out the direction of her life. Set in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this graphic novel is based on real natural disasters that took place in the post-pandemic years and follows the characters as they learn to accept and cope with the aftermath. The imagery on Italian cards is revisited and redesigned throughout the story.

On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “I am very grateful to be able to carry out my idea for a graphic novel – this will allow me to explore my creative vision in-depth for the story I imagine. As an artist of Italian descent, I chose to create a story from my own experiences that are specific to my family and our culture. I am very excited to have the support of Villa Charities and the Italian Canadian community, and I am looking forward to embarking on the journey of creating a graphic novel!”

 

Category: Music

Winner: Daniele Monticelli, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Now Part II” (Album)
This project explores life situations, interpersonal relationships, and the universal quest for identity. The song “Same Song” emphasizes the interconnectedness of music and culture, showcasing a fusion of traditional Italian instruments like tamburello and zampogna with a Scottish-inspired violin line. This blend symbolizes the unity among diverse backgrounds, reflecting a shared love for musical expression.

On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “Securing the Young Artist Grant as a young Italian Canadian artist is not only a validation of my artistic voice but also a heartfelt recognition of the harmonious blend of my Italian heritage and Canadian identity. This empowering opportunity propels me into a richer exploration of my art, fostering a narrative that gracefully weaves together diverse cultural influences.”

 

Category: Film

Winner: Ruggero Romano, Vancouver, BC

Creative Project: “Vinum” (Short Film)
The project is dedicated to the preservation of the age-old tradition of grape harvesting in Venice, Italy, through the production of a high-quality cinematic short film. This venerable practice in Venice is at risk of fading into obscurity as the city’s population dwindles due to the overwhelming impacts of mass tourism. Our cinematic endeavor will capture and present every facet of the grape harvesting process in collaboration with the local most renowned grape harvesting organization, Laguna nel Bicchiere. With an immersive and authentic approach, the film will explore the entire journey, crafting a narrative that unfolds with a curated synergy between images and soundscape. Through a cinematic lens, we will highlight the enduring traditions that form the heart and soul of Italian and Venetian winemaking culture.

On Winning the 2023 Young Artist Grant: “Winning the Young Artist Grant by Villa Charities marks a meaningful moment in my artistic journey, symbolizing both recognition and encouragement for my dedication to the arts. As a young Italo-Canadian artist and filmmaker, this grant not only acknowledges my cultural heritage and its influence on my work but also provides invaluable support in my creative endeavors. The financial assistance and exposure that come with this award will greatly enhance my ability to explore, experiment, and expand my artistic skills and vision.”

 

Category: Film

Honourable Mention: Madeleine Fiore, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Road Trippin’” (Short Film)
Road Trippin’” is a short film written, directed and produced by Madeline Rose Fiore. After graduating college, two girls go on a road trip with their brother’s 1979 camper van. Through this journey, they uncover their love for one another that they’ve been hiding from, which runs parallel to their brother’s secret relationship.”

The selection and adjudication process were conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. The grants will support specific original creative projects that were submitted as works in progress for the application process, and funds were disbursed to the three winners in December 2023.

 

For more information about the 2023 Young Artist Grant winners and the program, please visit villacharities.com/grant or contact execs@villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the
Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Dunscombe

MAVERICK

647-972-2373

megan@wearemaverick.com

Kathleen Sloan
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
ksloan@villacharities.com
416-789-7011 Ext. 309

2023

Villa Charities Announces Recipients of 2023 Scholarship Program

September 20, 2023

Scholarship winners honour Italian culture and heritage

TORONTO – September 20, 2023 – Toronto’s registered charity and non-profit organization Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its fourth annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The 2023 Villa Charities Scholarship Program launched in May and was open to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. 


“I am thrilled that this year’s scholarship program has received our highest response yet,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2023 scholarship recipients submitted heartwarming and impressive essays that clearly expressed the importance of their culture and how they support Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”


The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and four students will be the recipient of the Villa harities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes. Since launching the scholarship program in 2020, $240,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students.


Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.


Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (TLN Media Group Sponsorships)

 

“We are proud to announce TLN Media Group’s sponsorship of the Villa Charities Undergraduate Scholarship Program,” said Aldo Di Felice, President, TLN Media Group. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to celebrating and promoting multiculturalism. We believe in empowering the next generation of leaders who embrace and further these principles. By supporting this scholarship program, we aim to contribute to a brighter future where diverse voices and cultural heritage are celebrated.”


Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:


Alessia Nicole DiMarzo, University of Calgary

Luca DiPietro, University of Toronto

Jake Paul Karpouzis, University of Toronto
Benjamin Domenic Milone, McMaster University


Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients (Including the KPMG MSLP Scholarship)

 

Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:


Joseph Francesco Bellissimo, Queen’s University
Robert Nicolas Giardino, Yorkville University
Maria Jose Munera, University of Western Ontario
Gabrielle Vesia Trépanier, University of Toronto


These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2023/2024 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.


Excerpts from two of the scholarship recipients are included below.


        “As a dedicated language instructor, enthusiastic volunteer, event organizer, and passionate advocate for Italian studies, I continue to have the honour of leaving meaningful imprints. By igniting a love for the Italian language, fostering connections, and showcasing the richness of Italian literature and heritage, I have actively recruited dozens of individuals to get more involved in the Italian community.”
– Alessia Nicole DiMarzo, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient


       “Following in the footsteps of my uncle who was Canada’s first Italian-Canadian Emergency Physician, I have had the incredible opportunity to work in the Emergency room of St. Joseph’s hospital, where we serve hundreds of thousands of patients a year. Being a part of the medical team at a Catholic Hospital in downtown Toronto means the world to me as I get to positively represent Catholic and Italian Values, while pursuing my passion for medicine and helping those that are ill and suffering. Through Villa Charities’ generous support of my medical education, I look forward to continuing the longstanding tradition of Italians in Canada being stewards of their communities and providing service to those in most need.”

– Joseph Francesco Bellissimo, Graduate Scholarship Recipient


The selection and adjudication process were conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year.


For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Lena Ciccotelli, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / lciccotelli@villacharities.com.


There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.


About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.


About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.


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For further information, please contact:

Megan Dunscombe
MAVERICK
647-972-2373
megan@wearemaverick.com


Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Announces Young Artist Grant Program

September 5, 2023

New national fund awards $15,000 to young Italian Canadians in music, literature and film

 

Toronto, ON – September 5, 2023 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the launch of their Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film.

 

The aim of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.

 

“Villa Charities is extremely proud to launch this new grant program,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “The Young Artist Grant reinforces our strategic priority to advance cultural programs and demonstrates our commitment to helping Italian Canadian youth succeed as they aspire to a career in the arts.”

 

This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in our community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.

 

In 2023 Villa Charities will award a total of $15,000, to be disbursed to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage.

 

Grant applications open on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12 noon EDT, with a deadline of Friday, September 29, 2023, at 5:00pm EDT. The selection and evaluation process will be conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. Grants will be awarded by Villa Charities at the end of 2023.

 

For more information and complete submission guidelines, please visit villacharities.com/grant or contact execs@villacharities.com.

 

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. Villa Charities has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, which recognizes the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging workplace. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathleen Sloan
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
ksloan@villacharities.com
416-789-7011 Ext. 309

2022

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Name Plaques Now Available for Purchase

October 11, 2022

Project honours vital contributions Italian Canadians have made to Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric.

TORONTO – October 11, 2022 – Today, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) announced that name plaques are available for sale as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project. Canadians now have the ability to purchase a plaque to commemorate their loved ones and honour Italians who journeyed to Canada to begin a new life. 

Announced in summer 2022, the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project will commemorate the legacy of Italian immigrants and provide a destination for honouring and remembering personal histories. The installation will feature name plaques dedicated to individuals of Italian heritage, and a bronze casted art piece, designed by artist and marketing industry executive Aldo Cundari. 

Immigrant Tribute installation 

Designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., the commemoration wall will be located on the Villa Charities campus at Lawrence and Dufferin in Toronto. The installation will exist on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre – showcasing the name plaques with a ‘fluttering’ effect that will give a sense of movement to the wall. Personalized single or double name plaques are available for a $1,000.00 donation and will feature the name of the family member and the year they immigrated to Canada. A tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount. Only a limited quantity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the name plaques to be installed on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute in alphabetical order when construction begins. 

Immigrant Tribute website 

Purchasing a plaque also means donors can share their family’s immigration journey online by submitting a brief family history and up to four images, to appear on the Immigrant Map at villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com. The repository of immigrant stories will create an engaging and creative digital space for the public to explore and learn about the shared experiences of the Italian Canadian community. 

“This installation, along with the immigrant tribute website, is our way to honour and preserve the ongoing historical contributions made by the Italian Canadian community, and to create a destination for celebrating Italian heritage,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Given the enthusiastic response we’ve heard from our community since we announced this project, we are excited that people across the country can now order their own commemorative plaques.” 

The funds raised from the tribute project through Villa Charities Foundation will support senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. 

For more information on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, including how to purchase a name plaque, visit villacharitiesimmigranttribute.com. 

About Villa Charities Inc. Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.   About Villa Charities Foundation Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give. – 30 –   For further information, please contact: Jessica Patriquin MAVERICK 416-640-5525 Ext. 230 jessicap@wearemaverick.com Kathleen Sloan, CM Director, Marketing and Communications Villa Charities Inc. 416-789-7011 Ext. 309 ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Announces Winners of 2022 Scholarship Program

September 15, 2022

Villa Charities announces scholarship winners, honouring Italian culture and heritage

TORONTO – September 15, 2022 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its third annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The third year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in February 2022 and is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. “I am thrilled that the third year of our scholarship program has been our most successful year yet,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2022 scholarship recipients exemplifies the importance of their heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.” The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and four students will be the recipient of the Villa Charities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes. Since launching the scholarship program in 2020, more than $160,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students. Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today. Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (Including The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarships, The KPMG MSLP Scholarship, and The Nortown Air Scholarship) Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:
  • Karli Chalmers, University of Guelph, Bachelor of Science
  • Joseph Cressatti, McGill University, Bachelor of Commerce
  • Jenna Gulizia, York University, Schulich School of Business, International Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Carla Santini, University of Toronto, Honours Bachelor of Science
Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:
  • Renata Ceccacci, McMaster University, Doctor of Medicine
  • Marisa Cressatti, Queen’s University, Doctor of Medicine
  • Madison Dabbs-Petty, University of Alberta, Master of Education in Counselling Psychology
  • Adrian DeBiasio, University of Guelph, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2022/2023 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission. “I try to honour my Italian heritage through learning about my family’s traditions, keeping them alive, and sharing them with others. Whether it be visiting Pier 21 to learn more about my family’s journey, gathering yearly to make sausage and salamis, or even just attending Sunday Mass in Italian, the importance of maintaining our roots has been impressed upon me.” – Joseph Cressatti, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient “Recently, I used my Italian with two patients while on my Internal Medicine rotation. Due to pandemic restrictions, these patients were not allowed to have a family member with them. They were alone and anxious. The language barrier added to their heightened anxiety. I was able to ease that anxiety somewhat by conversing with them in Italian. Simply by asking about their roots, I could see the pride of our mutual heritage come through.” – Renata Ceccacci, Graduate Scholarship Recipient The selection and adjudication process was conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2022/2023 academic year. For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com. There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding. About Villa Charities Inc. Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.   About Villa Charities Foundation Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give. – 30 –   For further information, please contact: Jessica Patriquin MAVERICK 416-640-5525 Ext. 230 jessicap@wearemaverick.com Kathleen Sloan, CM Director, Marketing and Communications Villa Charities Inc. 416-789-7011 Ext. 309 ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Announces Tribute Project Honouring Italian Immigrants

July 6, 2022

TORONTO – July 6, 2022 – Today, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proud to announce the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project, to honour Italian Canadian immigrants and their families. For more than 50 years, Villa Charities has been a leading provider of Italian culture and heritage, and with this new fundraising initiative the charitable organization will establish a nationally recognized destination and tribute for Italian heritage.

The Immigrant Tribute commemoration will be located on the Villa Charities campus at Lawrence and Dufferin streets in Toronto, as an installation on the north-facing wall of the Columbus Centre. The tribute wall, designed by Brown + Storey Architects Inc., will showcase name plaques honouring individuals of Italian heritage who journeyed to Canada to begin a new life.

“Villa Charities is extremely proud and excited to launch this important initiative,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “The Immigrant Tribute project will honour the important contributions that Italian Canadians have made to the social, cultural and economic
fabric of Canada and will help educate younger generations on their cultural heritage and the immigrant experience.”

The Immigrant Tribute installation will be a 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.

Villa Charities led the initial Immigrant Tribute wall, sculpture and website design in collaboration with students and faculty of George Brown College Arts, Design & Information Technology departments.

Beginning later this year, the name plaques will be available for the community to purchase. The funds raised from the tribute project through Villa Charities Foundation will go towards support for senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs.

A dedicated Immigrant Tribute website will support the physical installation and function as the online fundraising portal. Anyone who purchases a name plaque will also have the opportunity to upload photos and a brief family history to the site, creating a repository of immigrant stories. This will be an engaging and creative resource for Villa Charities patrons and donors to share and learn more about the immigration history and experiences of the Italian Canadians in their community.

The public on-sale date for the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute project will be announced at a later date, with construction of the installation currently planned to begin in spring 2023.

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About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For more than 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

About Villa Charities Foundation
Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

For further information, please contact:

Morgan Lewis
MAVERICK
416-618-0443
morgan@wearemaverick.com

Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309
ksloan@villacharities.com

2021

Villa Charities Announces Winners of 2021 Scholarship Program

September 14, 2021

Villa Charities announces scholarship winners, honouring Italian culture and heritage

 

TORONTO – September 14, 2021 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its second annual national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The second year of the Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in February 2021 and is available to students of any heritage who help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.

 

“I am thrilled that the second year of our scholarship program has been so successful,” said Marco DeVuono, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Each of the 2021 scholarship recipients exemplifies the importance of their heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission. I am proud that we can support these exceptional students in their future academic endeavours.”

 

The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 20 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the twenty scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining twelve scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts. Four students will receive The Villa Charities Renzo Pillon Memorial Scholarship and eight students will be the recipient of the Villa Charities Culinary Scholarship, supported in part by The Food Dudes.

 

Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.

 

Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients (Including The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarships)

 

Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:

  • Giulia Riondino, McGill University, Psychology
  • Victoria Cardillo, University of Guelph, Biomedical Sciences

The Janet Angela Rinaldi Tribute Scholarship Recipients include:

  • Teresa Lindman, Wilfred Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minors in Italian, French)
  • Christian D’Ambrosi, University of Toronto, International Relations and History (Majors) and Italian (Minor)

Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients

Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:

  • Daniela Testani, University of Toronto, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Katelyn Procopio, University of Toronto, Faculty of Information
  • Sara Corvinelli, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences
  • Alessandra Ceccacci, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine

 

These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2021/2022 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.

 

“My journey in discovering my Italian heritage has been a wonderful one. By learning   the language in school, creating a documentary around Italian Canadian culture, being active in IUSCA, and being a teacher and mentor to the younger generations, I have actively served the Italian Canadian community, and by aspiring to work in the community as a lawyer, I plan to continue to do so in the future.”

– Christian D’Ambrosi, Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

 

The Italian Canadian heritage is rooted in love, and the sacrifice that families   endured in their journey for a new life. As a second-generation immigrant, although I will never have to endure such a sacrifice, I am proud and hope to honour my heritage in my relationships, career, and future endeavours. The ItaloCanadese community is founded upon hard working immigrants and is in need of young advocates to continue showcasing Italian culture within the community.”

– Daniela Testani, Graduate Scholarship Recipient

 

The selection and adjudication process were conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2021/2022 academic year.

 

For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Natasha Fieldman, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / nfieldman@villacharities.com.

There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com

 

About Villa Charities Foundation

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Inc. Appoints Marco DeVuono President and CEO

September 9, 2021

TORONTO (September 9, 2021) – Villa Charities Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Marco DeVuono to the position of President and CEO, effective immediately. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. Mr. DeVuono joined Villa Charities as Chief Financial Officer in March 2017 and has been instrumental in the company’s success and growth during his tenure.

“Marco has truly demonstrated his passion and dedication to Villa Charities and has been a valued member of the Executive team,” says Joseph Arcuri, Board Chair, Villa Charities Inc. “His depth and breadth of experience with our complex organization makes him uniquely qualified for this role, and we are confident he is the right person to lead the organization as we realize our vision of inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.”


Mr. DeVuono is an accomplished leader with more than twenty years of senior-level finance and management experience with non-profit, private and TSE listed companies in the distribution, healthcare, academic, financial, and IT services. As CFO for Villa Charities, he was responsible for significant achievements including repurposing underutilized space in the Columbus Centre, restructuring operations during the COVID-19 period and building high-performing finance and property management teams.

Prior to joining Villa Charities Inc., Mr. DeVuono was the Chief Financial Officer for Drive Products Inc., a distribution/manufacturing company with branches across Canada, where he orchestrated a restructuring of the organization’s operations. He also held CFO and senior leadership positions with The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, a non-profit, post-secondary institution for health sciences education, HomeQ Corporation (CHIP Reverse Mortgage) and the Datahorse Group of Companies.

Highly driven and with a reputation for integrity, efficiency and effectiveness, Marco excels at developing successful policies and solutions to deliver against strategic goals and has worked hard to cultivate collaborative relationships within the community.


“I am honoured to accept this new leadership position and to further advance Villa Charities’ strategic priorities, with a focus on the pillars of community, fundraising and stewardship,” says Marco DeVuono. “I also look forward to working alongside our great Board, Executive team and staff, and connecting with all our stakeholders including our patrons, partners and the broader community, as we revitalize the organization following the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.” 

Marco DeVuono holds CPA and CA designations as well as an Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

John Hendriks Elected Chair of Villa Colombo Toronto’s Board of Directors

June 15, 2021

TORONTO (June 15, 2021) –  Senior health care executive John Hendriks has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. (Villa Colombo Toronto or VCT) at their Annual General Meeting. Opened in 1976, Villa Colombo Toronto, part of the Villa Charities Inc. group of organizations, prides itself on offering high-quality long-term care and community services to seniors in a culturally sensitive environment.

 

“I am honoured to have been elected Board Chair of Villa Colombo Toronto,” said Mr. Hendriks. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this unique facility with such a long history of excellence and look forward to guiding Villa Colombo in their mission to serve the Italian community, residents and elderly clients by providing the care they need to enjoy life to the fullest with dignity and independence.”

 

John Hendriks is President of INFORMTEC, a boutique Health Care Clinical Informatics consulting firm. Previously, John was a Partner with DINMAR Consulting and was responsible for developing the Health Care Information Technology practice in the Toronto area and managed Clinical Information System sales internationally. John has more than 25 years of experience as a senior health care executive in the public and private sectors. His background includes Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s leading teaching and research facilities, where he served as Sr. Vice President Medical Programs and Chief Information Officer. John’s experience includes directing the development and implementation of Hospital clinical and financial reporting systems for the Province of Alberta Ministry of Hospitals and Medical Care and developed the data and technical architecture and systems strategy for the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.

 

John is dedicated to improving healthcare for seniors and the community at large. In addition to his involvement at Villa Colombo Toronto, he is active in Health Informatics in Canada and is a Past President of Canada’s Health Informatics Association (COACH). John has served on a number of Boards and Committees that focused on developing the scope and standards for national health information applications.   

 

Mr. Hendriks is a graduate of Dalhousie University (B. Commerce), has a Certificate in Health Administration from University of Saskatchewan and is a Certified member of the Canadian College of Health Care Executives.

 

John Hendriks became a VCT Board member in June 2019 and is also Chair of the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Quality & Risk committee. He succeeds Joseph J. Fusco, who joined the Villa Colombo Toronto Board of Directors in 2007 and served as Chair since 2019.

 

“On behalf of all members of the Villa Colombo Toronto community, I want to thank Joseph for the extraordinary dedication and outstanding leadership he has provided to our organization,” Mr. Hendriks remarked.

 

Also elected to the Villa Colombo Toronto Board of Directors for 2021-2022 are:

 

1st Vice-Chair: Loriana Iadipaolo
2nd Vice-Chair: Ben Vozzolo
Treasurer: Rosanna Arduini
Secretary: Frank Anderson

Directors: 
Dino Bozzo
Carol Bragagnolo
Angela Gauthier
Anthony Moscar
Marie Parker
Antonio Turco

Ex-Officio: Joseph Arcuri
Past Chair: Joseph J. Fusco

 

About Villa Colombo Toronto
Opened in 1976, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. (Villa Colombo Toronto) is an accredited, designated ethno-specific facility that serves the Italian community, residents and elderly clients by providing the care they need to enjoy life to the fullest with dignity and independence in a safe, secure and home-like environment. Villa Colombo offers long-term care and community services to seniors in a culturally sensitive environment. After two additions, today 391 residents call Villa Colombo home and over 700 clients living in the community are provided services such as Adult Day Programs, Meals on Wheels, Supportive Housing and more, which is vital to helping older members live rewarding and active lives. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Inc. 
Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

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For more information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-995-8496

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM
Director, Marketing and Communications
Villa Charities Inc.
416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities celebrates Italian Heritage Month 

May 27, 2021

 Villa Charities proudly celebrates Italian Heritage Month with a month-long festival dedicated to Italian culture and heritage. 

TORONTO – May 27, 2021 – While unable to welcome the community to the campus, Villa Charities will celebrate this cherished annual occasion with a series of engaging digital events and programming throughout the month of June. 

The roster will once again showcase the artistry and talents of Italian-Canadian performers and Villa Charities’ diverse community with a lineup that includes panel discussions, music concerts, heritage experiences, live culinary workshops, dance performances and more. Villa Charities also hopes to promote multigenerational experiences and encourages families to participate in these events together, to foster a communal sense of pride and belonging. 

“Throughout June we will commemorate Italian culture and heritage with a month full of exciting programs and events,” says Giulio Recchioni, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities. “As we continue to mark our 50th anniversary, we honour the contributions of Italian-Canadians to our diverse cultural mosaic and proudly celebrate virtually with our community.” 

Below is the full list of virtual programs taking place to celebrate Italian Heritage Month: An Immigrant Story June 1 – 30, 2021 In celebration of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, the website immigrantstory.ca, created and developed by Sholom Wargon, features an inaugural collection of more than 40 inspirational stories of individuals who immigrated to Canada from Italy and other countries. With eloquent narratives and compelling visuals, this interactive experience broadly reflects the ethnocultural origins of the Villa Charities and Columbus Centre communities. An on-site exhibition of these immigrant journeys is planned for the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery as soon as health and safety conditions permit. Presented by Sholom Wargon Design and Pizza Nova. 

Pirandello and “Six Characters in Search of an Author” – 100 Years After Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00pm Join internationally acclaimed and two-time Dora Award-nominee, Daniele Bartolini, Artist in Residence for Villa Charities and Associate Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre, and one of Toronto’s most renowned slam poets, Luke Reece, for a live discussion about Pirandello and his metatheatrical masterpiece “Six Characters in Search of an Author”, and their production of the play for Soulpepper’s series Around The World In 80 Plays. Montreal-based playwright and performer, Michaela Di Cesare, author of In Search of Mrs. Pirandello, will also join the conversation. Price: FREE

Festa della Repubblica | Italian National Day Wednesday, June 2 at 12:00pm This is a virtual ceremonial celebration of the anniversary of the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, with greetings from Canadian elected officials, representatives of the Italian and Canadian governments, and community leaders. Featuring a poetry reading by Gianna Patriarca and a concert by Rossano Sportiello and Pasquale Grasso. Price: FREE 

Serata Musicale: A Spotlight on Young Italian-Canadian Talent 

June 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 12:00pm 

Enjoy this video series featuring four concerts by young professional musicians in the Italian-Canadian community. The series will highlight exciting singers and musicians from Ontario and BC, performing a variety of genres including classical music, pop, jazz, country and Italian folk. 

Performance Schedule: June 3: A concert by the Quintessence Ensemble, which features a trio of sibling string musicians: Miriam Cacciacarro (Violin), Hannah Cacciacarro (Cello) and Abigail Cacciacarro (Violin). Don’t miss this musical event with a repertoire of popular and immortal Italian songs spanning from classical to operatic. 

June 10: Toronto-born artist and multiple Canadian folk music award nominee Andrea Ramolo, and singer and songwriter from Vancouver, Lisa Petrucci. 

June 17: Antonio Larosa (modern country rock musician), Stephen Scaccia (contemporary pop artist), and Toronto-based jazz guitarist Andrew Marzotto. 

June 24: Featuring three soloists from the Coro San Marco Choir: Sonia Stillo, Michael Nasato and Iwona Jazczur, all accompanied by pianist Adolfo DeSantis, and followed by a performance by Italian-Canadian Luca Ramelli on piano. 

Price: FREE 

My Secret Venice with Sebastiano Bazzichetto June 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 12:00pm 

We are proud to present a second season of exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ episodes with Dr. Sebastiano Bazzichetto. This new four-part video series will take viewers on a cultural and visual journey to explore hidden gems in the Venetian countryside and pay homage to Dante, the father of Italian language. Don’t miss these stunning virtual tours of some of the grandest, palatial villas in the Veneto region. Price: FREE 

Cucina con noi! June 8, 16, 22 and 29 

“Cucina con noi!” is a series of four live interactive culinary workshops featuring local Italian chefs demonstrating how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Presented in partnership with Eataly and Cucinato. 

Workshop Schedule: 

June 8 at 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Cucinato Pranzo della Domenica: A Typical Southern Italian Sunday Meal with Neapolitan Chef Bruno Di Sarno 

June 16 at 7:30 – 8:00pm – Eataly Pasta alla Carbonara 

June 22 at 6:00 – 8:00pm – Cucinato Theme TBC 

June 29 at 5:00 – 5:30pm – Eataly Risotto al Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Price: FREE 

Cory Weeds Quartet Plays Italian Standards 

Friday, June 18 at 6:30pm 

Alto saxophonist Cory Weeds assembles an all-star Vancouver band to celebrate Italian Heritage Month across Canada. Joined by guitarist John Lee, organist Chris Gestrin and drummer Jesse Cahill, Weeds will play music from his chart topping “O Sole Mio, Songs from the Motherland” release. Hitting #2 on the JazzWeek Charts and charting for over 16 weeks, “O Sole Mio” is a delight! Video will be shared on June 18, 6:30pm (ET) for ticket holders. This virtual concert is presented by Villa Charities (Toronto) and Il Centro (Vancouver). 

Price: $10.00 for Concert only. Concert and Dinner packages will also be available. 

Italian Heritage: Perspectives from Black Italians Monday, June 21 at 7:00pm 

Join us for a discussion between Silvana Rose Miller (Canadian activist and producer) and Fred Kuwornu (Italian activist, filmmaker, and educator) for a discussion of Black Italian identities, experiences, and heritage both in Canada and in Italy. This event will be presented in partnership with Italian Canadians for Black Lives (ICFBL). 

Price: FREE 

Here & Now: Readings and Discussion Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 5:00pm Villa Charities, in collaboration with the Association of Italian Canadian Writers (AICW), Accenti Magazine, Longbridge Books, and English Language Arts Network (ELAN), is pleased to invite you to a conversation with the editor and contributors of Here & Now: An Anthology of Queer Italian-Canadian Writing.” Italian-Canadian and LGBTQ2S writers will host this literary panel discussion on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which are commemorated annually each June during Pride Month. Price: FREE 

An Evening of Dance Wednesday, June 30 at 7:30pm 

Villa Charities presents this special performance, featuring dancers from DanzArts Toronto, Columbus Centre’s very own prestigious dance school, and artists in residence ACE Dance Theatre. 

Price: FREE 

For complete information and to register for Villa Charities’ Italian Heritage Month events, visit villacharities.com/ihm. 

About Villa Charities Inc. 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com. 

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For further information, please contact: 

Jessica Patriquin 

MAVERICK 

416-640-5525 Ext. 230 

jessicap@wearemaverick.com 

Kathleen Sloan, CM 

Director, Marketing and Communications 

Villa Charities Inc. 

416-789-7011 Ext. 309 

ksloan@villacharities.com 

Villa Charities Inc. responds to Canadian Government’s apology to Italian Canadians 

May 27, 2021

 TORONTO, May 27, 2021 – We are pleased that the Government of Canada delivered a formal apology today in the House of Commons for the internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War. The Prime Minister’s statement finally acknowledges the unjust policy and actions that resulted in the internment of hundreds of people of Italian heritage during WWII. In addition, tens of thousands of Italian Canadians were declared “enemy aliens,” causing immense pain and hardship for the many families affected. 

 

Our Acting President and CEO Marco DeVuono expresses his gratitude on behalf of Villa Charities: “We appreciate the Canadian government’s reconciliation efforts and hope that today’s announcement will help with the healing process and provide a sense of closure for all families who were impacted and stigmatized.” 

 

For the past five decades, Villa Charities has played an important role in supporting the Italian community and advancing the appreciation and promotion of Italian culture and heritage. This official apology has been delivered this year, during our 50th anniversary commemorations, which truly reinforces the significance of the social, cultural and economic contributions made by Italian Canadians to this country. We will continue to proudly celebrate and honour Italian culture and heritage. 

 

About Villa Charities Inc. Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com 

 

For more information please contact: 

Jessica Patriquin 

MAVERICK Public Relations 

Mobile: 416-995-8496 

-30- 

Joseph Arcuri Elected Chair of Villa Charities’ Board of Governors 

May 25, 2021

TORONTO (May 25, 2021) – Senior financial executive Joseph Arcuri has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of Villa Charities Inc. at its Board meeting on May 20, 2021. Villa Charities is a registered charity that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. The organization has served the Greater Toronto Area’s Italian community for 50 years by providing cultural and educational programs and supporting culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. 

 

Arcuri, who was elected along with other Board members at the meeting, has been a volunteer at the organization for over five years. He has served on the Villa Charities Board of Governors since March 2016 and was Vice-Chair beginning in May 2019. 

 

“I am honoured to have been elected Chair of Villa Charities, and for the opportunity to continue serving our extended communities,” Mr. Arcuri said. “Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, this is an exciting time to be part of the Villa Charities organization, as we continue to support the needs of a broader multigenerational base. I also look forward to reconnecting with our seniors and program participants as we emerge from the COVID-19 public health challenges.” 

 

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with 2 

 

PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders. 

 

Mr. Arcuri succeeds Santo Veltri, who served as Board Chair of Villa Charities for three consecutive terms beginning in 2018. “I would like to thank Santo for the extraordinary dedication and leadership he has provided to our organization, and I hope to continue to build on the foundation Santo created,” Mr. Arcuri remarked. “I look forward to working with Santo in our new roles going forward.” 

 

Also elected to the Villa Charities Board of Governors for 2021-2022 are: Officers: Vice-Chair: Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci Treasurer: Sandro D’Ercole Secretary: Tonio (Tony) Costa 

 

Directors: Nebo Orazietti Dr. Gina Valle Ex Officio: Columbus Centre of Toronto: Maria Orsini, Marianne Corigliano Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.: TBC Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre: Quinto Annibale, Catherine (Rina) Tiberini 

 

About Villa Charities Inc. 

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

– 30 – 

 

For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Beloved Toronto Italian cultural organization celebrates 50 years

April 12, 2021

TORONTO – April 12, 2021 – This week, the Italian-Canadian community across the GTA celebrates the 50th year of their beloved cultural hub – Villa Charities Inc. (VCI).

 

Since 1971, VCI has been instrumental in connecting lives through intergenerational experiences and services that honour and celebrate all things Italian. The organization began as the Italian Canadian Benevolent Corporation (ICBC) with a mission to raise funds for and develop, administer and coordinate projects in the health, social, cultural and educational fields, which would establish the concept of ‘community’ for Italian-Canadians and their families.

 

After fifty years, Villa Charities continues to provide cultural and educational programs for all ages while supporting culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors across the GTA. In so doing, Villa Charities recognizes the significance of and honours the many Italian immigrants who helped build the city of Toronto and surrounding metropolitan areas.

 

“As we reflect over the past 50 years, we acknowledge the remarkable vision and passion of our Founders, and remain extremely thankful for the legacy that they created, which offers us unlimited opportunities to serve our community,” said Santo Veltri, Board Chair, Villa Charities Inc. “While Villa Charities began from the desire to provide residential care for the elderly Italians in our community, the organization has since transformed and grown, adapting to the needs of the changing community around us, while still remaining true to the core values instilled by the Founders.”

 

On April 15, 2021, VCI invites the city to join us in the celebration as we commemorate this milestone achievement through virtual initiatives and programming that honour the past, celebrate the present, and look towards future growth and opportunities.

 

“The last 12 months have brought many challenges in our lives. While programming and celebrations will be largely virtual, we are committed to engaging our GTA community through festivities that commemorate 50 years of Villa Charities,” said Dr. Gina Valle, Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee. “Our strong and vibrant Italian and Italian-Canadian communities are proud to celebrate the achievements of the organization they helped build so many years ago. It is heartwarming to see the strides that VCI has made. We hope everyone will join us in the celebration.”

 

Following virtual anniversary celebrations, Villa Charities plans to continue supporting the Italian-Canadian community as it evolves, through its mission and vision:

 

MISSION – Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.

VISION – Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.

Villa Charities is marking this memorable occasion through a number of initiatives:

  • Logo and Brand Campaign | A commemorative 50th anniversary logo and creative ad campaign kicked off the anniversary year in January and will run to the end of the year, to promote and celebrate this milestone.
  • Commemorative Videos | TLN Media Group has produced a series of commemorative interstitials featuring interviews with members of the Villa Charities family, including Founders, Board members and stakeholders. These videos will be shared through Villa Charities’ platforms and will air on TLN and Mediaset Italia TV channels throughout April to tell the Villa Charities story.
  • CN Tower Themed Night Lighting | On April 15, 2021, the CN Tower will be lit in the Italian flag colours (green, white and red) in celebration of Villa Charities’ 50th anniversary, signifying the organization’s importance as a pillar for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community. The themed lighting for Villa Charities will occur on the half hour of each hour, following a standard eight-minute light show, from sunset to midnight. A photo sharing contest will run on VCI’s social media, for a chance to win a $100 Eataly gift card. The lighting can also be viewed on the CN Tower’s EarthCam feed.
  • TORONTO Sign Commemorative Lighting | The TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square will be lit in the Italian flag colours on April 15, 2021. A social media contest allows users to post a photo of the sign on that day for a chance to win a $100 Eataly gift card. Current COVID-19 protocols should be followed for anyone who wishes to participate.
  • Celebratory Message Campaign | As part of the anniversary celebrations, key community leaders, luminaries and renowned Italian personalities were invited to record a brief congratulatory message acknowledging the organization’s milestone. The videos are being shared on social media and will be included in a compilation video.
  • Social Media Campaigns | Social media channels will offer fun and interactive content including throwback campaigns, Top 50 playlists, monthly giveaways and more.
  • Redesigned Website | A redesigned website for Villa Charities will provide an enhanced user experience and deliver experiential resources for patrons interested in cultural programs and experiences.

In addition, cultural programming will be curated across various mediums and will encourage safe and responsible participation during this time of COVID. Further details will be announced at a later date.

 

As it embarks on its journey to its Centennial, the Villa Charities campus will continue to serve as a destination not only for the multigenerational Italian-Canadian community, but also for the vibrant, broader multicultural community seeking to explore and experience Italian culture and heritage. At the same time, VCI will continue to expand its partnerships and affiliations with Italian and non-Italian organizations that are aligned with their mission, vision and values.

 

“Our story represents half a century of Italian-Canadian generations coming together to honour culture and celebrate heritage,” concludes Marco DeVuono, Acting President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “We are confident that with the continued involvement and support of our community,

 

Villa Charities will thrive for another 50 years. It is our enduring wish that we will inspire many generations to explore the Italian in all of us.”

Villa Charities invites the community to join the 50th anniversary celebrations by sharing how the organization has impacted their lives using #VCI50. Supporters are encouraged to follow Villa Charities on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Instagram: @Villa_Charities / Twitter: @Villa_Charities / Facebook: @VillaCharities
LinkedIn: @VillaCharitiesInc.

 

For additional images and captions, click here.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc.

 

Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Inc. Appoints Giulio Recchioni Executive Director Of Cultural Programming

January 7, 2021

TORONTO, January 7, 2020 – Giulio Recchioni has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of Cultural Programming for Villa Charities Inc. Giulio brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Villa Charities with a history of success in the culture and arts sectors.

 

“Giulio’s extensive experience and innovative thinking will truly complement the Villa Charities family – he has a broad vision, a profound understanding and a passion for leading and developing our cultural vision,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. “He has spent his whole career in the cultural and arts sector and will bring a fresh, creative presence to the table.”

 

In his role, Giulio will be tasked with continuing to elevate the cultural programming for Villa Charities. He will carry forward the organization’s mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage to capitalize on the legacy that Villa Charities has created. This will entail the development and implementation of intergenerational cultural and heritage strategies that will raise awareness of the organization as a vibrant cultural hub for all to access. With his background and leadership, Giulio will be adding to Villa Charities’ already extensive cultural programs.

 

Giulio earned an MA in Foreign Literature and Languages in his hometown of Abruzzo, Italy. He is deeply rooted in Italian culture and heritage, with an aptitude for expanding cultural spaces. Described as a creative thinker by his peers, Giulio uses his experience and knowledge to readily build new collaborations that cultivate and strengthen ties within the community. He has the ability to deliver engaging and meaningful cultural programs that strongly reflect Italian culture.

 

“I am honoured to join Villa Charities,” said Giulio Recchioni. “I look forward to building on Villa Charities’ strong reputation and past successes by growing, promoting and creating new avenues of cultural programming to achieve their vision of inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.”

 

Prior to joining Villa Charities Inc., Giulio was Cultural Director of the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver, BC where he brought tremendous success and growth. He is an avid supporter of performance and visual arts, cinema, and live jazz.

 

About Villa Charities Inc. 

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1971. A registered charity, Villa Charities enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For 50 years across the GTA, the organization has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charites Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-995-8496

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

2020

Villa Charities Announces Partnership with The Food Dudes

October 30, 2020

TORONTO, October 30, 2020 – Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) today announced its partnership with the Toronto-based food services company, The Food Dudes. Effective immediately, The Food Dudes will become the exclusive provider of all retail and catering food operations on the Villa Charities campus. This partnership provides an opportunity to enhance and expand food services through the development of exciting and creative new food offerings with an Italian focus.

 

For almost 50 years, Villa Charities has been a destination for the Italian Canadian community in the GTA. Working with The Food Dudes allows Villa Charities to continue strengthening its partnerships with companies who are aligned with VCI’s mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage, and who are industry experts with a passion and reputation to elevate the Villa Charities campus experience.

 

A new location for Pantry, The Food Dudes’ popular quick-service food venue, will open in the Columbus Centre, replacing Caffè Cinquecento. Renovations to the space are currently underway with the opening date to be announced at a later date. Restaurant operations at Ristorante Boccaccio will be closed effective immediately however the space will continue to be used for Villa Charities and Columbus Event Centre clients, and then be further transitioned into a new event venue. The Food Dudes will also take over the food services for all Columbus Event Centre events going forward.

 

Over the past decade, several strategies have been developed and implemented to address increased local competition and declining sales for Villa Charities’ food operations, which have been further impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Following a comprehensive analysis by an independent food services consultant and public RFP process, The Food Dudes were selected.

 

“We are extremely pleased to partner with a company who are leaders in Toronto’s food and hospitality industry. We are confident this union will offer a greater variety to our community and patrons as well as raise the quality of service and products,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc.

 

This alliance also accommodates the evolving tastes of the intergenerational community at large and considers the changing trends in retail food operations. The Food Dudes’ operations at Villa Charities will generate greater business revenue by encouraging patrons to experience more casual dining options (such as grab & go, delivery) and revitalize the Villa Charities campus as a culinary destination for people from across the GTA.

 

Since starting in the food industry over a decade ago, The Food Dudes have had enormous success in both the retail and catering business and have a proven track record of continuous growth. In recent years, The Food Dudes have gained a wealth of experience taking over restaurant spaces and food service operations within existing institutions, including cultural centres. In 2018, The Food Dudes assumed the Gardiner Museum’s catering program while completely redesigning and relaunching their restaurant space – now known as CLAY and receiving buzz as one of Yorkville’s hottest lunch destinations.

 

The Food Dudes’ partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is currently in the construction stage, with restaurant renovations underway. In addition to their fine dining restaurants Rasa and Sara, they are also catering providers for Toronto landmarks like Evergreen Brickworks, The Globe & Mail Event Venue and Steam Whistle Brewing, with the newly opened Steam Whistle Biergarten enjoying immediate acclaim.

 

“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to partner with Villa Charities as the Food and Beverage provider at the Columbus Centre,” said Lindsay Klein, Chief Executive Officer, The Food Dudes. “The culture we seek to uphold is inspirational and we know long time patrons and newcomers alike will find comfort in the high standards of our food services.”

 

Villa Charities is collaborating with The Food Dudes to develop a seamless transition plan for the operations of all food services.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Charities Foundation; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About The Food Dudes

 

Since joining forces over a decade ago, The Food Dudes have grown their once small, home-based operation into Toronto’s most revered, innovative and adaptive catering and food service company. Executive Chef Adrian Niman founded The Food Dudes in 2007 and partnered with Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Klein in 2011. The pair built a world-class team of passionate professionals, and quickly distinguished themselves as industry leaders. The Food Dudes consistently raise the bar by anticipating and fulfilling the dynamic needs of the modern metropolitan client – a desire for fresh and local ingredients, sophisticated original fare, flexible budgeting plans – all while providing a memorable culinary experience. From catered affairs of all styles and sizes to food trucks, restaurants, fundraisers and signature food-driven event experiences, The Food Dudes are Toronto’s most trusted hospitality specialists and premier providers of all things edible. Visit thefooddudes.com for more details.

 

About Pantry

 

Pantry started as a local take-out counter, providing fresh and healthy meals to The Food Dudes’ staff and the local Leslieville community. When people began coming back every day for more of the daily dishes coming out of Pantry’s kitchen, the storefront’s signature Hot & Cold Windows were introduced, and its Custom Combo Boxes soon took off.

 

“The ability to mix and match menu items for a different meal each day of the week resonated with our guests,” says Executive Chef Derek Wasser of Pantry’s rapid rise. In 2016, Pantry expanded to a sit-down restaurant in Rosedale and Catering for Events. The Commerce Court location opened in 2019, followed by the Meals for Home Delivery program in 2020.  In all its endeavours, Pantry maintains the highest standards of freshness and quality. With new retail spaces in the works, an inspired catering operation going strong, and more innovative ways to provide a casual and comforting dining experience, Pantry is an essential part of Toronto’s culinary character.

 

For further information, please contact: 

 

For Villa Charities:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

 

For The Food Dudes:

Lindsay Klein

Chief Executive Officer

The Food Dudes/Pantry

647-340-3833 Ext. 201

lindsay@thefooddudes.com

Quinto Annibale Elected Chair of Villa Colombo Vaughan’s Board of Directors

October 22, 2020

VAUGHAN (October 22, 2020) – Accomplished lawyer and inspirational leader Quinto Annibale has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre (Villa Colombo Vaughan), at their 2019 Annual General Meeting. Opened in 2004, Villa Colombo Vaughan, part of the Villa Charities Inc. group of organizations, prides itself on offering culturally sensitive long-term care and services to maximize meaningful living, dignity and independence for the 160 residents who call the accredited facility home.

 

“Villa Colombo Vaughan is a remarkable organization that I have been honoured to be a part of over many years in different roles,” said Mr. Annibale. “We have a wonderful culture and an amazing group of staff that are committed to our residents. It is a tremendous privilege for me to be elected as the Chair and I am committed to building upon the positive legacy established by the outgoing Chair, Rina Tiberini and my fellow board members.”

 

Quinto Annibale practices municipal, land use planning and development law. He has over 30 years of experience as an advocate, appearing before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the OMB) in hundreds of cases. He has practiced his entire career as a lawyer at Loopstra Nixon.

 

Mr. Annibale is passionate about improving healthcare for seniors and the community at large. In addition to his involvement at Villa Colombo Vaughan, Quinto has held many other volunteer positions both at community and provincial levels. He has always remained true to serving those in need and recognizes the many strengths of Villa Colombo Vaughan. He will continue to nurture their vibrant community that honours Italian culture and heritage.

 

Mr. Annibale succeeds Rina Tiberini, who served as Board Chair since 2011.

 

“On behalf of all members of the Villa Colombo Vaughan community, I want to thank Rina for the long and extraordinary dedication and leadership she has provided to our organization,” Mr. Annibale said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Rina in our new roles through the coming years.”

 

Quinto Annibale has been a part of the Villa Colombo Vaughan community for the last 14 years, serving the board with distinction. Through his tenure, he has held the position of Board Secretary and for the past four years the position of Vice-Chair.

 

Also elected to the Villa Colombo Vaughan Board of Directors for 2020-2021 are:

 

1st Vice-Chair: Rina Tiberini

2nd Vice-Chair: Edward Mancinelli

Secretary: Pina Falbo

Treasurer: Stephen Shulman

 

Directors:

Anthony Baldassarra

Dr. Kristin Terenzi

Piera Segreto

Enzo Di Iorio

Anthony Messina

Joline Moore

 

Ex-Officio: Santo Veltri

Past Chair: Rina Tiberini

 

About Villa Colombo Vaughan

Opened in 2004, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre (Villa Colombo Vaughan) is an accredited facility that provides culturally sensitive long-term care and services to maximize meaningful living, dignity and independence for each of its 160 residents. Villa Colombo Vaughan continually creates and fosters dedicated partnerships with numerous organizations within the community to enhance its high-quality care to seniors in the community. Situated on a beautiful 16-acre northern campus in quiet Kleinburg, Ontario, the home is comprised of six separate casas located with our state-of-the-art facility, each housing up to 30 residents in a social and welcoming atmosphere. Villa Colombo Vaughan has been successfully awarded the highest level of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) since 2009 and is professionally managed by UniversalCare Canada Inc. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-995-8496

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities celebrates 40th Anniversary of Columbus Centre with “40 Under Forty”

September 29, 2020

TORONTO, September 29, 2020 – In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Columbus Centre, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) presents two special art exhibitions in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. These exhibitions will highlight the history of the Columbus Centre as well as showcase artists who represent the present day and future of the visual arts community. Both exhibitions will be on display from October 1 to November 21, 2020.

 

“40 Under Forty” is an exhibition of 40 artists under the age of forty, all of whom were born after the Italian community centre was established. It will give the audience a look at what young artists are doing during a world-wide pandemic, while society simultaneously experiences rapid and vital cultural and political growth.

 

“As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Columbus Centre, we celebrate with this exhibition the spirit of inclusion, hope for the future, and love for the arts that lies at the foundation of this organization,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “We are delighted to feature this small army of wonderful young artists in our Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery.  The “40 Under Forty” exhibition rises high above this year’s global fears capturing the vibrancy, diversity and quality of Ontario’s visual arts scene.”

 

To complement the “40 Under Forty” exhibition, accomplished multimedia artist and VCI Artist in Residence Franco Berti has created a special anniversary collage, commissioned by the organization. The collage was produced to serve as a memorable and welcoming symbol for the Columbus Centre community at large; celebrating the past while engaging with the present time. Berti uses collage, photography, performance, installation, and public and social works to transcend the notion of identity, nationality and cultural identification.

 

The Columbus Centre, part of the Villa Charities organization, has served as a vibrant community centre since its official opening on October 10, 1980, where people can enjoy the richness of Italian culture within a Canadian setting. Today, the Columbus Centre remains a major hub for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community and a popular meeting place frequented by more than 150,000 visitors every year. Patrons of all ages visit the Columbus Centre for dance, visual arts, music, Italian language and children’s camps; view art exhibitions at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; attend cultural events and programming; use child care services; and participate in a wide range of athletic, aquatic and wellness programs at its expansive athletic club.

 

Throughout its history, the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery has exhibited a broad range of art and artists and continues its commitment with “40 Under Forty” as well as Berti’s collage.

 

“From faces to figures, still life to action painting, landscape to seascape, the themes and disciplines are as diverse as the artists themselves,” says Curator, Flavio Belli. “These 40 artists have been selected from a much larger group of artists whose work I have reviewed. I hope it is a comprehensive survey that suggests the breadth of contemporary art and that it introduces talented visual artists who are making a statement in the current art scene to new audiences.”

 

The 40 artists are:

Ibrahim Abusitta, Cruz T. Anderson, Houssam Alloum, Christian Applegate, Franco Berti, Lucas Biagini, Kieran Brent, Gizem Candan, Jasmine Canaviri, Chen Cao, Daniel Cardoso, Peter Chan, Danielle Clarke, Salvatore G. F. Crimi, Katherine Curci, Courtney Downman, Lana Filippone, Hannan Fayad, Alice Gong, Kim Hayung, Karyn Ho, Miles Ingrassia, Omeed Jasar, Jaymie Lathem, Kima Lenaghan, Jean-Luc Lindsay, Megan MacDonald, Gabbi Maria, Colt Nicastro, Tristram Pinney, Hana Hozhabr Pour, Devon Pryce, Michael Rachlis, Steven Restagno, Anthony Ricciardi, Miriam Rosenthal, Angela Snieder, Eleni Tsatsanis, Isabella Varrasso, Shaheer Zazai

 

Columbus Centre patrons and the community at large are invited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the community centre by experiencing these memorable exhibitions.

 

To ensure physical distancing and in compliance with capacity limits for indoor events, the official opening night reception will be hosted as four separate events; ten artists will be in attendance for each opening.

 

Thursday, October 1, 5:30 – 7:00pm & 7:30 – 9:00pm

Friday, October 2, 5:30 – 7:00pm & 7:30 – 9:00pm

RSVP is required in advance to reserve your spot. To RSVP, visit villacharities.com/CC40

For more information, email cultural@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248

 

“40 Under Forty”

October 1 – November 21, 2020

Location: Upper and Lower Gallery

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

 

40th Anniversary Collage

October 1 – November 21, 2020

Location: Lobby, Columbus Centre

 

Gallery Hours:  If you wish to visit the exhibitions, please contact the Arts & Culture Coordinator directly at 416-789-7011 ext. 248 or cultural@villacharities.com for gallery hours. Entry is free. COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Masks or face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public spaces under City of Toronto by-law no. 541-2020.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Columbus Centre

Since its opening in 1980, the Columbus Centre has served as a vibrant community centre where people can enjoy the richness of an Italian culture within a Canadian setting. Today, the Columbus Centre remains a major hub for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community and a popular meeting place frequented by more than 150,000 visitors every year.  Patrons of all ages visit the Columbus Centre daily for dance, visual arts, music, and culinary programs; view art exhibitions at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; attend cultural events and programming; and participate in a wide range of athletic, aquatics and wellness programs at our expansive athletic club. For more information visit villacharities.com

 

For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications, Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Announces Winners of Inaugural Scholarship Program

September 22, 2020

Villa Charities introduces scholarship program to honour Italian culture and heritage

 

TORONTO – September 22, 2020 – Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of its inaugural national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The Villa Charities Scholarship Program was launched in April and is available to students of all backgrounds and faiths, who will help further Villa Charities’ mission of enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.

“Each of the inaugural award recipients submitted impactful and heartwarming essays that clearly articulated the importance of their Italian culture and heritage and how it aligns with Villa Charities’ mission,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “These students are to be commended for their hard work and academic achievements. I wish them all the best in their upcoming school year.”

The Villa Charities Scholarship Program includes a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000. Eight of the sixteen scholarships are awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in support of undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a variety of disciplines. The remaining eight scholarships are awarded through George Brown College in Toronto, in support of students pursuing a degree in Architectural Studies or Culinary Arts.

Villa Charities announced the eight winners of their Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships today.

Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship Recipients

Four awards of $2,500 were presented to the following full-time Undergraduate students:

  • Daniela Fisico, Western University, Bachelor of Arts: Media, Information and Technoculture
  • William Goddard, University of Toronto, Bachelor of Arts, Major: Ethics, Society and Law
  • Luca Ramelli, Queen’s University, Bachelor Science, Major: Environmental Science
  • Melissa Gatti, University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Arts and Business, Major: History Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients

Four awards of $5,000 were presented to the following full-time Graduate students:

  • Demille Odoardi, Queen’s University, MSc Program in Anatomical Sciences
  • Alessandra Cicci, University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Master of Global Affairs and Master of Public Policy
  • Celina De Biasio, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
  • Cessidia De Biasio, Queen’s University, Smith School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA)

These scholarships were awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2020/2021 academic year. Eligible students were required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as write a submission essay describing how they helped further Villa Charities’ mission.

“Being Italian has enriched my life in so many ways. I am deeply proud of my Italian heritage as it has taught me many valuable things throughout my life. As such, I work to give back to the Italian community in any way that I can.” – Luca Ramelli

“From taking Italian art history classes at the Columbus Centre, to traveling to Abruzzo with Centro Scuola, my parents emphasized the value of learning about our heritage. My family’s love for Italy was also paired with their love for their new home, Canada.” – Alessandra Cicci

The selection and adjudication process was conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships awarded through Villa Charities Foundation will support the students’ tuition fees for the 2020/2021 academic year.

For more information about the Villa Charities Scholarship Program, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com. There are also opportunities to name a scholarship through sponsoring or alternate funding.

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

About Villa Charities Foundation

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give

For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities’ Artist in Residence Invited to Venice Biennale 48th International Theatre Festival

August 18, 2020

Villa Charities introduces scholarship program to honour Italian culture and heritage

 

TORONTO – April 28, 2020 – Villa Charities is proud to announce its Artist in Residence and Artistic Director of DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) Daniele Bartolini has been invited to the upcoming Venice Biennale 48th International Theatre Festival. La Biennale di Venezia was founded in 1895 and is now one of the most prestigious and renowned cultural organizations in the world. La Biennale, which stands at the forefront of research and promotion of new contemporary art trends, organizes exhibitions and research in all its departments: Arts (1895), Architecture (1980), Cinema (1932), Dance (1999), Music (1930), and Theatre (1934).

 

“This is an extraordinary validation of Bartolini’s hard work, ingenuity and artistic talent. As Villa Charities’ Artist in Residence since 2017, Bartolini and his DLT theatre group have developed a number of successful productions of immersive and innovative theatre, taking inspiration from our community and our very own Italian-Canadian stories,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director of Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “We are proud to see that through a long-term cultural commitment we are now contributing to showcase Italian-Canadian talent in this prestigious international festival.”

 

Bartolini will present his new interactive performance designed for one audience member at a time, titled The Right Way. The performance focuses on the theme of censorship, specifically on self-censorship, which emerged from the experience of Bartolini’s immigration. The performance will premiere on September 15, 2020, with performances running until September 21, 2020.

 

“This year’s International Theatre Festival has invited a number of Italian artists to address a single theme with their work – censorship,” says Bartolini. “I decided to tackle this important theme with my personal life experience, which allows the audience to have a direct and not filtered experience with the material of the performance. It will create an alter ego character of an immigrant director who they embody during the show, each of them with their own sensibility.”

 

The audience members will take on the role of the protagonist, in this case a director who is given the opportunity to visit the brain and understand the perspective of someone who faces two very different landscapes: Italy and Europe, the one where he’s coming from, and Canada and North America, the one where he lives and operates. The performance expresses this internal conflict of displacement and the audience falls down the rabbit hole of artistic fantasy and uncertainty emerging from the immigration experience while navigating this new environment.

 

The performance includes a virtual reality short movie, developed with locative immersive media projects company Toasterlab.

 

The cast of the performance includes Canadian physical theatre legends, Michele Smith and Dean Gilmour, who have collected a combined 37 Dora Mavor Moore Awards nominations;  Italian- Canadian actor Maddalena Vallecchi Williams, who starred in the Villa Charities production The Nonna Monologues; Jamaican native writer and actor Joyce Powell; queer emerging actor and performance artist Sophie Brender; and long-time Bartolini collaborator immersive actor and interlocutor, Rory de Brouwer, who has starred in DLT productions such as The Stranger and The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below.

 

The show has an original soundscape and set by DLT co-founder Matteo Ciardi. The Right Way is a co-production of DopoLavoro Teatrale with Italian theatre company Stazione Utopia and with the support of Villa Charities Inc.

 

For more information about the project visit this page:

www.labiennale.org/en/theatre/2020/theatre-performances/daniele-bartolini-right-way

 

The VR component includes a virtual installation by artist Franco Berti.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation/Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation with apartments for independent seniors (Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo). Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Daniele Bartolini

Daniele Bartolini is a director, writer, curator and theatre deviser who immigrated to Canada from Italy in 2015. He is the artistic director of Toronto-based company DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) and also works as a solo artist. His practice focuses on what he calls audience-specific theatre. He often designs experiences where the audience is led in the exploration of the urban landscape, encountering performers emerging from the crowded streets. Daniele is the creator of the internationally acclaimed urban immersive show The Stranger. His work has been presented in Canada, India, England, Germany and Italy. Daniele’s show The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below has been nominated for two Dora Mavor Moore Awards as Outstanding Production and Outstanding Direction. He is a recipient of the RBC Newcomer Prize and was a finalist of the Telus Newcomer Artist Award. Daniele’s new one-on-one performance The Right Way, will premiere at the Venice Biennale on occasion of its 48th International Theatre Festival in September 2020. He conceived a collection of urgent artistic responses to the pandemic through a variety of art forms titled We Were, We Are, We Will Be, a co-presentation of SummerWorks and Canadian Stage. The project is co-curated with Toronto-based producer and poet Luke Reece with whom he found a new curatorial entity, in response to the current times, called Mixtape Curations.

 

About DopoLavoro Teatrale

DopoLavoro Teatrale (DLT) is an international award-winning company founded in 2006 in Florence, Italy by Artistic Director Daniele Bartolini. DLT is dedicated to audience specific theatre, a form of interactive theatre developed by the company. DLT has been presented in Canada, England, Germany, Italy and India. DLT highlights include: The Stranger 2.0: Above and Below (presented with Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Community Sponsor Villa Charities Inc.), If on a Christmas Night… (Villa Charities Inc., Toronto), Leonardo’s Last Supper (Villa Charities Inc., Toronto), Haunted Weather for a Stranger – First Experiment (Barfuss Theater Berlin; Germany), An Italian Christmas Carol (Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, Canada) The Invisible City (SummerWorks Toronto, Canada), Off Limits Zone (Luminato Festival, Toronto, Canada) Unfinished (Khoj New Dehli, India) Past highlights: The Stranger (presented in Toronto, Canada at SummerWorks Festival, Mumbai at Thespo Festival, Sansepolcro, Italy at Kilowatt Festival, Vancouver, Canada at rEvolver Festival), That Ugly Mess (In the Soil Festival St. Catharines, Canada) Midway Along The Journey of Our Life (Summerworks Toronto, Canada), EveryTimeIStretchMyArm (Natura Dei Teatri, Parma, Italy), and K.i.t.e. (International Festival Fabric Europa, Florence, Italy). Daniele Bartolini is a recipient of the RBC Newcomer Art Access Prize and finalist of the Telus Newcomer Artist Award. The Stranger received a nomination for the Critic’s Award “Premio Rete Critica” from the Italian theatre magazine PaneAcquaCulture for the edition at the Kilowatt Festival. DLT is the current resident company at Villa Charities Inc. DLT was nominated for Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble at the 2019 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. The production of The Stranger 2.0 was nominated as Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production at the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. DLT is presenting a new one-on-one creation at the Venice Biennale International Theatre Festival titled The Right Way. dltexperience.com

 

About Michele Smith

Michele received her Master’s Degree in French Literature from the University of Aix-en-Provence in 1975 and studied at L’Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France from 1976-78. Over the last 40 years, as co-artistic director, she has created, directed, produced and performed in 44 productions in Toronto and has toured 11 countries around the world. Michele won 7 Dora Mavor Moore awards for her work on Chekov’s Shorts and Chekov’s Long. She is proud of her 10 years of teaching acting at Humber College.

 

About Dean Gilmour

Dean graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours BFA degree in Dramatic Arts in 1976 and immediately traveled to Paris, France to attend the School of Jacques Lecoq. He has created, directed, and performed in 42 Theatre Smith-Gilmour productions and has performed his work in Toronto, across Canada and in 11 countries around the world. Dean has received 2 Dora Awards for Best Director, 2 for Best Actor, 2 for Best Production, and 1 for Best New Play for his work as actor, writer, and director in Chekov’s Shorts and Chekovs Longs…In the Ravine.

 

About Maddalena Vallecchi Williams

Maddalena is a bilingual Italian-Canadian actor and producer, born in Toronto and raised in Rome, Italy. She is a graduate of the Acting Program at The National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). Maddalena wrote, starred and produced the teaser for her web series, La Professoressa – currently in development – which was selected for the Shorts Program of the 2019 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) in Toronto. Maddalena works with filmmaker Bruce McDonald and his production company, developing feature films and TV series. Selected Theatre credits: The Nonna Monologues (DopoLavoro Teatrale/Villa Charities) Cassius in CAESAR (Wolf Manor Theatre Collective) Lanolin in The Listening Room (NTS), Gertrude in Hamlet (NTS), Sasha in Orlando (NTS). Selected TV/ Film credits: Sailor (Silent Tower), For Honor (Ubisoft), Sweet Affliction (Jess Lee), Ashram ’69 (Triple 7 Productions), Cinderella (RAI – Italian Television).

Villa Charities Launches Inaugural Scholarship Program

April 28, 2020

Daniele Bartolini, VCI’s long-time Artist in Residence to premiere new interactive performance “The Right Way”

 

TORONTO – August 18, 2020 – Villa Charities is excited to announce it is launching a new national scholarship program for post-secondary undergraduate and graduate students. The Villa Charities Scholarship Program will be available to students of all backgrounds and faiths, who believe in and will help further Villa Charities’ mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.

 

The new Villa Charities Scholarship Program will award a total of 16 scholarships valued at $60,000.  There are four scholarship programs, with two programs offered through Villa Charities Foundation and two programs offered through George Brown College in Toronto.

 

  1. Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship
    Four awards of $2,500 will be presented to eligible full-time Undergraduate students.
  2. Villa Charities Graduate Student Scholarship
    Four awards of $5,000 will be presented to eligible full-time Graduate students.

These scholarships will be awarded by Villa Charities Foundation to students who are registered, full-time students at an accredited college or university, are Canadian citizens or have permanent-residence status, and are enrolled for the 2020/2021 academic year. Eligible students will be required to demonstrate leadership through community involvement or volunteering, as well as submit a written essay describing how they help further Villa Charities’ mission.

 

“This scholarship program comes at a critical time for post-secondary students as they are feeling the economic impact of COVID-19,” says Anthony DiCaita, President & CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “Now more than ever, Villa Charities is committed to supporting students in our community, and we hope this financial assistance will be an important first step in ensuring their bright future.”

 

Applications for the Villa Charities Scholarship Program may be submitted to Villa Charities Foundation beginning April 28, 2020, with a deadline of June 30, 2020. The selection and adjudication process will be conducted by the Villa Charities Scholarship Awards Selection Committee. Scholarships will be awarded through Villa Charities Foundation in September 2020, to go towards tuition for the 2020/2021 academic year.

 

For more information and to download the application package, please visit villacharities.com/scholarships or contact Cristina Costa, Director of Development, Villa Charities Foundation at 416-789-7011, ext. 321 / ccosta@villacharities.com. There are also opportunities to sponsor or fund a scholarship.

 

Villa Charities will also work directly with George Brown College to offer two dedicated scholarship programs to full-time students who are enrolled in the following programs:

 

  1. The third year of the Architectural Technology Program at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, School of Architectural Studies Four awards of $2,500 each.
  2. The Italian Program (Postgraduate) at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Chef School. Four awards of $5,000 each.

George Brown students can start applying after September 2020 for the 2020/2021 academic year. Students can apply through the George Brown College’s Awards Office and complete their application on the Stu-View portal.

 

“I am thrilled that Villa Charities is launching this new initiative to support the youth in our community,” continues DiCaita. “We believe that education is a fundamental pillar of success and long-term prosperity, and therefore any person, regardless of background, is encouraged to apply.”

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Foundation

 

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Continues Support Programs
for Seniors During COVID-19

April 27, 2020

 TORONTO – April 27, 2020 – For almost 50 years, Villa Charities Inc. (VCI) has been a destination and cultural leader for the Italian-Canadian community in the GTA, with support for senior care the pillar on which it was founded. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, its top priorities are to keep employees safe, ensure service to patrons, residents and partners, and to do its part in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

 

COVID-19 Safety Measures at the Independent Seniors’ Apartments

It is a top priority to keep the senior residents safe, and strict protocols have been implemented for residents and visitors to the apartment buildings.

  • Villa Charities has created a dedicated “Seniors Support Team” focused on supporting residents during this unprecedented time. This team of four staff members call all residents regularly to ask about their health status and are also assisting residents who don’t have family members to help with essential needs, such as providing groceries and medications.
  • 800 complimentary face masks have been generously donated by Glen Park Pharmacy and DeMarco Pharmacy for residents, which have been delivered along with gloves provided by Villa Charities.
  • Villa Charities will be providing access to a new Info Channel for all residents through their TVs.

Food Partnerships

  • Over the Easter weekend, Eataly Toronto generously donated traditional Italian cakes, which were distributed to the residents of Villa Charities seniors’ apartments.
  • Villa Charities is also working with several food partners and restaurants to provide free pre-packaged meals and grocery staples to its residents.
  • o In partnership with Toronto-based food services company The Food Dudes, VCI will be providing pre-packaged meals.
  • o In partnership with Pizza Nova, Villa Charities is delivering Focaccia Toscana and other products to apartment residents on a regular basis.
  • o In partnership with Longo’s, Villa Charities has secured a basketful of grocery staples for each resident to enjoy.

Programs for Seniors

Villa Charities is supporting its apartment residents through outdoor fitness classes as well. Fitness instructors from the Columbus Centre Athletic Club are conducting weekly outdoor ZUMBA® classes while residents from Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo can participate in their own home from a balcony or window. VCI is also providing cultural entertainment by arranging for Italian musicians and singers to perform concerts outside of the apartments. Since the residents are unable to attend mass, prayer services will also be held outdoors. The schedule of events is included below or on the Villa Charities website here.

 

Cultural Performances – Serenata Al Fresco

 

Bruno Nesci Concert

Friday, May 1, 2020

  • Casa Abruzzo
    North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 11:40am

Claudio Santaluce Concert
Friday, May 8, 2020

  • Caboto Terrace
    North Side: 10:00am / South Side: 10:40am
  • Casa Del Zotto
    North Side: 11:20am / South Side: 12:00pm

ZUMBA® Classes

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 & Tuesday, May 5, 2020

  • Caboto Terrace
    North Side: 10:00am / South Side: 10:30am
  • Casa Del Zotto
    North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 11:30am
  • Casa Abruzzo
    North Side: 12:30pm / South Side: 1:00pm

Prayer and Hymn Service


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

  • Caboto Terrace
    North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 3:00pm
    Thursday, April 30, 2020
  • Casa Del Zotto
    North Side: 11:00am / South Side: 3:00pm
    Friday, May 1, 2020
  •  Casa Abruzzo
    North Side: 2:00pm / South Side: 3:00pm

Fundraising Campaign

Villa Charities has launched a fundraising campaign to support its essential COVID-19 safety measures for the residents at the independent seniors’ apartments. Donations can be made through Villa Charities Foundation at villacharities.com/give.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Foundation

 

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities Is Named A Charity of Choice
for Eataly Toronto

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020 – Villa Charities Inc. is proud to announce its partnership with Eataly, the largest Italian retail and dining experience in the world, as one of its official charities of choice. This partnership provides the two prominent Italian organizations with an opportunity to collaborate on initiatives bringing unique cultural programming and events curated by Villa Charities to Eataly’s customer base and the GTA at large. Eataly will also support fundraising initiatives on-site and off-site to help raise money for Villa Charities.

 

For almost 50 years, Villa Charities has been a destination and cultural leader for the ItalianCanadian community in the GTA. Partnering with Eataly allows Villa Charities to continue strengthening its partnerships with companies who are aligned with VCI’s mission and who are industry leaders with an enthusiasm to further drive awareness and engagement with the Villa Charities organization.

 

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with Eataly, a global leader and international food brand,” said Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO, Villa Charities Inc., “Villa Charities looks forward to collaborating and developing interesting programs that will inspire the Italian-Canadian community. We are grateful for Eataly’s support and commitment.”

 

The first Canadian location opened in November 2019, in Yorkville’s Manulife Centre. Eataly is a bustling Italian marketplace with 50,000 square feet with four restaurants, seven unique food counters, a brewery and a cooking school dedicated to delivering the same high-quality food and drink offered steps away in the full market.

 

“Villa Charities has been a great friend of Eataly in Toronto from day one. At the core of our relationship is a mutual passion for sharing Italian culture with the broader community, whether it be through food, programming or storytelling,” said Nico Dagnino, Store Director at Eataly Toronto. “Selecting them as a charity of choice was a natural fit for us, and we’re looking forward to the ongoing collaborations that come with our partnership.”

 

Toronto marks the 40th location of Eataly around the globe, with other locations including Paris, Riyadh, Tokyo, and San Paolo.

 

To launch this partnership, Eataly will present talks with Toronto-based visual artists Peter Triantos and Anthony Ricciardi in March and April, as part of their new “Cultura” speaker series at their recently opened restaurant, Trattoria Milano.

 

A larger exhibition showcasing the works of these artists is on display until April 5th, presented by Villa Charities at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in the Columbus Centre.

 

Proceeds raised from fundraising initiatives organized by Eataly, including a program during Italian Heritage Month, will be donated to help support Villa Charities in its mission to celebrate and promote Italian heritage, culture and support for senior care.

 

About Villa Charities Inc.

 

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

 

About Villa Charities Foundation

 

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

 

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Villa Charities presents Anthony Ricciardi
& Peter Triantos Art Exhibitions

January 28, 2020

TORONTO (January 28, 2020)  – Villa Charities is pleased to present concurrent exhibitions of two dynamic Toronto-based artists: Anthony Ricciardi and Peter Triantos, with an opening reception on Thursday, February 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The exhibitions will run at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in both the Upper and Lower galleries as well as the lobby, through Sunday, April 5, 2020. The art gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is wheelchair accessible. Entry is free.


“Villa Charities is honoured to have the opportunity to engage its community and patrons in such an exquisite visual journey,” says Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director, Cultural Programming, Villa Charities Inc. “Ricciardi’s and Triantos’ work is quixotic, impertinent and beautiful; these pieces showcase the extraordinary power of art as the quintessential means of communication.”


Ricciardi’s exhibition, “We Adore You” showcases his latest series of paintings, which include 30 specially created canvases, two signature sculptures and a hand-painted mural.


“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to display my work at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,” said Ricciardi. “This collection is driven by enthusiasm, depth of feeling and storytelling to produce art without limits.”


“Dreaming in Colour” by internationally recognized Canadian contemporary artist Peter Triantos brings together 30 abstract pieces. The exhibition features paintings from multiple series including his iconic ‘Jelly Bean’ series, and sought after ‘Napa Valley’ and ‘SP²’ series.


“No two people perceive abstract art in the same way; it’s what their intuition projects on it,” says Peter Triantos. “This is the reason art moves people in such fascinating ways. Like love, it can happen at first sight or develop over time.”


Opening reception: Thursday, February 6 from 6:00PM – 9:00PM


Exhibition dates: Thursday, February 6 – Sunday, April 5, 2020


Location: Upper Gallery, Lower Gallery and Lobby

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave. West, Toronto, ON


Available for interviews at the Opening Night Reception: Anthony Ricciardi, Peter Triantos, and Emanuele Lepri


For more information on the “We Adore You” and “Dreaming in Colour” exhibitions, please visit villacharities.com.


About Anthony Ricciardi

Anthony is a renowned multi-disciplinary artist from Toronto who showcases his canvases, murals and installations internationally. He introduces his diverse audiences to distinctive, vivid and colourful one-of-a-kind masterpieces organized and presented in unique arrangements.


After leaving the comforts and clout of a successful career in the corporate-finance world to pursue his true passion and lifelong dream, the self-taught creator has mastered a talent for inventive colour-mixing and layered creations to elicit enthusiastic reactions and powerful positive emotions.


His large-scale private commission murals and individual artworks have been shown worldwide including Toronto, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Brazil, Miami, London and Manchester. His artwork forms part of many important private, corporate and public collections.


About Peter Triantos

Peter is an abstract painter and printmaker who never stops evolving his unique vision. He brings dynamic energy to his process and to expressing his core beliefs: that his art can and should be joyful; that it be passionate and intrinsically beautiful; that he express reflections of life and nature; that he creates thank-you notes to humanity.


Besides Peter’s own galleries in downtown Toronto, his artwork is represented by Art Rental at the Art Gallery of Ontario, HG Contemporary Gallery in Chelsea, NYC and Gallery Biba in Palm Beach, Florida. Peter has participated in exhibitions in Auckland, Seoul, Hong Kong, Basel, New York, Saratoga Springs NY, Miami and Napa Valley, California among many others.



About Villa Charities Inc.

Villa Charities Inc. (VCI), is a registered charity and non-profit organization that enriches lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. For almost 50 years across the GTA, Villa Charities has provided cultural and educational programs and supported culturally sensitive long-term care and independent living apartments for seniors. VCI fulfills their mandate through a broad range of activities, services and facilities, both directly and in conjunction with its affiliates and independent Italian organizations. Affiliates include Columbus Centre and Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. in Toronto; Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre; and Caboto Terrace, Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo apartments for independent seniors. Each of these organizations is an integral part of the Villa Charities family with separate legal status and its own governance Board. For more information visit villacharities.com.

About Villa Charities Foundation

Villa Charities Foundation supports experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. As the charitable arm of Villa Charities, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs. For more information, visit villacharities.com/give.

For further information, please contact:

Jessica Patriquin

MAVERICK

416-640-5525 Ext. 230

jessicap@wearemaverick.com

Kathleen Sloan, CM

Director, Marketing and Communications

Villa Charities Inc.

416-789-7011 Ext. 309

ksloan@villacharities.com

Ben Vozzolo

Ex-officio (Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Ben Vozzolo has been on the Villa Colombo Toronto board since 2018 and is also a member of the Nominations & Governance, and Quality & Risk committees. Currently, he serves as 2nd Vice-Chair.


Ben has 24 years of experience in the healthcare sector in various roles in hospitals and healthcare agencies. He is currently the Executive Director of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto, a social services agency serving vulnerable populations, seniors and people experiencing social isolation.


Ben’s volunteer work has been in the community health and social services sector and he is passionate about building healthy communities where everyone belongs. Ben is also a member of the Board of Directors of Pugalug Pug Rescue, a dog rescue charity in Toronto.


In addition to serving as a board member, Ben holds the position of Chair on the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Toni Varone

Secretary (Lifetime Member), Villa Charities Foundation

For over 40 years, Toni Varone has been part of the Villa Charities family. As former President and Chairman of Columbus Centre and Villa Charities, Toni’s foresight, leadership and philanthropic commitment has set a standard in volunteer work. He has been involved in virtually every phase of the development and operations of the Villa Charities family, including VITA Community Living Services.


More recently, Toni was involved with the Villa Colombo expansion and construction of the Orey V. Fidani Wing at Villa Colombo Services for Seniors and offered his expertise in the realization of the Villa Colombo Vaughan as the Chair of the Development Committee and Co-Chair of the Construction Committee.


His ongoing dedication continues to inspire. To acknowledge his valuable contribution, Villa Charities was pleased to name the foyer in Columbus Centre, “Piazza Toni Varone” in 2004. As well, Toni was a recipient of the prestigious Heart and Hand Award in 2007, Villa Charities’ highest honour for its volunteers.


As owner of The Varone Group, Toni overlooks an array of Toronto businesses specializing in hospitality, home building and property ownership. Still, he has found time to play a critical role in Villa Charities for close to thirty years. Toni was recently named Commendatore of the Italian Republic.


In December 2023, Toni was appointed to the Senate of Canada as an independent senator for Ontario by the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.

Frank Anderson

Treasurer, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Frank Anderson, FCPA, CPA is a retired Executive and Professional Accountant. Frank obtained a degree in Social Economics from the University of Glasgow and then earned his CA designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Subsequently, he was elected a Fellow of CPA Ontario. During his career as a professional accountant, Frank was involved in audit engagements, M and A advisory work and profitability improvement initiatives while at Arthur Andersen for Canadian and International clients. ‎During the Financial Crisis, Frank was the Vice-Chairman, Financial Administration and Operations for DundeeWealth Inc.

 

Frank’s Board activities have included being a Board member and Chair of the Audit Committee of DundeeWealth Inc., O&Y REIT, InnVest REIT, and Counsel Corp. He also served on the Boards of JDRF Toronto Chapter, the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, the Canadian Centre for Diversity, University of Toronto Press, and Bridgepoint Health Foundation and is Past Chair of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Currently, he is a Governor of the Portage Foundation, a member of the Development Committee of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and a Board member and Chair of the Audit Committee of National Diabetes Trust, an affiliate of Diabetes Canada.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Frank is also a member of the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

 

Ben Vozzolo

Chair, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Ben Vozzolo has been on the Villa Colombo Toronto board since 2018 and is also a member of the Nominations & Governance, and Quality & Risk committees. Currently, he serves as 2nd Vice-Chair.


Ben has 24 years of experience in the healthcare sector in various roles in hospitals and healthcare agencies. He is currently the Executive Director of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto, a social services agency serving vulnerable populations, seniors and people experiencing social isolation.


Ben’s volunteer work has been in the community health and social services sector and he is passionate about building healthy communities where everyone belongs. Ben is also a member of the Board of Directors of Pugalug Pug Rescue, a dog rescue charity in Toronto.


In addition to serving as a board member, Ben is an Ex-officio on the Villa Charities Board and a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Joseph J. Fusco

Past Chair

Seasoned Vice President and business owner with multinational importing, exporting, and manufacturing experience in the food industry. Private Label expert and cross-functional team leader experienced in negotiations and pricing strategy. Credentials from Seneca College and Quantum Shift (Ivey School of Business), member of CIBPA since 2011. Joe has been a member of the board since 2007, most recently serving as Chair of the board. In addition to serving as a board member, Joe is also a member of the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Campus Revitalization Committee.

Anna Iafrate

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Anna Iafrate is the current Chair of Culture at Columbus Centre, and in the past was a member of the Athletics Committee. Anna is an Office Administrator with an employment consulting firm in Toronto, specializing in the placement of senior financial and business professionals. She lives in the neighbourhood and has been involved as a Columbus Centre board member for 18 years. Anna was a key member of the organizing committee for the first Villa d’Arte fundraising event held at Villa Colombo.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Anna is also a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Mario Fiorucci

Ex-officio (Columbus Centre Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Mario Fiorucci is an entrepreneur, lawyer & technology expert. As a serial entrepreneur, Mario has been through the start-up, growth, and acquisition of companies in retail, e-commerce and real estate development. He has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Toronto Business Development Centre, Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award by ECR, and inducted into the Ontario Hostelry Institute as a fellow, among other recognitions. As a lawyer, he practiced at McCarthy Tétrault in the area of corporate law with a specialty in technology-related companies. He holds degrees in Computer Science, Physics, and Law. Mario credits his work ethic, passion for life, and family priorities to his Italian roots, with both of his parents having emigrated to Canada with nothing but a dream for a better life. Mario joined the Columbus Centre board in 2022 and hopes to use his knowledge and experiences to keep the Columbus Centre a vibrant part of the community in line with the Villa Charities mission.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Mario also holds the position of Chair on the Columbus Centre Board.

Anna D’Orazio-Sgro

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Anna D’Orazio-Sgro is an educator who has worked extensively in social services and community outreach as a manager of a community service agency assisting families in downtown Toronto. She has also been an instructor of child development at Ryerson University and educational psychology at York University as well as a liaison between the universities and students in community placements. She was a consultant for COSTI Immigrant services and assisted in developing a training program for new Canadians.

 
She has been a Columbus Centre board member for three years and is also a member of the Family Council of Villa Colombo Toronto and the Villa Colombo Toronto Family Support Group.

Armando Cristinziano

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Armando Cristinziano has been a Columbus Centre member for the past 23 years. He is retired with over 32 years in Education. He started his career as a French and Italian High School teacher, with the North York Board of Education, and for the last 17 years, he was promoted as the District-Wide Co-ordinator for Classical, International and Native Languages for the Toronto District School Board. Armando was also very involved in developing curriculum materials for the Ontario Ministry of Education. He has a lot of experience working with community groups, and in particular with the Italian Canadian community in view of language and culture and brings this genuine passion to the Columbus Centre Board.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Armando is also a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Mary Venezia

Secretary, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Mary has been a Director of the Columbus Centre Board since 2014 and most recently began her role as Secretary in 2020. She brings with her over 20 years of experience with the Province of Ontario in senior management roles running large-scale, public-facing operations across the Province, to Ontario citizens and businesses. Her areas of expertise include leading in the areas of: operations/service delivery, customer service, contact centre management, outreach and education, strategic planning, operational policies and partnerships as well as leading numerous transformational projects. She has worked for various ministries including Finance, Attorney General and Government and Consumer Services and over the years has received multiple awards for quality service and achieving excellence.

 
Before joining the public service, Mary worked in the legal field as a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Upper Canada, now the Law Society of Ontario. As a paralegal, she worked for law firms, ran her own business and taught paralegal courses through business colleges. Her educational background includes studies in music, law and business administrative studies.
In addition to serving as a board member, Mary is also a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Carlo Crozzoli

Treasurer, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Carlo is a corporate director and senior executive with 30 years of experience in large companies as well as entrepreneurial start-ups. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and has earned the Institute of Corporate Directors designation, ICD.D, through the Rotman School of Management.

 
Carlo has served on the Columbus Centre Board of Directors since 2019 where holds the position of Treasurer and is part of the Executive Committee. He is also on the Boards of Demand Power Group and DUCA Financial Services Inc. and serves as an advisor to Five Points Ventures Inc. Carlo has previously served as the senior executive in charge of strategy, mergers and acquisitions and project development and as the Chief Risk Officer at a large Ontario-based energy company. Through these experiences, he brings to the Columbus Centre Board expertise in strategy development and execution, collaboration and consensus-building and financial and risk management.

Joseph Arcuri

Ex-officio (Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery Chair)

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.


In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board, and an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Laura Salvatori

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Laura Salvatori is currently General Counsel at Anson Funds, a hedge fund with offices in Toronto and Dallas. In this role, Laura advises on all legal aspects of the funds’ operations, regulatory and structuring matters in both Canada and the United States. Prior to joining Anson, Laura held the role of General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Human Resources of Match Marketing Group, a leading North American, private-equity owned marketing agency. Prior to Match, Laura was Vice President, Assistant General Counsel at Goldman Sachs in New York City, where she advised on corporate governance matters and prior to that, was on the Investment Banking Legal team. Laura also worked as a securities law attorney at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s New York City office, and articled in Ontario at Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto. She is admitted to practice in both New York State and Ontario.

 

Laura holds a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business. She is a member of the New York State Bar’s Securities Regulation Committee, Women General Counsel of Canada and a board member of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association.

Nina Perfetto

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Nina is a Partner with Fogler Rubinoff LLP where she practices corporate commercial litigation. Her practice is concentrated on complex litigation matters and contract disputes for large corporate clients. In addition to proceedings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal, Nina maintains a significant arbitration practice which includes many shareholder and partner disputes in closely held corporations, partnerships and joint ventures.


She has appeared before all levels of Court in Ontario and has acted as counsel in matters involving shareholders’ rights and remedies including authoring the paper “Using the Oppression Remedy to Resolve Family Business Disputes” published in the Annual Review of Civil Litigation, and has worked extensively on litigation matters involving issues related to the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the Canada Business Corporations Act. Nina has also acted as counsel in, real estate litigation, and accountants’ negligence claims.


In addition to acting for her clients on litigation matters, Nina is also a close and trusted advisor to her clients and is often called upon to assist and advise in connection with her clients’ businesses, operations and strategic planning. In many cases, she has become a vital and instrumental resource to her clients, a stabilizing force during challenging periods, and a reliable source for connecting her clients with industry players to create synergies.


Nina is an active volunteer in her community and is the past Chair of Villa Charities, a not-for-profit organization which she has been involved with since 1989, and sits on their Foundation Board. She is also the Vice-Chair of the St. Michael’s College School Board of Directors. In addition to her volunteer work, Nina is also involved in a variety of pro bono legal work, including acting as a supervisor of the University of Toronto Moots. Nina is actively involved in the firm’s mentoring program, a past member of Fogler Rubinoff’s Executive Committee and a mother of two boys.

Aldo Cundari

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

After completing his studies at L’Istituto Europeo di Disegno in Rome, Italy, Aldo Cundari quickly established himself in the marketing field in Canada. By 1980, he had created the foundation for what would become Cundari Group Ltd. Today, Cundari is Canada’s most globally awarded independent agency. Their work has been recognized around the world at Cannes, the Cassies, One Show, by the UK’s Directory Ranking and is the only Canadian agency to have two campaigns on WARC’s 100 smartest marketing campaigns in the world.


Aldo is the author of the book Customer-Centric Marketing: Build Relationships, Create Advocates, and Influence Your Customers. Published by Wiley in 2015, the book provides a comprehensive game plan on succeeding in today’s new marketing landscape by focusing on the customer.


Still very much in touch with the fine art community, in 2013 Aldo, along with another business partner, revitalized and reopened the Toronto School of Art after its doors closed in 2012. The alternative, not-for-profit art school established itself as one of the most distinguished alternative art schools in the city and now continues to be a landmark in the arts community as one of the largest independent Art Schools in Canada.


Aldo is a CMA Chartered Marketer (CM). Aldo has served as chief judge of the World Globe Awards from 2000-2008 and in 1998, was included in Marketing Magazine’s “Power List: The 100 Most Influential People in Canadian Communications.” In 2006, he became a Fellow of the QuantumShift program at the Ivey Institute for Entrepreneurs. In 2008 and 2009, Aldo was selected as one of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneurs of the Year. In 2010 he was appointed to the board of directors of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) and was also awarded CIBPA Professional Excellence Awards. In 2013, he has served as Judging Chair of the CMA Awards, and co-chair of the CMA 2012 and 2013 Summit. In 2013 he was appointed to the board of directors of the Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA) and served until 2016. In 2016 Aldo was appointed as Chair of the Ryerson Marketing Advisory Council, and 2018, Aldo was appointed as the CMA’s Board of Directors Chair.


Aldo has been associated as a volunteer of Villa Charities for over 26 years. He served on the Villa Colombo Board of Governors from January 1996 – December 2007. From 2015 to 2019 Aldo served as the Chairman of Villa Charities Board of Governors and currently sits on the Villa Charities Foundation Board.

Sam Ciccolini

Vice-Chair, Villa Charities Foundation

Sam Ciccolini was 12 years old in 1956 when he, his mother and two brothers landed at New York’s Ellis Island before travelling to Toronto to join his father and two older brothers who had come to Canada six years earlier.


Mr. Ciccolini and his younger brother Max soon found work delivering newspapers in the early morning before heading off to school. At night, the brothers worked at a pharmacy.

 
In 1968, Mr. Ciccolini and his older brother Frank started what today is Masters Insurance Limited. After serving as a Senior Partner of Masters Insurance with offices in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa and Windsor, New York and Florida, Mr. Ciccolini has turned over the day-to-day operation of the business to the next generation of the Ciccolini and Corby family.

 
Mr. Ciccolini serves on boards and committees representing Financial Institutions, Hospitals, Disaster Relief Efforts, Churches, Municipal Initiatives, Sports Groups and Social Agencies. In recognition of his service to the community, Mr. Ciccolini was awarded The Order of Ontario in 1999, with The Order of Canada in 2005 in a ceremony on Parliament Hill Rideau Hall.. Awarded the Order of Vaughan in 2016, The Commander of the Order of the Star of Solidarity Medal from the Republic of Italy in 2008 and vested with the Honourary Doctorate of Law Degree Honouris Causa from Assumption University of Windsor in 2008.

 
On most weekends, Mr. Ciccolini can be found at dozens of activities and events across the GTA and York Region, always with a kind word of encouragement.


Mr. Ciccolini currently serves as Vice-Chair Villa Charities Foundation and is also a Member of the Hockey in Canada Hall of Fame Board Selection Committee.

Dino Bozzo

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Dino is the Director of IT for Pliteq Inc. – a leading innovator of products engineered and manufactured with material diverted from landfills. Prior to joining Pliteq, Dino was the co-founder of Konverge Digital Solutions Corporation – an award-winning software development company.


Dino has led large international projects spanning the globe, cultures, and languages. With more than twenty-five years of consulting experience in both marketing and business software solutions, he has proven to excel at matching business software solutions with appropriate technology. Using this unique insight has enabled Dino to inspire his teams and successfully deploy organization-enabling projects for some of the world’s largest financial, manufacturing and IT organizations.


Growing up and still living in the community, Villa Charities has been an integral part of Dino’s life experiences and he welcomes the opportunity to help grow the organization for both our esteemed elderly and our future generations.


Dino is an avid cyclist, skier, and tennis player, and is also a great cook (in his own mind). He enjoys travelling and spending time with his wife and two teenage sons. Dino is also a member of the Board of Directors of Silstar Foundation – an organization dedicated to helping families affected by lung cancer.

Edward Sorbara

Treasurer (Lifetime Member), Villa Charities Foundation

Edward K. Sorbara was born in Toronto in 1943 and attended De La Salle High School before studying at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce, Mr. Sorbara attended the University of Chicago where he graduated in 1967 with a Master of Business Administration.


Upon returning to Toronto, Mr. Sorbara joined the family business, now known as The Sorbara Group. The Sorbara Group’s major activities include property investments (an industrial and apartment rental portfolio), land development and related consulting, industrial construction, low rise and condominium housing.
Mr. Sorbara currently serves as Treasurer of the Villa Charities Foundation – a branch of Villa Charities responsible for providing continuous, reliable financial support for the affiliate organizations of Villa Charities which provide social assistance, cultural development and recreational programs to the general community.


In recognition of the family’s dedication and financial support of Villa Charities, a wing at Villa Colombo Toronto was officially renamed The Sam and Grace Sorbara Wing in 2004.


Mr. Sorbara and his wife Marisa have four children and live in Toronto.

Nick Torchetti

Chair, Villa Charities Foundation

Nick Torchetti has been involved with Villa Charities since 1978 when he was a member of the Columbus Centre Youth Advisory Board. Nick has since served as Chair of the Board of affiliated Villa Charities organizations Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation, Columbus Centre of Toronto and Villa Charities Inc. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Villa Charities Foundation.


Over the last more than twenty-five years, Nick has also served in a volunteer capacity with numerous other community and health care organizations, including serving as Chair of the Board of The Kensington Health Centre (formerly The Doctors Hospital) and founding Chair of the Board of The Kensington Eye Institute.


Nick currently also serves as Director, Treasurer and Chair, North America Region, of Interlaw Ltd., an international network of independent law firms and as a Director of Geox Canada Inc., a shoe and clothing retailer.


Since graduating from law school in 1983, Nick has spent his entire career practicing law with the Toronto firm of Aird & Berlis LLP where he has previously served on its Executive Committee and where he is currently a senior partner in the Corporate and Commercial practice and leads the Private Business Services Group. Nick’s work consists of providing strategic advice to privately owned businesses, including in respect of acquisitions, dispositions and reorganizations related to succession and exit planning matters.


Nick has been married to Josephine for more than thirty-five years and they are the proud parents of David, Jesse and Lea.

Catherine (Rina) Tiberini

Ex-officio (Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Rina Tiberini holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree from the University of Toronto where her areas of study included Economics, Finance and Actuarial Science. However, during a summer job position in a completely unrelated industry, she was exposed to and became passionate about the planning, development and construction industry.

 
Upon graduation, she declined a lucrative offer of employment from one of the major banks and joined a small development/construction firm where her analytical skills and tenacity allowed her to become well versed in the industry. Rina was the past Board Chair of Villa Colombo Vaughan.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Rina holds the position of Chair on the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. She is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

Maria Orsini

Past Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Maria Orsini is the EVP Finance and Administration at Cundari. For more than 33 years, she has been responsible for Finance/Accounting Human Resources and Administration. Prior to working at Cundari, she was a Financial Analyst for Kraft General Foods, and Assistant Treasurer and Senior Accountant for Nestlé Canada. Maria graduated from the University of Toronto majoring in Economics and Accounting. She is a member of ICD and received the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Board Effectiveness Program certificate.


Maria was Chair of the Centered-on Children Daycare Board 1993-1995 and sat on the Toronto BIA Marketing Committee from 2008-2015. She is currently the past Chair of the Columbus Centre Board.


In addition to serving on the board is a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee and the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

John Hendriks

Past Chair, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

John Hendriks is President of INFORMTEC, a boutique Health Care Clinical Informatics consulting firm. Previously John was a Partner with DINMAR Consulting and was responsible for developing the Health Care Information Technology practice in the Toronto area and managed Clinical Information System sales internationally. John has more than 25 years of experience as a senior health care executive in the public and private sectors. John’s background includes Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s leading teaching and research facilities, where he served as Sr. Vice President Medical Programs and Chief Information Officer.


John’s experience includes directing the development and implementation of Hospital clinical and financial reporting systems for the Province of Alberta Ministry of Hospitals and Medical Care and developed the data and technical architecture and systems strategy for the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.


John is a graduate of Dalhousie University (B. Commerce), has a Certificate in Health Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Certified Member of the Canadian College of Health Care Executives. John is active in Health Informatics in Canada and is a Past President of Canada’s Health Informatics Association (COACH). He has served on a number of Boards and Committees that focused on developing the scope and standards for national health information applications.


John became a board member in June 2019 and currently serves as the Chair. He is also Chair of the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Quality & Risk Committee.


In addition to serving as a board member, John is a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Angela Gauthier

1st Vice-Chair, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Angela Gauthier holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the Université d’Ottawa. She is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, as well as Italian.


During her 41 years as an educator and teacher, Mrs. Gauthier has also held the positions of Associate Director of Education, Superintendent of Human Resources, Superintendent of the family of schools and education officer at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for the development of provincial assessment, and has been a school principal for English and French language schools.


Mrs. Gauthier has been a member of the Board of Directors of “Catholic Crosscultural Services”, an agency of the Archdiocese of Toronto which provides resettlement services to immigrants and refugees. She currently serves as Chair of the CCS Board of Directors. She has also sat on the Board of ICFF (Italian Contemporary Film Festival) for three years. Mrs. Gauthier is very passionate about quality Long Term Care for Seniors and in particular about the seniors in Villa Colombo Toronto. She brings her skills and experience in Communications, Board governance, strategic planning, management, and senior leadership to the Board of Villa Colombo. Mrs. Gauthier states that her retirement has provided the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community and to spend more time with family, especially her grandchildren.


In addition to serving as a board member, Angela serves as an Ex-officio on the Villa Charities Board.

Marianne Corigliano

Ex-officio (Columbus Centre Vice-Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Marianne is an Elementary Guidance Counsellor with TCDSB. She also taught core French for eight years. Prior to this, she had a twenty-year career in Hospitality where she was Director of Business Development for Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group. Marianne is passionate about the Italian community. She is a graduate of University of Toronto and completed her Bachelor of Education at Tyndale University. She has been a board member of NCIC, CIBPA Education Fund and CIBPA where she held the position of President. Over the years, Marianne has been actively involved with VCI’s cultural events, including Villa d’Arte and La Befana, as well as the Cultural and Food and Beverage Committees. Marianne is currently Vice-Chair of the Columbus Centre.


In addition to serving as a board member, Marianne holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Columbus Centre Board and is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Quinto Annibale

Past Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Quinto Annibale practices municipal, land use planning and development law. He has over 30 years of experience as an advocate, appearing before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the OMB) in hundreds of cases. He has practiced his entire career as a lawyer at Loopstra Nixon.


Mr. Annibale is passionate about improving healthcare for seniors and the community at large. In addition to his involvement at Villa Colombo Vaughan, Quinto has held many other volunteer positions both at community and provincial levels. He is also the Vice-Chair of the LCBO Board of Directors.

Dr. Gina Valle

Director, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Gina’s parents were born in a small town in Calabria, southern Italy. Before they were 25 years of age, Domenico & Giuseppa moved to Canada and built a new life here. Gina understood the responsibility that came with that decision. Gina Valle completed her PhD in Education & Multicultural Studies from OISE/UofT, and went on to found Diversity Matters where she works closely with communities, corporations, schools & governments to make Canada a more equitable society. She is a writer, producer, director, editor and educator. The Privy Council appointed Dr. Valle to the board of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. She is a VCI Director and is also on the board of UofT’s College of Electors. Over the last 20 years, Dr. Valle has held numerous volunteer positions in the Italian-Canadian community. In recognition of her work in diversity, Gina received the Ordine al Merito and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Domenico & Giuseppa’s legacies live on in Gina’s children.


In addition to serving as a board member, Gina holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Nebo Orazietti

Director, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

In September 2016, Nebo retired from a 35-year career in the public sector and now devotes his many acquired professional skills to volunteering for community groups. He has an extensive range of experience in local municipal planning, the non-profit housing and physician health care service sector, having worked for the Region of Peel and the Province of Ontario.


Beginning at Region of Peel, he was a member of the Regional Planning Department and Peel Non-Profit Housing Corporation for six years. His responsibilities were preparing policies and reports for Regional Council on housing needs, densities, building activity and the annual report for the Peel Non-Profit Housing Corporation. In 1986, He joined the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to develop and administer the social housing programs, including mortgage financing and approval of capital and operational budgets. During his 15 years in this Ministry, he worked closely with many providers, including Villa Charities, in the development of Casa Del Zotto and Casa Abruzzo. From 2001 to 2016, he was responsible for the management of specialist physician payments for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development and implementation of service contracts with specialist physicians and physicians in primary care models. His largest service contract was the Emergency Department Alternative Funding Agreement, which amounted to $450M, encompassing 2,600 physicians.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Nebo is a member of the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Tony Costa

Vice-Chair, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

A retired automotive executive whose career spanned over 40 years with experience in Manufacturing, Engineering and Human Resources across Canada and the US. He is Italian (Calabria) born, raised in Montreal, educated at McGill University in Engineering, and now living in Toronto with his wife of 40 years. Tony was well known for his progressive leadership and his commitment to an enterprise’s continuous improvement by the engagement, empowerment, and inclusion of its human resources. He was also recognized as a key contributor in transforming organizations into high-performance ones and creating effective labor/management relationships.


Being retired has allowed Tony the time to give back to the Italian community by serving on the Columbus Centre and Villa Charities Boards. He also enjoys spending more time with friends and family… especially his three daughters and 5 grandchildren.


In addition to serving as a board member, Tony holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Villa Charities Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee.

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci

Vice-Chair, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci has dedicated his entire working life and career to the financial services sector and to the communities he has lived and worked in. He has more than 33 years of experience in the banking field spanning across Canada, the Caribbean & parts of Central America. He has held a variety of senior executive positions with two major Canadian Banks. Pat is a graduate of McGill University where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing. He is a Fellow of the Institute of the Canadian Bankers Association and was awarded the FICB designation, and a graduate of the prestigious Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Director’s Education Program from the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto and the Institute of Corporate Directors, having been awarded the ICD.D designation.


Pat has been actively involved in the communities he has worked and lived in, both in Montreal and Toronto, for a number of organizations over the years, including President & Chair of the Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association of Montreal (CIBPA), past President & Chair of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations and past Chair of the Major Gifts Committee of the York Central Hospital Foundation, and Providence Healthcare Foundation. As a board director, he brings an exceptional
understanding of organizational effectiveness, and the complex issues facing CEOs, executive teams and boards in today’s ever-changing landscape. He brings vast experience as a board director having served on numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations over the years. In June of 2012, Pat was awarded Queen
Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the communities of Greater Montreal and Greater Toronto over the years.


In addition to serving as a board member, Pat also holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and Vice-Chair on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Resources Committee and the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Santo Veltri

Past Chair & Secretary, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP, and in October 1994, he was appointed and remains a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Santo is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee, Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Rosanna Arduini

Director

Leader with broad Canadian and US financial management and operations experience and government agency
financial and management analysis. Practical, articulate, and creative with a proven ability to find innovative
solutions to complex business problems, through cohesive team building. Her present position is Chief Financial
Officer of one of the largest teacher’s union organization. Rosanna also serves as the Chair of the Finance
committee.

Loriana Iadipaolo

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

An innovative Finance and HR leader with a proven track record of designing, developing, and delivering successful cost-effective, high-performing HR and Financial system solutions. After graduating from Ryerson University, Loriana articled with Deloitte and obtained her CPA-CA. In 2004 she also obtained her Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) professional designation. Her business experience has afforded her many opportunities to learn about the consumer goods, music & entertainment, luxury hotel management and service provider industries. At present, Loriana currently serves as the Payroll Director for Sysco Canada Inc.

 
Loriana has been on the Villa Colombo Toronto board since 2017. She currently serves as Chair of the Governance committee and is a member of the Finance committee.

 
In addition to serving on the board, Loriana is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee and the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Angela Gauthier

Ex-officio (Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. 1st Vice-Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Angela Gauthier holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the Université d’Ottawa. She is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, as well as Italian.


During her 41 years as an educator and teacher, Mrs. Gauthier has also held the positions of Associate Director of Education, Superintendent of Human Resources, Superintendent of the family of schools and education officer at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for the development of provincial assessment, and has been a school principal for English and French language schools.

 

Mrs. Gauthier has been a member of the Board of Directors of “Catholic Crosscultural Services”, an agency of the Archdiocese of Toronto which provides resettlement services to immigrants and refugees. She currently serves as Chair of the CCS Board of Directors. She has also sat on the Board of ICFF (Italian Contemporary Film Festival) for three years. Mrs. Gauthier is very passionate about quality Long Term Care for Seniors and in particular about the seniors in Villa Colombo Toronto. She brings her skills and experience in Communications, Board governance, strategic planning, management, and senior leadership to the Board of Villa Colombo. Mrs. Gauthier states that her retirement has provided the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community and to spend more time with family, especially her grandchildren.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Angela holds the position of 1st Vice-Chair on the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board.

Santo Veltri

Past Chair / Secretary, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP, and in October 1994, he was appointed and remains a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf.


In addition to serving as a board member, Santo is a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee and the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

Joseph Arcuri

Ex-officio (Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery Chair), Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board and the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Pina Falbo

1st Vice-Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Pina Falbo is a seasoned business and retail professional, with greater than 20 years of experience in luxury retail, technology and not-for-profit companies and organizations.

 
Pina has contributed her strategic and tactical managerial, operational, sales, marketing, fundraising, events planning and human resource talents to large corporations, as well as start-up and private enterprise organizations. Organizations have included Holt Renfrew, Danier Leather, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Veretta Fashion Imports and MMX Retail as well as consulting services to Mircom Technologies Ltd.


With a passion for giving back, Pina has also been an active community participant. Pina holds considerable board and committee experience in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors. She is a current board member for Villa Charities Vaughan and a past director of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed to the City of Vaughan Canada 150 Task Force and has participated in numerous committee and events including as co-chair of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association Annual Gala and fundraising for The Schulich Heart Centre for Sunnybrook Hospital, The Look Good Feel Better Charity for Women with Cancer, 2 Kids with Love (Mexico) and The Fred Victor Homeless Shelter.


Pina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from York University and has a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College with a current pursuit of a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Pina is a resident of Vaughan and is married with two wonderful teenage boys.


In addition to serving as a board member, Pina is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Catherine (Rina) Tiberini

Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Rina Tiberini holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree from the University of Toronto where her areas of study included Economics, Finance and Actuarial Science. However, during a summer job position in a completely unrelated industry, she was exposed to and became passionate about the planning, development and construction industry.

 
Upon graduation, she declined a lucrative offer of employment from one of the major banks and joined a small development/construction firm where her analytical skills and tenacity allowed her to become well versed in the industry. Rina was the past Board Chair of Villa Colombo Vaughan.


In addition to serving as a board member, Rina holds the position of Ex officio on the Villa Charities Board. She is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

Anthony Moscar

Director

Anthony Moscar, Naturopathic Doctor, BSc (Hons) has worked in healthcare for over 10 years. Having started his career in direct patient care, he has since provided leadership support to the Napanee Community Health Center. Returning back to his community to provide leadership in-home and community care, he is passionate about ensuring quality, equitable healthcare delivery for everyone.

Anthony is a long-time resident of the area and remembers fondly when he learned to cook at Villa Colombo in a youth program and later as a teen travelling to Italy with Centro Scuola. He is thrilled to serve on the Villa Charities Board of Governors beginning May 2021.

Joseph Arcuri

Ex-officio (Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery Chair), Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.


In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

John Zerucelli

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Marianne Corigliano

Vice-Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Marianne is an Elementary Guidance Counsellor with TCDSB. She also taught core French for eight years. Prior to this, she had a twenty-year career in Hospitality where she was Director of Business Development for Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group. Marianne is passionate about the Italian community. She is a graduate of University of Toronto and completed her Bachelor of Education at Tyndale University. She has been a board member of NCIC, CIBPA Education Fund and CIBPA where she held the position of President. Over the years, Marianne has been actively involved with VCI’s cultural events, including Villa d’Arte and La Befana, as well as the Cultural and Food and Beverage Committees. Marianne is currently Vice-Chair of the Columbus Centre.


In addition to serving as a board member, Marianne serves as an Ex officio on the Villa Charities Board and is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Mario Fiorucci

Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Mario Fiorucci is an entrepreneur, lawyer & technology expert. As a serial entrepreneur, Mario has been through the start-up, growth, and acquisition of companies in retail, e-commerce and real estate development. He has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Toronto Business Development Centre, Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award by ECR, and inducted into the Ontario Hostelry Institute as a fellow, among other recognitions. As a lawyer, he practiced at McCarthy Tétrault in the area of corporate law with a specialty in technology-related companies. He holds degrees in Computer Science, Physics, and Law. Mario credits his work ethic, passion for life, and family priorities to his Italian roots, with both of his parents having emigrated to Canada with nothing but a dream for a better life. Mario joined the Columbus Centre board in 2022 and hopes to use his knowledge and experiences to keep the Columbus Centre a vibrant part of the community in-line with the Villa Charities mission. In addition to serving on the board, Mario serves as an Ex officio on the Villa Charities Board.

Paul Pellegrini

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Paul is the founder and Executive Chairman of Sussex Strategy Group, with over 30 years of experience in government relations and public affairs. He specializes in advising clients in the healthcare, life sciences, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, using his relationship-building skills to help them succeed at all levels of government.

 
Paul has played pivotal roles in transforming a downtown Toronto hospital into a cutting-edge healthcare, research, and education facility and guiding a national rail company through a major infrastructure project approval process. He continues to advise clients on policy, politics, and corporate strategy.

 
Before launching Sussex, Paul was a trusted advisor to cabinet ministers at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, providing expertise in crisis communications, stakeholder relations, and issues management.

 
Paul’s commitment to charity and community service has been publicly recognized with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award. He has chaired the Boards of the Columbus Centre of Toronto and Reach for the Rainbow and served as the Ontario Campaign Chair for Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Currently, he serves on the Campaign Cabinet for Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.

 
Paul holds an Honours BA in Public Policy and Administration from York University.

 
Outside of work, Paul enjoys testing recipes for his outdoor pizza oven, spending time with family, and improving his golf game.

Joseph Arcuri

Treasurer & Ex-officio (Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery Chair), Villa Charities Foundation

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.


In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Santo Veltri

Secretary, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP, and in October 1994, he was appointed and remains a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Santo is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee, Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole

Treasurer, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Sandro holds the position of Treasurer on the Villa Charities Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Joseph Arcuri

Chair, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.


In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and an Ex officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole (VCI)

Treasurer

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company. In addition to serving as a board member, Sandro holds the position of Treasurer on the Villa Charities Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Resources Committee. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Anthony Moscar

Secretary, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Anthony Moscar, Naturopathic Doctor, BSc (Hons) has worked in healthcare for over 10 years. Having started his career in direct patient care, he has since provided leadership support to the Napanee Community Health Center. Returning back to his community to provide leadership in-home and community care, he is passionate about ensuring quality, equitable healthcare delivery for everyone.

Anthony is a long-time resident of the area and remembers fondly when he learned to cook at Villa Colombo in a youth program and later as a teen travelling to Italy with Centro Scuola. He is thrilled to serve on the Villa Charities Board of Governors beginning May 2021.

Joseph Arcuri (VCI)

Chair, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery & Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board of Directors

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Resources Committee, the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc Campus Revitalization Committee.

Dr. Claudia Machiella

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

As a passionate doctor, mother and health enthusiast, Dr. Claudia teaches those around her to embrace a lifestyle that promotes a sound body, mind and spirit. She is a true advocate for living a healthy lifestyle and is dedicated to spreading knowledge, insight and motivation to others on how to achieve optimal health. As a busy mother, wife and entrepreneur she is most aware that the journey toward living your best life requires commitment. Her goal is to help anyone she can feel confident about their health. She believes we are all entitled to health and wellness we just need the right tools, knowledge and team.

 

Not only is Dr. Claudia a Chiropractor, but she also owns and operates two multidisciplinary clinics in Vaughan, Ontario, The Centre for Health and Rehabilitation and The Centre for Health & Performance. Both clinics offer a wide variety of services ranging from chiropractic, physiotherapy, naturopathy, registered massage therapy, acupuncture, podiatry as well as nutrition counselling. Her clinics are your one-stop shop for a total health overhaul. As a way of giving back to her community, Dr. Claudia is a committee member of Waves of Changes for Autism, a charity foundation that helps children and their families who are affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She wholeheartedly gives of her time to help the foundation raise money that goes directly to helping the children get the help they need.

 

Her latest project has been the work she is doing on her radio show ‘The Wellness Prescription’ with Dr. Claudia that airs every Saturday at 10 am on 105.9 The Region. This show is Dr. Claudia’s way of sharing tips, information and motivation for living your best life. She chats weekly with experts, authors and brands that offer insight for making the changes you need to reach optimal health. You can also hear her weekly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ tips on 105.9 The Region during your afternoon drive home. Wherever you are in your health journey, Dr. Claudia is there to get you to the next level.

Martina Di Gioacchino

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Martina Di Gioacchino is the Director of the Capital Program Budgeting and Planning team at Infrastructure Ontario. Her 10 years of experience spans the health care and public sector infrastructure fields, including several years as a Project Manager at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (now Ministry of Long-Term Care).

 

She holds an honours undergraduate degree from Queen’s University, a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western University, and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

 

Martina was Villa Colombo Vaughan’s first ever summer student and has continued a long relationship with the home and its residents through summer placements, volunteer activities, as well as through her private practice. While practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Martina developed and implemented a first-of-its-kind, in-house speech-language pathology program at VCV to better serve its residents.

 

Martina cares deeply about the well-being of Villa Colombo Vaughan’s residents, families, and staff and she is proud to be serving the home as a member of the Board of Directors.

Antoinette Benedetto

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Antoinette is an executive with over 40 years of experience in the residential, commercial, industrial, and retail sectors of real estate. She has managed property assets for both private and institutional investors. Her experience includes involvement in budgeting, planning, zoning, construction and all aspects of marketing sales and administration.


During her career, she has engaged extensively with various government agencies at the municipal and provincial level.
For the past 12 years, Antoinette has served as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of a private retirement home for 130 plus residents. As a result – oriented, hands-on team player, with experience in negotiations, project management, HR management and strategic planning, she brings a broad range of skills to any committee or board.

Tony Costa

Vice-Chair, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

A retired automotive executive whose career spanned over 40 years with experience in Manufacturing, Engineering and Human Resources across Canada and the US. He is Italian (Calabria) born, raised in Montreal, educated at McGill University in Engineering, and now living in Toronto with his wife of 40 years. Tony was well known for his progressive leadership and his commitment to an enterprise’s continuous improvement by the engagement, empowerment, and inclusion of its human resources. He was also recognized as a key contributor in transforming organizations into high-performance ones and creating effective labor/management relationships.


Being retired has allowed Tony the time to give back to the Italian community by serving on the Columbus Centre and Villa Charities Boards. He also enjoys spending more time with friends and family ….. especially his three daughters and 7 grandchildren.


In addition to serving as a board member, Tony holds the position of Secretary on the Villa Charities Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole

Treasurer, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company.

 
In addition to serving as a board member, Sandro holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Treasurer on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci

Vice-Chair

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci has dedicated his entire working life and career to the financial services sector and to the communities he has lived and worked in. He has more than 33 years of experience in the banking field spanning across Canada, the Caribbean & parts of Central America. He has held a variety of senior executive positions with two major Canadian Banks. Pat is a graduate of McGill University where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing. He is a Fellow of the Institute of the Canadian Bankers Association and was awarded the FICB designation, and a graduate of the prestigious Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Director’s Education Program from the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto and the Institute of Corporate Directors, having been awarded the ICD.D designation.

Pat has been actively involved in the communities he has worked and lived in, both in Montreal and Toronto, for a number of organizations over the years, including President & Chair of the Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association of Montreal (CIBPA), past President & Chair of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations and past Chair of the Major Gifts Committee of the York Central Hospital Foundation, and Providence Healthcare Foundation. As a board director, he brings an exceptional understanding of organizational effectiveness, and the complex issues facing CEO’s, executive teams and boards in today’s ever-changing landscape. He brings vast experience as a board director having served on numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations over the years. In June of 2012, Pat was awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the communities of Greater Montreal and Greater Toronto
over the years.

In addition to serving as a board member, Pat holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Villa Charities Board and
Chair on the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Resources
Committee and the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Dr. Kristin Terenzi

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Dr. Kristin Terenzi, B.Sc., M.D., F.C.F.P. graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Toronto and continued her studies at the University of Western Ontario in the Faculty of Medicine. She became a Doctor of Medicine; Cum Laude in 1991 and has belonged to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honours Medical Society from 1991 to the present day. Dr. Terenzi practiced medicine at the Family Practice Residency, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Medical Centre from until 1993. From there she opened up a private practice in Ontario and continues to work from it today. Dr. Terenzi was also a Board Member of the Tema Conter Memorial Fund from 1995 to 2006. Since 2004 she belongs to the College of Family Physicians of Ontario Fellowship. She has served on this Board since 2017. From 2020 to present day she became part of the Planning Committee, Hypertension Canada, and in 2021to the present day she joined the Planning Committee, C-Change Guidelines.

Piera A. Segreto

Secretary, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Piera A. Segreto received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from York University with a double major in Law & Society and Psychology in 1999. In 2004 she graduated with a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the bar in 2005.

Piera began her practice as an associate, and then was a partner in a reputable and well-known litigation firm until 2022, when she ventured off to establish Segreto Law.


Piera enjoys all aspects of litigation. She has appeared and successfully tried jury and non- jury cases and argued complex motions at the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Justice and appeals at the Divisional Court. She has also appeared before various government tribunals including the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, the Employment Insurance Commission, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario/Licence Appeal Tribunal. Piera prides herself on being a formidable advocate for her clients and uses common sense and logic, along with her in depth knowledge of the law, to obtain the best outcome for her clients.

 
Over the course of her career, Piera has been a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Advocates’ Society, Medico-Legal Society of Toronto, Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association and the Ontario Bar Association. She is an active member in the community and enjoys participating in and supporting local events. She is also a proud member of the Villa Colombo Vaughan Board of Directors. Piera is fluent in Italian, and conversant in Spanish.

Anthony Messina

2nd Vice-Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Anthony Messina is the Head of Private Wealth, including the President of Guardian Partners and Managing Director for Guardian Capital Advisors LP. Previous roles at Guardian included President and CEO of Worldsource Securities and Worldsource Financial Management (2018-2021).

 

Prior to joining Guardian in 2016, he was instrumental in building and growing I3 Advisors, the predecessor to BNY Mellon Wealth Management Canada’s outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) business. During his tenure as President, he served as a member of various global operating, pension, and investment strategy committees, and as director of the Canadian and Cayman Island businesses. Anthony began his career in the financial services industry at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). His business experience is broad and includes investment management, venture capital, business and operations management in private and public companies.

 

Anthony is a graduate of the Schulich School of Business, holds the Chartered Professional Accountant designation and is a CFA® Charterholder. He is active in numerous charities, including as a director of Villa Colombo Vaughan. He is also a member of the MacKay CEO Forums, a leading CEO peer learning organization.

Pina Falbo

Ex-officio (Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre 1st Vice-Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Pina Falbo is a seasoned business and retail professional, with greater than 20 years of experience in luxury retail, technology and not-for-profit companies and organizations.

 
Pina has contributed her strategic and tactical managerial, operational, sales, marketing, fundraising, events planning and human resource talents to large corporations, as well as start-up and private enterprise organizations. Organizations have included Holt Renfrew, Danier Leather, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Veretta Fashion Imports and MMX Retail as well as consulting services to Mircom Technologies Ltd.


With a passion for giving back, Pina has also been an active community participant. Pina holds considerable board and committee experience in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors. She is a current board member for Villa Charities Vaughan and a past director of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed to the City of Vaughan Canada 150 Task Force and has participated in numerous committee and events including as co-chair of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association Annual Gala and fundraising for The Schulich Heart Centre for Sunnybrook Hospital, The Look Good Feel Better Charity for Women with Cancer, 2 Kids with Love (Mexico) and The Fred Victor Homeless Shelter.


Pina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from York University and has a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College with a current pursuit of a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Pina is a resident of Vaughan and is married with two wonderful teenage boys.


In addition to serving as a board member, Pina also holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. She is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Joline Moore

Treasurer, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Joline Moore holds a CPA, CA designation with over 7 years of experience. She is currently the Manager, Financial Policy at Metrolinx. Joline graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting, and holds a CPA, CA designation. Her breadth of knowledge ranges from public sector, not-for-profit organizations and private companies.

Antonio Turco

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Antonio (Tony) Turco is a founding partner of CPST Law LLP and its related patent and trademark agency firm, CPST Intellectual Property Inc. He is a lawyer and trademark agent. He began his career and was a partner at the international law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.


Antonio’s practice focuses on litigation related to intellectual property rights, including disputes related to patents, copyright, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets. He also provides strategic advice related to the protection and commercialization of intellectual property. On the commercial side, he also assists clients in commercial transactions involving intellectual property and technology, such as financing and licensing.

Joseph Arcuri

Chair, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and an Ex Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board, and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre Vaughan Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.