Marita Simbul-Lezon’s SickKids Foundation Pledge

On May 18, 2010, the Hospital for Sick Children honoured notable philanthropist Marita Simbul-Lezon and her husband, Ronald Lezon, for their generous pledge of $500,000 to help fund the Read more

A Communal Quest for Vindication

A Toronto Life magazine feature disheartens the Vaughan community, whose major accomplishments are clouded with claims of corruption and scandal.

Every time I’m asked where I’m from I hesitate. I pause because I want to avoid the know-it-all smirk. I equivocate because I don’t want to hear the toxic and discriminative comments that fall from ignorant lips. That’s not fair to me or any other resident of Vaughan who lives life according to the law.

I’m not naive, but Vaughan is primarily a city full of heart, ­not villains. So why do cantankerous mediums continue to pollute our clean air with what appears to be anti-Italianism and acrimonious sound bites? Read more

Audi Downtown Toronto Grand Opening

The stylish and sophisticated guests of Audi Downtown’s grand opening were not the only stars that sparkled on May 28th, 2009. Gazing up to the sky in the chic glass structure of the world-class showroom, Read more

Brandan’s Eye Research Fund: “Seeing Is Believing”

The Cescolini family basked in yet another successful night, as they joined guests in support of Brandan’s Eye Research Fund on Feb. 7, 2009. A cocktail reception and antipasto bar preceded Read more

Gord Martineau, Kicking up Good Will

Gord Martineau doesn’t just sit back delivering the news – he’s making it. Back to work from a relaxing getaway in the sun, Martineau sits across from me in Citytv’s CityNews boardroom, perfectly calm and coiffed and clad in a black blazer and crisp dress shirt. Although he’s just a few short hours away from delivering the 6 o’clock news to his faithful viewers, Martineau retains his composure, thanks to his early-morning regime of cycling, weights and martial arts. The 60-year-old also reveals that he has a fourth-degree black belt.

The lively pulse of CityNews trickles through the boardroom’s thick double-doors, yet his energy is much more palpable. And this isn’t just because of his recent jaunt to sun-drenched Sarasota, Fla., Read more

All I Want for Christmas

When I was a kid, I remember hearing stories about the greater meaning behind Christmas, and what the spirit of the season is supposed to be about. But in between our frantic shopping and obsessive decorating, we somehow forget the bigger picture. Despite this seasonal spell of unavoidable hype, there are ways to calm our busybody habits and put them to good use.

The power of philanthropy was something I discovered when visiting El Salvador in 2001. Staying at the Hogar del Niño hospital for handicapped and abandoned children, Read more

2nd Annual Nicky’s Dream For SickKids 2008 Gala

Over 900 guests attended the black and gold themed Nicky’s Dream Gala, which featured a live auction, fine food and wonderful entertainment at the Terrace Banquet Hall on November 21st, 2008. Over $255,000 was raised to support children’s health and raise awareness for the Hospital for Sick Children. The event was held in memory of Nickolis Galliano De Luca Jr., who passed away shortly after becoming involved with the SickKids Foundation. www.sickkidsfoundation.com

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

May 21st marked the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament: Nicky’s Dream for Sick Kids at Copper Creek Golf Club. Participants and NHL celebrities enjoyed a round of golf Read more

Hats off 2 Kidz

Over $80,000 was raised at the 4th annual Hats off 2 Kidz Gala held at the Bellvue Manor this past April. To date, Hats off 2 Kidz has raised over $380,000 in support of Pediatrics Leukemia Research at the Hospital for Sick Children. This year, Jenna Santelli Read more