Changing the World One Brick at a Time: Vivian Risi

It was October 2008. Major financial institutions in the U.S. were falling at the pace of leaves and the media was saturated with reports of the tumultuous subprime mortgage crisis, market crashes and a looming global recession. Business owners across an array of industries were feeling their first beads of sweat. “Our economy was greatly affected,” says Vivian Risi, owner of real estate firm Royal LePage – Your Community Realty.

Just before the news broke, Risi had taken on the role of Capital Campaign Chair of York Region’s Yellow Brick House, pledging to raise funds for YBH’s much-needed second shelter. “You can imagine the pressure I felt knowing that I had just committed to raising $4 million. I didn’t want to let anyone down,” she says.

In the midst of her concern, Risi was invited Read more

Vivian Risi: Aiming Higher

Inside every individual lies the hope to soar to new heights and fulfill unrealized potential. With arms outstretched, we anticipate the strength to conquer the obstacles that cloud our vision and welcome the materialization of our aspirations. While there are pinnacles that may seem beyond our reach, there are those who can turn the impossible into possible.

Society’s most vulnerable now have a second chance at redemption because of Vivian Risi, owner and founder of real estate firm Royal LePage – Your Community Realty. As chair of Yellow Brick House (YBH)’s Second Shelter, Second Chances capital campaign, Risi’s tireless efforts to house abused women and children have finally paved the way to a much-needed second shelter in York Region, where up until now, there have been no services Read more

Cutting for a Cause

Marking 20 years of Safehaven’s provision of exceptional residential and respite care to families whose children are unable to walk, talk, see or hear, valued supporter and owner of Salon V Vanessa Petriglia hosted Cutting for a Cause in celebration of the one-year anniversary of her successful York Region hair salon. Taking place on Aug. 26, 2010, Salon V offered discounted blow-dries; complimentary beverages and appetizers; entertainment, and a special free hair design and cut for those whom Safehaven has helped. Over $3,500 was raised, as well as an abundance of awareness for Safehaven. Read more

Complete Beauty List

Looking for a beauty related product or service? Imagine having all of York Region’s best salons and spas in one place! That possibility is just one click away, says Shannon R.T. Horgan, president of CompleteBeautyList.com.

This innovative company is the only online salon and spa directory, which is why the best companies in the industry have chosen to be part of it. CompleteBeautyList.com is a brilliant marketing tool that showcases salons and spas in Woodbridge, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and other areas of the GTA. Also targeting New York and Chicago, CompleteBeautyList.com is the fastest growing company of its kind. With the Internet being a main source of information, this company has adopted the ideal advertising approach. Read more

Children’s Aid Foundation of York Region

Spotlight 2009 was held in Support of the Children’s Aid Foundation of York Region on Nov. 19th, 2009. York Region’s talented youth took the stage as well as featured guest, 17-year-old Daniel Panetta, Read more

10th Annual Rebel Golf Tournament for the Down Syndrome Association of York

The Rebel Golf Tournament started off as a Rebel Hockey team until little Jasmine Calabretta was born. This inspired her dad, Aurelio Calabretta, and friends to turn the team into a golf fundraising Read more

7th Annual Charity Golf Classic

The York Food Network’s annual Golf Tournament aims to dispel the common belief that York Region poverty is non-existent by providing programs such as Back-To-School Supplies, Food Drives and Food Bank Support. This is not to solely provide awareness of this unfortunate reality but to provide York Region families and children with nutritional food and basic necessities to live a healthy lifestyle so that we can eliminate hunger in our community. Over $10,000 was raised at this event on Aug. 26, 2009. www.yrfn.ca

Photo: Peter Sawyer, Kent Pollard, Ernie Dubkowski, Garry Minielly.

Let’s do Lunch in Vaughan

If you’re looking to invigorate your taste buds with a rich and warm meal, turn to Vaughan to feed all your needs.

1. Di Manno Ristorante
www.dimannoristorante.com | 905.707.5888
Visit Di Manno for an unforgettable experience complete with a meal that melts in your mouth. The chic, romantic ambience accompanied by a welcoming staff has Vaughan residents raving. Whether it’s a light lunch, a delicious dinner or a catered event, Di Manno Ristorante has it all.

2. Nawab Authentic Indian Cuisine
www.nawabindiancuisine.ca | 905.707.5002
Indulge in exotic spices at Nawab Authentic Indian Cuisine. Blending rich and silky curries that vary from mild to hot Read more

BioBake: Rising to the Top

When hunger strikes, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, toasty piece of bread. As a vital source of energy and a staple item at the dinner table, bread is an essential part of the North American diet. That’s why we need to choose breads of the freshest and healthiest variety, says Maurizio Barbieri, president and founder of BioBake. “You want to know that what you’re eating is natural and pure. And with our bread, that’s exactly what you’re getting.”

Stepping into the bakery, you are greeted by Gabe, friendly staff, and a delightful combination of mouth-watering scents. Simply delicious and truly nutritious, all of BioBake’s confections please the palate and feed the soul. As an organic and HACCP-certified company, consumers can rest assured that all of BioBake’s products are made with only pure, unprocessed ingredients. Read more