Dancing with Mississauga Stars Presented, the NO-GALA Event on November 6th, 2020
With the funding from a Title Sponsor, and a couple of additional Sponsors, as well as many giving volunteers, partners, and donors (about 300 viewers), the Community Foundation of Mississauga produced a spectacular presentation that was solely donation-based (Zoom). The entertainment included performer Kenny V; 2 Time JUNO Nominee, Guitarist, & Vocalist, who performed with a former board member Ray Lessard, and award-winning Bartender Harry Hanson of Virtual Cocktail Class, who created a signature cocktail for preparation at home; and a mini dance class with champion Dmytro Gurkov of Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Mississauga.
Sous chef Samantha Schiavone and Head chef Mark D’Souza of Michael’s Back Door Restaurant provided a video of a “do it yourself” chef-inspired appetizer (Homemade Ricotta cheese with Beets, Grilled Fennel and Red Onion salad) for viewers who are planning an at-home Watch Party.
Michael Morra hosted the event with emcees Lisa MacLaggan of Arthur Murray Dance Centres and Jake Dheer of Rogers Media Inc to sample the appetizer.
The virtual event showcased all 32 past stars in a flashback of their performances as a gratitude piece for their outstanding citizenship and support of our community. The Dancing with Mississauga Stars event over the past 7 years has generated over $640,000 net dollars. Special Guests included Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Former Mayor Hazel McCallion, and Cliff Silveira of the Mississauga Convention Centre. The event showcased three local charitable organizations; Peel Children’s Aid, Eden Food for Change and the Arabic Orchestra Funds raised will contribute to both the Annual Impact Fund and the Mississauga Emergency Relief Fund; established early in 2020, in support of Mississauga charities struggling to maintain programming during COVID.
Photos & Writeup by Peeter Poldre
