By Sally Warburton
By Sally Warburton
Sunday, September 27 was a beautiful, sunny day. It set the scene for the 14th Annual After Breast Cancer Pink Diamond Gala. The fundraising Gala was held at Bellvue Manor on Jane Street in Vaughan. The perfect location for this glamorous event. It’s a venue for weddings and corporate events. Bellvue Manor is luxuriously decorated and offers exceptional food and hospitality. Sunday was no exception. The decor was perfect for celebrating new beginnings with beautiful models sporting floral headpieces and dresses in the foyer. A giant pink breast cancer symbol was the focus for photos in addition to a photobooth and photo backdrop. Lots of chances for memories of this beautiful occasion. At 12 noon the cocktail reception began with drinks and canopés and music by the Duality Band. The luncheon and speeches started soon after 1:30pm. Sam Ciccolini was Master of Ceremony. The Canadian Anthem was sung beautifully by Rachel Gililov. Dressed in an elegant red dress, Alicia Vianga, Founder and Executive Director gave the Opening Remarks – explaining the focus of After Breast Cancer and thanking the Sponsors, Gala Committee, Ambassadors and Volunteers of the event. Alicia was very grateful to everyone in the room for their support! Steven Del Duca, the Mayor of Vaughan, was in attendance for support and spoke to all the guests. The detailed booklet given to each guest described messages from other Government and business supporters.
What is After Breast Cancer? Alicia Vianga’s belief is that ‘no woman should have to face life after breast cancer alone.’ ABC creates an incredibly supportive community for women to celebrate life after breast cancer. ABC provides essential post-surgical products with its ABC Care KIT. S/HE THRIVE support and programs help women rebuild their confidence, dignity and quality of life after breast cancer. No out-of-pocket cost.
Lunch started with a delicious salad, then grilled chicken dinner with vegetables followed later by a dessert of 3 sweets. Wine was served with the meal. Afterwards, there was also an extensive dessert buffet in the foyer with coffee and tea. Guests ate very well.
Title sponsor remarks were made by Tony Cucuzzo. Highlight was a fireside chat with Jeanne Beker & Silvana Tibollo. Jeanne shared her breast cancer journey and how she has recovered from this serious illness with much support. It was a meaningful and informative talk from a Canadian icon.
A live auction of jewellery, art and other items were auctioned off by Martin Ross. Door prize winners were announced. One guest at each table was the lucky recipient of the beautiful floral table decoration of pink roses. The Raffle was held and the music started! The BLUSOUL Band started! The group of 4 men sang beautifully to popular soul songs. Guests enjoyed dancing to the beat. The After Breast Cancer Gala concluded with the dessert sweet table and continuation of the amazing singing of BLUSOUL Band. It was a beautiful event raising much needed and appreciated funds for The After Breast Cancer program. For more information afterbreastcancer.ca
Next year will be 15 years since After Breast Cancer’s inception. We congratulate Alicia Vianga and her team for the After Breast Cancer program’s 14 years of success. It will be a very special time to celebrate next year! We look forward to supporting that fundraiser in 2027!
