Join Us for Our Annual General Meeting on May 24

Villa Charities invites all members of the community to attend our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00pm at the Columbus Centre. We’ll be sharing brief presentations detailing highlights from the past year along with Q&A sessions with Villa Charities Inc. and each of the Affiliate organizations. The evening will also feature a short performance from our DanzArts Toronto program, and a cocktail reception will follow the meeting.

 

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Cocktail reception to follow)

Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

 

This meeting is free to attend but advance registration is required.

Please RSVP to iusic@villacharities.com or call 416-789-7011 Ext. 240 by May 19.

Register Now

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

#TributeThursday – Honour Your Mother

There’s still time to pay tribute to your mother’s or nonna’s immigrant journey from Italy and share her story with future generations. This Mother’s Day, honour her with a customized name plaque on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation and show your appreciation for a lifetime of cherished memories and valued traditions. 

 

Donate today, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Honour Your Mother

Villa Charities

Ristorante Boccaccio

901 Lawrence Ave. West, Toronto

Lower Level – Inside the Columbus Centre

Grand Opening: Ristorante Boccaccio

Chef Luciano and Chef Anthony are pleased to announce that after months of hard work, Ristorante Boccaccio is finally reopening its doors. Join them for the Grand Opening on Saturday, May 27th. Ristorante Boccaccio has been redesigned to feature a modern atmosphere with updated menu. Their chefs will prepare the finest Italian fare with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Their wine list will offer a selection from the best Italian vineyard to pair with your meal. Their knowledgeable staff will be happy to welcome you to share their passion for Italian culture and cuisine.



Email info@boccaccio.to to RSVP or make a reservation online.

Art Exhibition Poster

Academy of Realist Art Spring Exhibition: Opening Reception

You’re invited to the Academy of Realist Art Spring Exhibition opening reception this Saturday, May 13 at 4:00pm. The Academy of Realist Art (ARA) is one of a select few academies in the world that utilizes the academic approach to drawing and painting based on the teaching methodologies used by the 19th-century European academies. As such, they have attracted many talented students from around the world who are dedicated to learning realist drawing and painting techniques. This exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery continues until May 26.


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Marco Sassone

Cultural Tuesdays:

Marco Sassone Book Launch

Marco Sassone returns to the Columbus Centre on Tuesday, May 16 for the launch of his inspirational new book, “American Journey: My Life in Art”. The life he has lived and the people he has known makes his memoir such a wonderful, revealing canvas. Join us for what is sure to be an inspiring evening at the Columbus Centre.


Global News’ Susan Hay sat down with Marco Sassone to discuss his new memoir. Watch the interview.


Register Now

Ballo Liscio

Our Final Ballo Liscio of the Spring Season

Don’t miss out on our last social dancing night this spring! Join us at the Columbus Centre on Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30pm for Ballo Liscio. Bring friends, partners, or come on your own and join us as we dance the night away with live music performances!


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Women in Opera

Italian Opera Series - Opera è Vita Opening Event May 19!

Explore the captivating world of Italian opera with two of the most accomplished voices on the stage today. Join international soprano Sara Papini and acclaimed tenor, multi-instrumentalist and composer Romulo Delgado as they lead this new five-part interactive concert lecture series about Italian opera, featuring live performances, audience participation and special guest appearances. The series kicks off with “Women in Opera” on Friday, May 19.


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Art and Aperitivo

Socialize and Practice Your Italian at ‘Art & Aperitivo’

Join us on Monday nights for our “Art & Aperitivo” social sessions. Whether you’re a keen art enthusiast or you just want to go out to socialize and meet new people - come along and join us for a snack and a chat. Our next weekly session is on Monday, May 15 from 6:00 – 7:00 (for English speakers) and 7:30 – 8:30pm (for Italian speakers).


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Do You Know Your Olive Oils? Learn More at Our Olive Oil Tasting

Join us for an exclusive olive oil tasting with Silvio Calcagno from Raven Importers on Tuesday, May 23. Silvio will walk you through the basics of olive oils with an expert-guided tasting of nine different olive oils. You’ll learn how to properly taste olive oil, what to look for in determining quality, how to choose your oil and read the labels, along with other valuable tips and insights.


Buy Tickets

Final Jazz Concert on Wednesday, May 31 – Francesco Cafiso

If you haven’t been able to attend our popular Jazz Series at the Columbus Centre yet, this is your last chance! We’ve presented a line-up of incredible jazz musicians and artists throughout this series, and our final event is no different! Join us for the last concert on Wednesday, May 31 at 7:30pm and experience the smooth melodies and soulful rhythms of Francesco Cafiso (saxophone), Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Adrean Farrugia (piano), and Ethan Ardelli (drums).


Buy Tickets

Save the Month! Italian Heritage Month 2023 Coming Soon

Mark your calendar now for June 2023! We’ll be announcing our exciting programming line-up for Italian Heritage Month soon. Watch the video below for a sneak peek of what’s to come including the return of the popular ‘behind-the-scenes’ video series with Sebastiano Bazzichetto.


Watch the Video

Winner of “BEST COMEDY,” “So She Married a Guido” Returns to Toronto

Join us at The Royal Theatre on Saturday, June 10 for the return of the award-winning, one-man-show “So She Married a Guido”, after a recently completed sold-out Canadian tour. Written and performed by actor/comedian Guido Cocomello this live comedy show is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of cultural differences and the bonds of family. Cocomello explores the events that have shaped his life, including meeting and proposing to his “mangiacake” wife, and overcoming the sudden death of his father. Watch the promo video to learn more.


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Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco

Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc.! Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Virtual Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, June 9. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


Book Your Meeting

Villa Charities Foundation

Villa Charities 2023 Scholarship Program Now Open

The 2023 Villa Charities Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! To help you achieve your dreams, we’re providing four awards of $2,500 to Undergraduate students and four awards of $5,000 to Graduate level students. Any person, regardless of heritage, who helps further Villa Charities’ mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage is encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2023.


Apply Now

Only Two Weeks Left Until Giro

There are only two weeks left to register for the Villa Charities Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Veneto Centre in Woodbridge, presented by LiUNA OPDC. Funds raised in the Giro Cycling Fundraiser will support areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs through Villa Charities Foundation. Register today!


Register Now

Raffle Tickets for Ladies Raleigh Cruiser Bicycle on Sale Now!

You’ve got to be in it to win it! Interested in winning a Ladies Raleigh Cruiser Bicycle for you or your friends/family? You have until Friday, May 26 to secure your Giro raffle tickets for a chance to win, courtesy of Ziggy’s Cycle. Drop by the Columbus Centre Reception to buy yours today!


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Columbus Centre

Student Special: Athletic Club Summer Promotion 

Attention students! Looking for somewhere to train this summer? Look no further than the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Offering over 11,000 sq.ft. in our main gym with state-of-the-art strength training equipment, personal training services, indoor running track, fitness classes, and more – this is a deal you won’t want to miss! Sign up by May 31 and take advantage of zero enrollment fees and 25% off your first month.


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Adventure Awaits This Summer at Camp!

Give your child a memorable retreat this summer at the Columbus Centre Summer Camp. Whether they’re learning to play tennis, exploring the world of dance or learning to cook, we’ll give them a summer full of fun! With nine different camps to explore including Visual Arts & Crafts Camp, Dance Camp, and Sports Camp plus extended care options available, we make it easy to plan your child’s summer break activities. Spots are filling up! Secure your child’s space today.


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Tennis Lessons, Clinics, and Box Leagues Coming in June!

Our Tennis Box League, “Learn to Play’ program, and intermediate clinics return in June. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned player interested in putting your skills to the test, our tennis programming has something to suit all levels and abilities. Check out our full program list online now and secure your place.


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Villa Colombo Toronto

Golf

VCTA 32nd Annual Golf Tournament, May 31

The Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is gearing up for its 32nd Annual Golf Tournament! This year’s fundraising event will be held at Glen Eagle Golf Club on Wednesday, May 31. Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring breakfast, a friendly game of golf, a delicious sit-down luncheon, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and trophies. Proceeds will benefit the residents of Villa Colombo Toronto. 


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A Message from our Valued Arts Partner

Mezzotono in Toronto!

An Orchestra without instruments! The five singers in Mezzotono perform completely a cappella with a virtuoso yet comical approach in as many styles as possible, ranging from jazz to pop, bossa nova, mambo, tango and folklore, showing the amazing range of possibilities of the human voice.  


Sing! Toronto International Vocal Arts Fest

Date: Tuesday May 30, 2023

Time: 9:00pm

Location: The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St


Learn More


Our Mission:

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


Our Vision:

Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.

Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com

901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001

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