Retro Dance Party


Join us for a night of throwback fun at our retro ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and Latin Music dance party!


Retro Dance Party

Get your boogie on down at the Columbus Centre on Saturday, April 29 as we host a one-night special Retro Dance Party!

 

Join us for an evening of retro music, dancing, fun, and friends! Dust off your retro dance moves as you show off your moonwalk skills, bust out your running man, and join in with the Macarena. DJ BUBBLES will be spinning your favourite hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and Latin music all night long, with a special guest live appearance by Joée (Joey DeSimone).


Tickets are only $20.00 - see you on the dance floor!


Click here to watch our promo video.


Date: Saturday, April 29, 9:00pm - 2:00am

Tickets: $20.00

Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

Doors open at 8:00pm. Cash bar, snacks available. Open to ages 19+

Buy Tickets

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight

It’s #TributeThursday, where we feature the inspirational immigrant histories from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. This week, we're sharing the story of Marisa and Giovanni Agostini, who immigrated from Lazio and Calabria respectively in 1958.


Read some of their story below or see their complete story on our Immigrant Map.

“Our grandparents Marisa Trotta and Giovanni Agostini arrived in Canada in 1958. (…) They met in Toronto, where they married in 1964.They had three children - Anita, Sonia and Robert Agostini. Hard work and determination were their creed. They succeeded in providing an education for their children who eventually married spouses of the same cultural background and work ethics.

 

Our grandmother Marisa was a proud school teacher. She was inspired to pursue her education while married with children. As an elementary teacher she worked hard to ensure that her students received an overall well-rounded program that went beyond reading, writing and math. (…) She retired in 2012. Like numerous other Italian immigrants, our nonno Giovanni began working in construction. Within the first 3 months he left it finding his niche in a blouse manufacturing company (…). His work ethics and honesty earned him a managerial position in the 500-employee strong organization.” (Continue reading)


The journey of Marisa and Giovanni Agostini is just one of the many incredible and inspiring family histories that are celebrated through the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project.


Join Marisa and Giovanni’s grandchildren and honour your own family’s legacy with a customized name plaque today and share their story with the world.

Purchase Your Plaque

Villa Charities

Ristorante Boccaccio

901 Lawrence Ave. West, Toronto

Lower Level – Inside the Columbus Centre

Ristorante Boccaccio - Coming Soon

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



Join our newsletter to learn more about the grand opening and to receive the latest news and offers from Ristorante Boccaccio, directly to your mailbox. We look forward to providing you with a memorable dining experience, Italian style.

Last Chance to Register for Paolo Quattrocchi’s Book Launch - Tonight

Join Villa Charities and CIBPA Toronto along with Italian author Paolo Quattrocchi TONIGHT at 7:00pm for a special book launch and presentation of “Canada – Stories, Visions and Challenges of a Laboratory of the Future”. Incorporating historical, geopolitical, literary, social and cultural elements with an autobiographical approach, Quattrochhi, passionately relates the history, politics, and notable and ordinary people of Italy. Particular attention given to the ties between Canada and Italy – an interesting and insightful event for all.


Learn More

Art and Aperitivo

Join us on Mondays for Sips, Snacks, and Socializing!

The spring season of our “Art & Aperitivo” series is in full swing! Join us every Monday at the Columbus Centre for an evening of casual discussions with friends. We’ve combined the Italian tradition of ‘aperitivo’ with casual conversations about art to give you a platform to socialize and meet new friends. If you haven’t signed up already, there’s still time! Our next weekly session is on Monday, April 17 at 6:00 – 7:00pm for English Speakers and 7:30 – 8:30pm for Italian speakers.


Learn More

Ballo Liscio dancing

NEW DATES: Live Music and Dancing at Ballo Liscio

We’re thrilled to announce the next three dates for our Ballo Liscio dancing nights. Dust off your dancing shoes and join us at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre on April 19, May 3 & 17 at 6:30pm for an evening of live music and dancing.


Learn More

“Youth, Truth and Imagination” Art Gallery Exhibition Closes April 20

The exhibition “Youth, Truth and Imagination” featuring the work of eight talented young artists at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery closes on Thursday, April 20. Don’t miss your chance to discover an exhibition of unique styles and varying subject matter extending the limits of form and content with artworks that are irreverent, entertaining, humorous, challenging, and beautiful. 


Learn More

Taste of Rome

LAST CHANCE: “Taste of Rome” Ticket Sales End Soon!

Calling all foodies and Italian cuisine lovers! Celebrate Rome's birthday on April 21 in style and join us for a true Roman feast. You'll indulge in a four-course set menu inspired by the ‘Eternal City’ as part of our next stop in the ‘Taste of Italy’ series. Savour authentic Italian dishes prepared by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano, along with complimentary wine. Ticket sales end soon! Get your tickets before it’s too late.


Buy Tickets

Jazz Series

Jazz Series Continues with Fabrizio Mocata Trio Concert

Fabrizio Mocata Trio will be performing the second of our three-part Jazz Series on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30pm. Join Fabrizio Mocata (Piano), Gianmarco Scaglia (Double Bass), and Paul Wertico (Drums) as they take you on an amazing musical experience through the musicians’ original compositions, including special versions of G. Puccini’s and G. Verdi’s famous arias.


Buy Tickets

Espresso Sisters

Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at a New Television Series

“The Espresso Sisters”, a work-in-progress Italian-Canadian TV comedy series written by mother-daughter duo Megan and Maddalena Vallecchi Williams is coming to the Columbus Centre! On Tuesday, May 2, join us for a dramatic read-through of ‘In Pole Position’, the first of six episodes and be one of the first to get a look into the new series. 


Register Now

So She Married a Guido Poster

Award-Winning “So She Married a Guido” Returns to Toronto 

Villa Charities is excited to announce the return of the award-winning, smash-hit one-man show “So She Married a Guido” after a recently sold-out Canadian tour. Winner of the “Best Comedy” award at the United Solo Festival on Broadway in New York, "So She Married a Guido" returns to Toronto for the third time on June 10th, 2023! Originally staged as “So I Married a Mangiacake,” the show has had audiences across Canada and the US laughing at our cultural differences.


Use promo code SCONTO to save 20% until April 22!


Buy Tickets

“L’Eco dei Dialetti”: Call for Submissions

“L’Eco dei Dialetti” is an evening of readings designed to highlight the varied regional languages of the Italian peninsula. Authors are invited to submit original and unpublished works (prose or poetry) of any form or genre written in dialect, to be presented at this Italian Heritage Event, on Wednesday, June 28. Deadline for submissions is April 30.  


Learn More

Singing together

A Celebration of Cultural Diversity at Toronto Korean Presbyterian Church

Villa Charities is a proud Community Supporter of ‘Singing Together 2023’, an event celebrating cultural diversity. Head down to Toronto Korean Presbyterian Church on April 22 to enjoy the soulful voices of local ethnic choirs as they perform a repertoire from their own cultures and unite to perform pieces by Canadian musicians.


Buy Tickets

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, April 14. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


Book Your Meeting

Villa Charities Foundation

Giro

Register for Giro to Win FREE Bianchi Bikes!

Riders who fundraise a minimum of $300 will have a chance to win a family package of three Bianchi city bikes, thanks to our long-standing partner Bianchi! Plus, in appreciation for your registration and support, Potenza Cycle & Fitness is offering all Giro cyclists 15% OFF a Retül Bike Fit. Potenza Cycling is also awarding all participants a free Silver Tune-Up valued at $69.99 before May 26, 2023.


Register Now

Raffle Tickets for Ladies Raleigh Cruiser Bicycle on Sale Now!

Drop by the Columbus Centre lobby and purchase your Giro raffle tickets for a chance to win a Vintage Raleigh Cruiser Single Speed Ladies Bicycle, courtesy of Ziggy’s Cycle. The raffle is open to everyone, and ticket proceeds will support areas such as senior care, youth services, education and scholarships, cultural programming, and capital needs through Villa Charities Foundation. The winner will be selected at the Villa Charities 16th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 28 at the Veneto Centre.


Learn More

Columbus Centre

Give Your Child a Summer to Remember at the Columbus Centre 

Our summer camps are engaging, active and focused on giving your child a summer retreat where they can interact with others in a fun and exciting environment. Make your summer plans early and book your child in one of our nine different camps. Running from July 4 to August 25 our camps are suitable for children ages 4 to 13. 


Learn More

Swimming Lessons

Spring Swimming Lesson Registration is Open

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club swimming pool offers swimming lessons and aquafit programs for people of all ages and levels, from tots and teens to adults and seniors. Discover our full range of classes and register for our spring term before it’s too late.


Learn More

Kickboxing class

Athletic Club Spring Registration On Now

Registration for the Columbus Centre Athletic Club's spring term programs is on now, for Members and Non-Members. Sign up today for our premium group fitness classes, taught by expert instructors in our expansive fitness facilities. We offer a wide array of classes for a range of ages, abilities and interests!


Learn More

Pool Party at the Columbus Centre

Book Your Own Pool Party Today! 

Celebrate your special occasion with a pool rental at Columbus Centre! Columbus Centre Athletic Club’s large indoor pool is perfect for birthday parties, social functions or any other organized event. Contact the Membership Office today to arrange your booking and get ready to have fun in the pool! 


Learn More

Villa Colombo Toronto

Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Pasta Bingo Fundraising Event 

Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is hosting a Spring Pasta Bingo fundraising event on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00pm at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Tickets are only $50 and include a pasta and salad dinner, coffee, tea, and treats as well as three bingo games and dabber! Join them for an evening of FUNdraising for the benefit of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. For tickets, please contact the VCTA Office at 416-789-2113 Ext. 2260 or email vcla@villacolombo.on.ca


Learn More

A Message From Our Valued Arts Partner

CIBPA Toronto Announces ITALIA360, the First Canadian-Italian Young Incubator

Compete for a paid trip to Italy! Italia360 is a hybrid summer entrepreneurship program helping first generation and Italian descendant students in the GTA. This program has been developed in partnership with the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association Of Toronto (CIBPA) and the DMZ. This

8-week part-time program is tailored to each founder’s needs and consists of one-on-one meetings with coaches, tailored workshops, and the opportunity to engage with mentors, and the DMZ community. 


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

Follow us on Social Media for News and Updates
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram