Thank you to all who attended and supported our 12th annual Dine for Dignity Fundraising Gala on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Panemonte Banquet and Convention Centre. The evening certainly lived up to its theme of magic – it was truly a wonderful evening.  We hope all of our guests enjoyed themselves and felt the magic in the air.

We are very grateful for everyone who was a part of our Gala.

We appreciate all of the individuals, local businesses and organizations that have supported ESS and our Gala over the last 12 years. Thank you for the memories and for your generous donations and contributions in benefit of the seniors and families using our programs and services.

Thank you to our event sponsors, staff, volunteers and the team at Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre for making this event happen, and to Flowers by Sophie for donating our beautiful floral centerpieces year-after-year.  Our Gala was financially supported by 11 sponsors; most of whom are returning sponsors that generously choose to continue supporting our mission and the people and families in our community.

We would like to offer a special mention to our Diamond Sponsor, BDO Canada .

“BDO encourages us to give back to the community, both with time and financial support.  As a resident of Etobicoke and a board member of ESS for the last 19 years, I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing organization.  Both ESS and BDO have the same commitment, providing exceptional client service all the time.” – Erica Teklits, Managing Partner, BDO Canada

We simply could not do this without the backing of our sponsors and donors.

Their financial support helps cover event costs so that funds raised can be directed towards where it’s needed the most – supporting the community members using our programs and services.

Special thanks to our event entertainers.

We welcomed back Jerry Howarth, former Blue Jays Radio Broadcaster, for his 3rd year as our Master of Ceremonies. Jerry has become a friend to our agency and favourite at our Gala.  We thank him for the fun and humour he brings to our event!  Back for his 6th year, Canadian entertainer Michael Vanhevel is a staple at our Gala and always amazes our guests with his vocal talents and charisma. This year we welcomed James Alan, magician and sleight of hand artist who wowed our guests with his talents.  We could not have asked for better entertainment. You helped us make this Gala one of the best yet.

For a list of all of our event donors and entertainer biographies, please refer to our event program.

Please check back at a later date – we will be announcing our fundraising totals as they become available.  Below are pictures from our Gala for you to enjoy.

Special guests: Magician James Alan and Singer Michael Vanhevel with ESS CEO Alison Coke.

James Alan entertaining guests with his sleight of hand magic.

Devon, daughter of ESS CEO, joins Michael Vanhevel on stage for a duet.

Gala sponsors Home Instead Senior Care Etobicoke and Two Men and a Truck Etobicoke (top), sponsors Villages of Humber Heights and BDO Canada (bottom left) and family of ESS CEO (bottom right).