Saturday, February 22, 2025
The Lisa Kelly Heart of Winter Gala, held on February 22, 2025, was a dazzling celebration of sport, charity, and community. The event took place in the Premier Place Banquet Hall, which was adorned with winter-themed decorations.
The evening began with a warm welcome from club president Joe Rizzuto, who thanked everyone for their support and dedication to the cause. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner crafted by the talented chef and staff of Premier Place.
Following dinner, vice-president Michael Liotta gave his thanks to all the people that made the evening such a huge success. In particular, he extended his heartfelt thanks to the Gala Committee for their tireless efforts and boundless dedication in bringing the Lisa Kelly Heart of Winter Gala to life. Their meticulous planning, attention to detail, and commitment ensured that every aspect of the event was an unforgettable experience for all. Thank you for making the gala an extraordinary celebration of unity and generosity.
This was followed by the announcement of SHI-2026, the Special Hockey International Tournament to be hosted by Grandravine in 2026. After a short highlight reel of the 2019 SHI tournament hosted by Grandravine, Jennie Demedicis, fundraising co-ordinator for the tournament, charmed the crowd and made her impassioned pitch for sponsors.
The evening’s entertainment was expertly handled by Bill De Caro and Innerphase Productions, who kept the crowd dancing with an eclectic mix of tunes. The energy in the room remained high, and the dance floor was never empty.
Throughout the night, guests participated in a raffle, with prizes ranging from prosciutto to rare collectibles. In addition to the raffle, guests enjoyed playing the Plinko game, adding to the evening’s excitement.
The Lisa Kelly Heart of Winter Gala was a resounding success, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the special athletes. The event not only celebrated the spirit of giving but also highlighted the power of coming together to support a worthy cause.
Thank you to the dedicated volunteers!
Mary Egizii
Daina Gibbons
Vicky Iamascia
Cristina Iamascia
Luci Liotta
Michael Liotta
Mary Magni
Maria Peracchia
Joe Rizzuto
Silvia Rizzuto
Photo Gallery
