VAUGHAN, ON / ACCESS Newswire / October 20, 2026 / The Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) Toronto Chapter hosted its 74th President's Gala on Friday, October 2, 2026, bringing together a sold-out event of approximately 900 guests at the Venu Event Space. The event celebrated achievement within the Canadian-Italian business community while raising funds for local community and educational initiatives.

The milestone evening was made possible thanks to Deloitte; CIBC; Fengate; Masters Insurance; Cristina Ciccolini Memorial Fund; Zanchin Automotive Group; Fero International; Choice Properties; UniversalCare; Montecassino; Lavazza; Cadillac Fairview; Ital Florist; Decor-Rest; DOLCE Magazine; City Life and TLN Media Group.

Led by CIBPA Toronto President Sabrina Marrelli and Honorary Co-Chairs Andria Zanchin and Laura Zanchin, the evening honoured the recipients of the 2026 CIBPA Awards of Excellence. Immediate Past President Tony Cocuzzo served as Master of Ceremonies.

"The 74th President's Gala is a profound testament to the enduring impact of the Canadian-Italian community," said Marrelli."Tonight, we do more than celebrate corporate and professional excellence - we honour a legacy of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community-building that defines our heritage. Seeing our community come together reinforces our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through the CIBPA Education Foundation."

The highlight was the 2026 CIBPA President's Award to Anthony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers Communications, recognizing his corporate and community impact across Canada.

The Awards of Excellence recipients include Sam Ciccolini (Lifetime Contribution Award), Michela Di Mondo (Woman of the Year Award), Jennifer Quaglietta (Professional Excellence Award), Ester Paris Mauro and Italo Paris (Business Excellence Award), Paul Golini (Community Leader Award) and Kira Serafini (NextGen Award).

The gala welcomed His Excellency Alessandro Cattaneo, Ambassador of Italy to Canada; The Honourable Justice Giuseppina D'Agostino, Judge of the Federal Court; The Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci, Former Supreme Court Justice; The Honourable Stephen Lecce, MPP, Ontario Cabinet Minister; The Honourable Toni Varone, Senator; and Robert Allegrini, President & CEO of the National Italian American Foundation.

Proceeds will support the CIBPA Education Foundation - celebrating its 50th anniversary - and CIBPA Place for adults living with dementia.

Watch the Gala Highlights

To learn more about the evening's celebrations, click here: CIBPA TORONTO 2026 update - Frame.io

About CIBPA Toronto:

Founded in 1952, the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) Toronto Chapter represents Italian Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area, fostering networks and charitable initiatives.

Media Contact Information

Isha Sharma
Dolce Media Group
isha@dolce.ca
905.264.6789
dolcemedia.ca

SOURCE: CIBPA Toronto