Sons and Daughters of Italy

Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala 2025
2025-03-15 17:00 - 22:30 (America/Winnipeg) | RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3J3, Canada
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge held its 37th Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in the York Ballroom of the RBC Convention Centre.Presented by CentrePort Canada Railpark and Focus Equities, this acclaimed event not only demonstrated the philanthropic spirit of Sons and Daughters of Italy, but also the caring and giving that Winnipeggers, their businesses and leaders are known for.

The 2025 Gala was held in support of the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre!

Attendees enjoyed a welcoming reception, an outstanding five course dinner, fine wines, engaging (and short) presentations, and wonderful music that had two dance floors full.

The 2025 SDOI Gala is generously presented by:

In Support of the Anne Oake Recovery Centre

The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre is the latest initiative by the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation, building upon the remarkable success of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre. Now debt-free and fully self-sustaining, the Foundation is excited to embark on this new endeavor, extending its support to women and their families on their journey to recovery.

Since its inception, the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre has been a beacon of hope and transformation for countless men and their families. The unwavering support and commitment of these individuals have ensured the effectiveness of the program, creating a robust model of recovery and rehabilitation. This proven success has positioned the foundation to expand its mission and address the needs of women seeking similar support and guidance.

The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre will be a 50,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility and will be housed on the Victoria Hospital grounds. The 50 bed facility will offer comprehensive programs tailored to meet the unique needs of women and their families, fostering a holistic approach to recovery that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The facility will include spaces for therapy, group sessions, and recreational activities, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive experience for all participants.

The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre represents a new chapter in this ongoing journey, offering hope and healing to women and their families across our community. Sons and Daughters of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge is pleased to be able to again provide funding assistance to the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation, this time for a centre focused on the recovery of women.

VIDEO REVIEW OF 2054 GALA

CIBPA AWARD WINNER – IDA ALBO

The Canadian Italian Business Professional (CIBPA) awardis given to a business professional of Italian heritage who gains a high level of professional achievement while at the same time continues to recognize their Italian heritage by working within both the Italian community of Winnipeg as well as the greater community to achieve improvements.

See our CIBPA Awards page for previous winners of this prestigious award.

Entertainment

And if that isn’t enough, there is more…

The Meal

Great food is always a hallmark of any Sons and Daughters of Italy event and this year’s Gala dinner continued the tradition.

The dinner featured Italian salami and cheese in the antipasto plate. The second course featured a light and fresh salad, leading to the next course of cannelloni.

Hopefully you saved lots of room because it was time for the main course, a beautiful beef tenderloin and glazed chicken accompanied by fresh vegetables.

Did we mention the wonderful wine that was on the table?

As you sat back with a full tummy, there was more. A decadent chocolate silk tart was served along with coffee and tea.

And of course, in the lounge a bit later was espresso and a huge spread of pastries!

AN ITALIAN MEAL NONNA WOULD BE PROUD OF:

Antipasto

Prosciutto di Parma, Genoa salami, capocollo, artichokes, spicy eggplant, roasted peppers, olive medley and provolone cheese

Insalata

Caprese salad with bufala mozzarella, microcress and greens, tomato confit, roasted peppers, fresh peppers, pesto with a roasted garlic olive oil emulsion and balsamic glaze

Primo Piatto

Cannelloni with ricotta, spinach, veal and pork with homemade tomato sauce

Il Secondo

4 oz. Angus beef tenderloin and rosemary roasted chicken supreme with a red wine gastrique. Served with sundried tomato and basil braised potato wedges, glazed carrots and broccolini

Dolce

Chocolate silk tart served with whipped cream, dulce de leche, crushed hazelnuts and a chocolate fan

Coffee and Tea

Dessert & Espresso Lounge

Event Chairs

Gary Doer – Honourary Co-Chair

Former premier and diplomat Gary Doer has led a storied career in his home province of Manitoba and abroad in Washington—serving as Manitoba’s 20th Premier from 1999 to 2009 and as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2016.

Doer’s political journey spans four decades, with roots dating back to Ed Schreyer’s 1973 general election campaign and the NDP’s second victory at the ballot box. After 11 years as Leader of the Opposition, Doer and the New Democrats won the 1999 election.

Winning three straight majority governments, Doer used his popularity to shape Manitoba in a way that allowed for further growth and success including support for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, help to renovate Winnipeg’s downtown and expansion of the Red-River floodway — continuing his investment in protecting Manitoba’s capital for generations to come.

Leney Richardson – Honourary Co-Chair

Leney Richardson has served as Finance Chair on the Board of the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation since its inception. A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Leney also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

With an extensive professional background in the investment industry, Leney brings invaluable expertise in finance, strategic planning, and governance to her role. She has served in leadership capacities on the boards of numerous institutions.

Her dedication to the community and her passion for creating meaningful impact make us grateful to have her an exceptional Honourary Co-Chair for the Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala benefiting the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation.

Mark Scaletta – Gala Co-Chair

Travis Giavedoni – Gala Co-Chair

Gallery

ll photos by Kassandra Donaldson, post edits by John Giavedoni

Gala Night

Saturday March 15th

President’s Reception

Friday March 14th

The “President’s Reception” is an invitation-only event to thank the major sponsors and contributors of the Gala for their support.

Challenge for Life - SDOI Team
2025-06-14 08:00 - 17:00 | MB
The Challenge for Life is a 5k or 20k walk that will take participants through some of Winnipeg’s most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.The walk was created by the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to help Manitobans reduce their risk of cancer and increase awareness for ALL cancers, while raising significant funds to support CancerCare Manitoba’s work on behalf of Manitobans and their families living with cancer.The Sons and Daughters of Italy have been supporters of this event for over 11 years, raising over $342,900. Our goal this year is to raise $30,000! We are asking for you, your friends and family to enrol as participants so we can raise as much money as possible. Join us this year in supporting the fight: o if you can walk, join our walking team, or o if not, sponsor one of our walkersCheck out the pictures from past SDOI Challenge for Life walks, then please support the team! For more info, please contact our team captain, Cori Giavedoni

SDOI Member Meeting
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Villa Nova, 1035 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3P 1T1, Canada
Our monthly meeting of Sons and Daughters of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge members. This is a business meeting that includes some networking time and a full dinner.

From 6:00 – 7:00 there will be wine in the room, and members are encouraged to meet and mingle.

Schedule

6:00 – 6:30 Networking6:30 – 7:00 Dinner7:00 – 8:30 Meeting

Cost

$30 – with dinner, if paid online with registration$35 – with dinner, if not registered in advancefree – without dinner, or if it is your birthday month

Register

Who’s attending

No one is coming so far...

Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala 2026
2026-03-14 18:30 - 23:30 | RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3J3, Canada
The Sons and Daughters of Italy – Garibaldi Lodge proudly presents our Annual Gala: a night of elegance, celebration, and giving back.

This year, we’re supporting the REH-FIT Centre, enhancing the health and well-being of the community.

Enjoy a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and the warmth of community—all while making a difference. Save the date and be part of something meaningful.

It brings us great pleasure to announce the 38th Annual Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala Feature Entertainment: Alan Frew Lead Singer of Canadian Music Hall of Fame Glass Tiger. Get ready to sing some of your favourite hits from the 1980’s.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy are Proud to Announce the 2026 Heart of the Lion Award Recipient: Mabel Garcea.

Interested in Gala Sponsorship? Review our downloadable gala sponsorship information and reach out or purchase online.

Buy Tickets

Information for Sponsors

Join the Sons and Daughters of Italy Team for Challenge for Life
2026-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 | MB
Walk. Move. Make a Difference.

Challenge for Life is a powerful community event created by the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to raise awareness for all cancers and promote healthier lifestyles across Manitoba. Participants can choose from a 5k or 20k walk, a 200-minute group workout, or a virtual challenge in support of Manitobans and their families living with cancer.

Proudly Representing: Sons and Daughters of Italy

For over 12 years, the Sons and Daughters of Italy have proudly supported Challenge for Life, raising more than $372,200 to date. This year, we’re aiming to raise $30,000, and we need your help to get there!

Whether you walk with us or sponsor a team member, your support makes a real impact.

Ways to Get Involved:

Join our walking team and take part in the 5k or 20k walk

Sponsor a walker if you’re unable to participate

See the Impact

Browse photos from past SDOI Challenge for Life events and see the energy, pride, and community spirit that define our team.

Contact Us

For more information or to join the team, please reach out to our team captain: Cori Giavedoni
