Blue flame graphic ignite the night an unrivaled gala experience presented by bank of montreal

Â鶹ֱ²¥ gala

The signature event of the year

Our deepest appreciation goes out to the many supporters of Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s sold out Ignite the Night An Unrivaled Gala Experience presented by BMO and held Nov. 3 at Casino Rama Resort.

The event raised a record-breaking $410,000 for awards, scholarships and bursaries, as well as the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Food Locker. The meaningful commitment by more than 300 community and corporate leaders helps to open doors, remove barriers and support the delivery of an unrivaled student experience at Â鶹ֱ²¥. Read more.

Ali Khonsari, Addison Wallwin and president and CEO Kevin Weaver holding a large cheque at Â鶹ֱ²¥'s Ignite the Night an Unrivaled Gala Experience the amount on the cheque is $410,000
Â鶹ֱ²¥ graduates and gala co-chairs Ali Khonsari (class of 1997), left, and Addison Wallwin (classes of 2015 and 2019) present a cheque for $410,000 to Â鶹ֱ²¥ President and CEO Kevin Weaver.

Thank you to the 2023 gala committee

Ali Khonsari, Co-chair

Owner and Vice President, Image Dental Laboratory
Past Chair, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Board of Governors 2022-23
Business Marketing Administration (class of 1997)

Addison Wallwin, Co-chair

Controller, Wallwin Electric Services Ltd.
Pre-health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (class of 2015) and Business Administration – Accounting (class of 2019)


Chris Adams

Founder and Managing Director, Adams Hamilton

David Bell

Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations, Â鶹ֱ²¥

Patty Bradley

Senior Presidential Advisor and Government Relations, Â鶹ֱ²¥
Tourism Management (class of 1995)

Kim Brent

Â鶹ֱ²¥ retiree

Alex Cardno

Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management

Paulo Cardoso

Chief Partnerships Officer, JKR Agency
Business – Marketing (class of 2018)

Melissa Cardoso

Chief Marketing Officer, JKR Agency
Travel and Tourism (class of 2018)

Parker Coulter

Broker of Record, Parker Coulter Realty

Sheila Delaney

Community leader

Marilyn Nigro

Faculty, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation, Â鶹ֱ²¥

Cathy Turner

Community leader

Mary-Anne Willsey

Chair of Â鶹ֱ²¥ Board of Governors, General Manager of Business Operations, Economic Development, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Thank you

Several students expressed their gratitude for the support they received and described how Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s awards, scholarships and bursaries program helped them in these short videos presented by Deloitte. Gala guests also heard a special video message from Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumnus Jon Montgomery, Canadian Olympian, Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumnus (Canadian Automotive Institute class of 2000) and The Amazing Race Canada host along with a video appeal for contributions to the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Food Locker from student life coordinator, Chris White.

Wendie McBurnie
Inna Kyrylenko
Paul Dyck
Jon Montgomery
Chris White

Unrivaled student experience 

Thank you for helping students overcome financial barriers to access Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s unrivaled learning experience. Read more about these stories in the latest edition of Â鶹ֱ²¥View magazine.

Thank you to our generous 2023 sponsors

Presenting sponsor


Venue sponsor


Casino Rama Resort (logo)

Radio and media sponsor


Impact-level sponsors


Combustion-level sponsors


Orsi Group

Blaze-level sponsors


Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association logo

Ignite-level sponsors


Spark-level sponsors


The Wallwin Family