Community Builders Tribute and Humber River Hospital: Generosity and Foresight

Joe Volpe October 17, 2025

TORONTO – These “banquets” – food, ambience, presentation and people aside, are primarily about re-invigorating “vision statements” and “giving back” through fundraising for a specific cause. Wednesday evening’s dinner at the Montecassino Convention Centre on Chesswood was all those things and more. To begin, it did raise $500,000.00 for the Humber River Hospital. It was an impressive number given that another such event will be held within a month for a similar purpose – the financing of another specific program at the first fully-digitized General Hospital in the GTA. Some of the same people will be opening their bank accounts to match or better their contributions.

It will not surprise readers and attendees that the organizing committee featured individuals who participated in creation of the founding board, continue to serve on the board and its committee, and generally stay at the ready when need calls. Their private sector companies, partners and friends are always equally disposed to collaborate. Co-presenters Fausto Gaudio, president and CEO of IC Savings and his good friend and Board member, Sam Ciccolini, Founder and President of Masters Insurance, kept the program on a steady keel, giving due recognition to patrons and “dignitaries” along the way. One runs the risk of committing some unintended slight when starting a list of notables and “noteworthies”; none is intended, however, since the stated purpose was to recognize the community builders among us – like Senator Toni Varone – his daughter (also Toni) was given first chance to introduce the honoree of event: her dad! nice touch! nicely done!

The Tribute Dinner hosted Public office holders (past and present) – Senators, MPs, MPPs, City Councillors, [former] Cabinet Ministers, The Hon. Frank Iacobucci, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; H.E. Ambassador Alessandro Cattaneo of Italy, Dott. Luca Zelioli Consul General at the Italian Consulate and two Deputies of the Italian Parliament elected from North and Central America. There were, naturally, some representatives of labour unions, pension funds, Italo Canadian Cultural/Social institutions, Academia, the Professional, Business and Volunteer sectors (we tried to list as many as possible on the page; there were more than one could imagine – a great sign!).

In closing, the tribute to Senator Varone, whom I met forty-five years ago, was, in essence, a recognition of the circle of friends and acquaintances we make throughout our life. In that vein, gentleman, who I met in 1975, and whom I have not seen seen since 2015, sought me out to exchange greetings and to reminisce about “olden days”. He had come as a patron because he liked the service and friendship extended him at ICS. Thanks for coming by, Mr. Adamo.

Here below is a photogallery from the event (photo by Corriere Canadese if not otherwise indicated)