The countdown is on! This is your final chance to secure your tickets for the 2024 Impact Gala before they sell out. With only 20 tickets remaining, act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening.

Time: 6pm-11pm
Date: Saturday, September 21s, 2024
Locations: Dreams Convention Centre 75 Hedgedale Rd, Brampton, ON

Secure Your Tickets Here: https://fbcfcn.ca/gala-2024/ 

Hosted by the Federation of Black Canadians and Skills for Life, the 2024 Impact Gala is more than just an event—it’s a celebration dedicated to advancing our mission and driving meaningful change, particularly for Black Canadians. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our fundraising goals and make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities that need it most.

What to Expect:

Prepare for a Hollywood-themed night filled with:

1. Red Carpet Arrival: Walk the red carpet and capture the moment with our photographers.
2. Networking: We’ll have tons of opportunities in the night to socialize and network with each other!
3. Entertainment: Enjoy performances from violinist Aladore Bereketab, comedian Jay Martin, DJ Mars Forever, and the renowned Kirk Diamond.
4. Dining:  We’ve finalized our menu for the evening and will be serving a Caribbean-style meal. Take a look!
   1. Appetizer – vegetable spring roll | fried plantain | fried chicken | fried pepper shrimp
   2. Main – jerk/bbq chicken | vegetable fried rice/chowmein | salad |seasoned veggies
   3. Dessert – cake & pastries
5. Fundraising Fun: Participate in our silent and live auctions, 50/50 raffle, and toonie toss.
6. Photo booth: Get your pictures taken with our fun 360 photobooth set up
7. Awards: See inspiring people in our community who are making an impact!
8. Dancing: With DJ Mars Forever Spinning some tunes, there will be a dance to get your groove on!
9. Drinks: Yes there will be drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic! And the great news is that your purchases go to charity! 

For more details about the evening’s agenda, click here: https://fbcfcn.ca/gala-2024/ 

Dress Code:

Don’t hesitate to break out your best attire — this year’s gala theme is Hollywood Night!

Why Your Support Matters:

Your participation directly supports Black Canadians by funding programs that promote equality, economic empowerment, and community development. Together, we can create opportunities, build networks, and drive positive change that uplifts and strengthens our communities.

Can’t Attend? Support Us Another Way:

If you’re unable to join us, you can still make a difference. Explore our online silent auction at https://fbcauction.com or make a direct donation to support our initiatives. Some of our auction items include drones, artwork, trading cards, jewelry and more!

Ways to Participate:

1. Toonie Toss: Bring toonies for a chance to win exciting prizes.
2. Cost Check: Available for $2.
3. Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items.
4. Drink Tickets: Purchase additional drink tickets for the evening.
5. 50/50 Raffle: Try your luck with our raffle.
6. Donation Boxes: Contribute directly at our donation stations.

We anticipate over 250 attendees! Your presence will make a substantial difference in our efforts to support Black Canadians and foster community growth.

We sincerely hope you can join us for what promises to be a memorable evening. Your participation is vital to the success of our mission, and we look forward to sharing this special night with you.

Impact Gala 2024 – FAQs

Event Details and Logistics

What is the dress code for the Impact Gala?

Dress to impress with a “Hollywood Night” theme! We encourage guests to embrace Black excellence by wearing their most stylish black and gold outfits as you walk down the red carpet.

Where can I purchase tickets for the event, and what is the price?

Tickets can be purchased directly on our website: fbcfcn.ca/gala-2024.

• Individual Ticket: $150
• Ticket with Tax Receipt: $175

General Admission	Free Parking/ General Access /Dinner/ No drink tickets	$150.00
General Admission Ticket With Tax Receipt	Tax Benefit Ticket /Free Parking/ General Access /Dinner/ No drink tickets	$175.00
General Group Rate Tickets (5 Tickets)	$10 discount per ticket / Free Parking/ General Access /Dinner/ No drink tickets	$700.00
General Table (10 Tickets)	$15 discount per ticket / Free Parking/ General Access /Dinner/ No drink tickets	$1,350.00
VIP Ticket With Tax Receipt	Priority seating & view/ 2 Drink Tickets/ Tax Benefit Ticket/ Free Parking	$200.00
VIP Group Rate Ticket (5 Tickets)	$5 Discount with Priority seating & view/ 2 Drink Tickets/ Tax Benefit Ticket/ Free Parking	$975.00
VIP Table (10 Tickets)	$10 Discount with Priority seating & view/ 2 Drink Tickets/ Tax Benefit Ticket/ Free Parking	$1,900.00

Is parking available at the Dreams Convention Centre, and is it free?

Yes, complimentary parking will be provided for all guests.

What food will be served and will there be any dietary options available at the dinner (e.g., vegetarian, halal)?

• Starters: Vegetable spring rolls / fried plantain / fried chicken / fried pepper shrimp
• Mains: Choice of Jerk Chicken OR BBQ Chicken / Vegetable fried rice and chow mein / Choice of salad / Seasoned vegetables
• Dessert: Cakes and pastries

What are the seating arrangements like? Can I request to be seated with specific people?

Seating will be arranged in tables of 8, pre-organized by our team.

Entertainment and Program

Can you tell us more about the entertainment lineup for the evening?

Femi Lawson – Emcee/Host

• Femi Lawson is a rising international phenomenon and talent. With his roots lying in the luscious lands of Nigeria, and a partial home base in the diverse metropolitan city of Toronto, Femi is a mosaic blend of cultures, and as such his work around the globe as a cultural curator is defined by his unrelenting goal to unite people.

Through his humble beginnings as a community grassroots organizer, he drew from his skills as a facilitator, mentor and public speaker to build consensus, form partnerships and create and impact change in marginalized communities. Having built a reputable and solid foundation as a community builder, Femi cascaded onto the social media scene where he forged a digital imprint of 160 million + views after being featured in a number of VICE series and documentaries, most notably “Underground Street Racers”. This was the launching pad to his now growing career in entertainment as an Actor and Personality. Femi’s latest project is the film “Rich Africans” where he co-stars alongside international actor and comedian Michael Blackson.

Femi’s genuine and good-natured character has allowed him to capture audiences worldwide. His humble demeanor has brought him opportunities to work with some of the world’s biggest influencers, and his charisma and charm enable him to engage crowds upwards of 100,000+ people. Femi’s love for his various communities is what motivates him to constantly pay it forward. Ultimately, he dreams of opening youth-focused resource centers in North America and Africa for disadvantaged children and youth. Until then, he’s focused on making his dreams come true as a multi-dimensional entertainer and actor.

Kirk Diamond – Musical Performer

• Kirk Diamond is a Juno award winning, singer, songwriter, producer and social activist. Kirk spreads messages of unity, inclusion and love through his music, joined by his band The Movement of Ahryel. Recipient of the 2020 International Vigor Award and 6 x Juno Award Nominee, Kirk was recognized in 2022 for his achievement in music and culture by the City of Brampton where he resides with a park named in his honour. This makes Diamond the only living reggae artist to be honored with a park. In addition he was recognized as a distinguished alumni by the Dufferin Peel School Board and received The Impact Award for his rich influence in entertainment. Kirk is currently on tour promoting his debut album “DREAD” that was released October 6th , 2023. DREAD includes the lead Single “Reggae Party” that gifted him his 2nd Juno Award in 2023. As well as the second single “Bring It Good” that was featured in the Drama film “ When Morning Comes.”…

Jay Martin – Comedian

• Engage and entertain audiences with his clean yet hilarious comedy routines, Martin has carved a niche that no other comedian can fill quite like him. His skill and range in a number of areas has coined him the nickname of Canada’s Renaissance Man, and he wears it well. 

Morning show Radio host, former JUNO award winner. Awarded 2022 Afro Globals 100 of the most Influential Black Canadians, Martin has had the opportunity to host & open for a number of top acts such as Russell Peters, Steve Harvey, Kirk Franklin, Jamie Foxx, and Cedric The Entertainer. He has also produced a number of successful shows over his 16 year career like the Jay Martin Uptown Comedy Series, the Trinidad vs. Jamaica Mother’s Day Show, and Three The Hard Way. Martin’s events are regular mainstays on Toronto’s (and surrounding areas) social calendar, and fans waste no time getting their hands on those coveted tickets. Martin’s talents also extend into R&B event curation with shows featuring a variety of artists such as Faith Evans and SWV. He has also flexed his acting muscle in onstage productions like Diary of a Mad Black Man, The Wedding Counsellor, and most recently Ninety four. 

Alador Bereketab – Violinist

• Alador Bereketab is an undergraduate student at McMaster University, in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program doing a specialization in children’s Health. She is an associate producer, co-founder and co-host of the Black Studies podcast, and a music pedagogy accessibility & neuroscience researcher. Music is a big part of her life, having started the violin and piano at a young age, she is always finding ways to uncover the intersections between music and health. Alador now performs violin at a variety of events and has showcased her talents in New York and throughout Ontario. You can tune into her performances on tiktok and on Instagram, @ alador.b.

DJ Mars Forever – DJ

Will there be opportunities for attendees to interact with the performers or speakers?

Absolutely! Our performers and speakers will be attending the event, and there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with them during the socializing period throughout the night.

What are the official hashtags for the event?

#ImpactGala2024 #FBC #S4L #SilentAuction #PhotoBooth #RedCarpet #Giveaways #CaribbeanDinner #Awards #Entertainment #Dancing

Awards and Nominations

What are the different awards being given out? Who are they being sponsored by?

• Promising Athlete Award — Presented by Khem Birch Foundation
• Excellence in Black Advocacy — Presented by Black Health Alliance
• Community Impact Award — Presented by Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA)
• Young Black Entrepreneur — Presented by Nobellum
• Black Builder Award — Presented by Black Founders Network
• Community Health Award — Presented by Black Health Professionals Network
• Exceptional Allyship Award — Presented by Mansha Plan
• Excellence as an Educator Award — Presented by Kolden Simmonds & Martina (Simmonds) Besterio from Trust Fund Babies
• Excellence as a Student — Presented by Kolden Simmonds & Martina (Simmonds) Besterio from Trust Fund Babies
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Presented by The Federation of Black Canadians
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Presented by The Skills For Life

Who selects the award winners, and how are they chosen?

The winners are selected by our team after carefully reviewing all nominees against pre-established criteria for each award category.

Can I still nominate someone for an award, or is the nomination period closed?

The nomination period is now closed. Award winners will be revealed during the gala.

What do the award winners receive as part of their recognition?

The nomination period is now closed. Award winners will be revealed during the gala.

Sponsorship and Donations

Can I still become a sponsor for the event or a specific award?

Yes, you can still become a sponsor for the event. Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the gala and the initiatives it funds. To inquire further, please feel free to visit our website to learn about our Sponsorship packages.

What are the benefits of sponsoring an award or the event?

Sponsoring an award or the event comes with several benefits, such as:

• Brand visibility: Your organization’s name and logo will be featured on event materials, the sponsorship booklet, and during the awards presentation.
• Recognition: Public acknowledgment during the gala, both verbally and in written formats.
• Networking opportunities: Engage with other community leaders, businesses, and attendees during the gala.
• Supporting a cause: Your sponsorship directly supports youth programs like the Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP), helping to empower and provide opportunities to Black Canadians.

Where can I make a donation if I can’t attend the event but still want to support the cause?

You can still make a donation to support the cause even if you can’t attend the event. Donations can typically be made through the Skills for Life or Federation of Black Canadians websites. There is a link in either bio that will allow you to donate.

Community Impact and Purpose

How does the Impact Gala support the goals of Skills4Life and the Federation of Black Canadians?

The Impact Gala aligns with the goals of both organizations by raising Funds to support youth development and empowerment initiatives. The event promotes community involvement, highlights the achievement of black Canadians, and helps to secure financial resources for programs that focus on education, skills training, and leadership development, which are central to both organizations missions.

What specific initiatives or programs will benefit from the funds raised at the Gala?

The funds raised at the Gala will benefit the Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP), which provides resources and assistance to students, helping them succeed in their academic and personal development.

How can I stay involved with Skills4Life or the FBC after the Gala?

You can stay involved by:

• Volunteering: Both Skills for Life and FBC often seek volunteers for various initiatives, including youth programs, community events, and future galas.
• Becoming a mentor: Many programs, including SSLP, offer opportunities for professionals to mentor young people.
• Donating: Regular donations help sustain ongoing programs.
• Attending events: Participating in workshops, conferences, and other community events hosted by the organizations is a great way to stay engaged.

Miscellaneous

I heard there’s going to be a red carpet! How is that going to work? Will attendees have access to the photos/videos afterward?

Yes, there will be a red carpet for all attendees upon arrival. Our team will guide you through the process—showing you where to walk, when to pose, and where to head afterward. Professional photos and videos will be captured, and attendees will receive access to these after the event.

Is the event child-friendly, or is it strictly for adults?

The event is adult-only.

Will there be a livestream or recording of the event for those who cannot attend in person?

While there won’t be a livestream, our videographers will capture highlights from the evening. We’ll share a video recap along with blogs and social media posts to showcase the key moments and experience of the gala.