On the evening of September 21st the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) and Skills For life (SFL) hosted our 2nd annual Impact Gala Fundraising event. It was an amazing celebration of community and resilience to raise money for Black Youth across Canada.
“The most spectacular gala I have ever attended, where the Black community was not only recognized but celebrated, appreciated, and embraced in unity,” said one of the guests at this year’s 2024 Impact Gala.
The night kicked off with a red carpet experience where guests were greeted by photographers and live violin music. There were appetizers, cocktails, and plenty of mingling. The 360-photo booth was a hit, giving attendees a fun way to capture the night. Cultural curator, actor and philanthropist Femi Lawson, was amazing emcee for the night!
It’s not too late to donate to our cause and make a difference! Visit our Gala Landing page to donate today!
Photos and Videos available to download:
Photos by Adrian Smith: View
Glimmer wall backdrop: View
360 Photo Booth: View
Lucky Photography: View
Big Thanks to Our Sponsors
As we reflect on the success of the gala, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support. Our event sponsors, Barrie and Laurie Green Family Trust, DIAGEO, TrueEarth, and Riverside™ Natural Foods Ltd., played a crucial role in creating a memorable evening. We also thank our award sponsors, including BFN More, Black, BAlanceneurship, Black Health Alliance, Mansha Plan, Trust Folde, BHPN, and Nobellum, whose contributions helped bring our vision to life.
Additionally, we couldn’t have done this without the amazing support from our program funders, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Red Cross, and Region of Peel. They helped make the evening possible, and guests also walked away with some great giveaways.
Entertainment and Highlights
Juno Award winner Kirk Diamond captivates crowd
The event featured a stellar lineup, including Juno Award-winning reggae artist Kirk Diamond, who energized the night with his vibrant performance. Comedian Jay Martin brought humor to the festivities. Alador Bereketab, a talented violinist and health sciences student, showcased her musical prowess, while DJ Mars Forever kept the dance floor lively with his mixes.
The evening featured a delicious Caribbean-style menu that attendees loved. Guests enjoyed appetizers like vegetable spring rolls and fried plantain, followed by jerk and BBQ chicken with fried rice and seasoned veggies. To top it off, there were delectable cakes and pastries. Those who missed it truly missed out! Throughout the night, guests bid on items in the silent auction, with prizes ranging from a luxurious spa retreat to designer handbags and a premium wine-tasting experience.
The toonie toss was a crowd favorite, as our guests competed to see who’s toonie would land closest to our prize. One lucky person walked away with a 1750 mL Bottle of Grey Goose. We also held a 50/50 raffle and several other draws to raise funds to support our programs.
Recognizing Community Champions
A key highlight of the gala was the announcement of the call for nominations for the FBC’s prestigious awards, recognizing significant contributions within the Black community. Attendees were encouraged to nominate individuals in several categories, including the Promising Athlete Award, Excellence as an Educator, and Community Impact Award. Each award had specific criteria aimed at honoring those who have made a real difference, from athletes demonstrating potential and sportsmanship to educators who inspire and innovate in their classrooms.
We celebrated remarkable individuals who are making a difference in their communities.
Awards Winners
Recognition of Volunteer Board Service by Federation of Black Canadians: Robert Tyndale
Promising Athlete Award by The Khem Birch Foundation: Dwain Cummings
Young Black Entrepreneur presented by Nobellum: Richard Bauch
Excellence in Black Advocacy by Federation of Black Canadians: Alex Tbama
Black Builder Award by Black Founders Network: Black Founders Network: Shauna Bookal
Community Health Contributions by Black Health Professionals Network: Maame De-Heer
Community Impact Award by The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance: Dr. Oluremi Adewale
Exceptional Allyship Award by Mansha Plan: Dave Fenton
Excellence As An Educator Award by Trust Fund Babies: Jessica Beltran
Excellence As A Student Award by Trust Fund Babies: Nacollina Nelson
Volunteers of the Year by Federation of Black Canadians: Morola Solai
Volunteers of the Year by Skills for Life: Stephanie Velasquez
Recognition of Volunteer Board Services by Skills for Life: Randy Osei
View more Gala Photos
Reflecting on Resilience
This year’s gala was all about resilience. As part of the event, we shared Impact Statements, including videos and testimonials from those who have benefited from FBC and Skills for Life’s programs. The 2024 Impact Video highlighted the work we’ve done, particularly in supporting the Black community through COVID-19, from food aid to mental health services.
The gala was a remarkable evening, with guests arriving impeccably dressed, as noted by the photographer, creating a vibrant atmosphere for beautiful moments.
A guest remarked on the meticulous planning, from the red carpet to the exquisite food, and the impactful speeches about the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) and Skills for Life.
Local MPP Charmaine Williams emphasized the partnership’s importance, stating
“The work of Skills for Life and the Federation of Black Canadians is a beacon of hope for youth and communities across Ontario,” highlighting the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s crucial support.
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, echoed this, saying,
“Organizations like Skills for Life play an essential role in fostering community well-being, ensuring they can continue making a difference for years to come.”
Still Time to Get Involved
Missed the chance to donate? No worries! You can still contribute through our website https://fbcfcn.ca/gala-2024/ . Your donations help us continue our important work in the community. Visit our Gala landing page also if you want to see photos from the event! Visit our gala landing page!
The 2024 Impact Gala was not only a night of celebration but also a reminder of how much we can accomplish together. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
About FBC
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is a national, black non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country. The Federation of Black Canadians advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. The overarching mantra is that we are “Stronger Together – Nothing about Us Without Us” Join us in our fight against racial injustice. Together we can create a better life for Black Canadians.
