Toronto's Italian-Canadian business community turned out in force for a milestone gala. The Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) Toronto chapter hosted its 74th President's Gala on October 2 at the Venu Event Space in Vaughan, drawing a sold-out crowd of about 900 guests, the association announced on October 14.
The evening's top honour, the 2026 CIBPA President's Award, went to Anthony Staffieri, president and chief executive of Rogers Communications, in recognition of his corporate and community impact across Canada. The gala also presented the association's 2026 Awards of Excellence, led by CIBPA Toronto president Sabrina Marrelli with honorary co-chairs Andria Zanchin and Laura Zanchin.
The gala raises funds for local community and educational initiatives, including the CIBPA Education Foundation, which supports the next generation of leaders. Sponsors for the milestone evening included Deloitte, CIBC, Fengate and Cadillac Fairview, among others.
Marrelli described the night as a celebration of resilience, entrepreneurship and community-building in the Canadian-Italian community — a reminder that Toronto's business calendar is built as much on community institutions like this one as on Bay Street itself.
