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Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala - 2023
Presented by RBC, this acclaimed event not only demonstrated the philanthropic spirit of Sons of Italy, but also the caring and giving that Winnipeggers, their businesses and leaders are known for. The 2023 Gala was held in support of Women's Heart Health at the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and we are so proud to have raised $270,000 for this worthwhile cause! Attendees enjoyed a welcoming reception, an outstanding five course dinner, fine wines, engaging (and short) presentations, and wonderful music that had the dance floor full.
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OThe 2023 SDOI Gala was generously presented by:
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Images from the 2023 SDOI Gala | Next year, our 36th...
Please reserve the date in your calendar, and watch for Gala updates as we plan for an exciting event. |
In Support of Women's Heart Health Research
through the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
The 35th Annual Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala is in support of Women’s Heart Health Research at the St. Boniface Hospital. Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and it affects women of all ages. Women are just as likely as men to experience a stroke or heart attack; only their risk factors differ.  Pre-menopausal women who have heart attacks experience worse outcomes than men of a similar age. Post-menopause, women are more likely than men to experience certain kinds of heart failure, are more dramatically affected and are more likely to die. There is an immediate need to bridge the knowledge gap which informs the current approach to diagnosis and treatment of women with cardiovascular disease compared to men. Currently, Manitoba is the only province in Canada without a dedicated Women’s Heart Health program. The long-term goal of this program is to better understand the sex and gender-specific differences in cardiovascular disease outcomes, address the needs of Indigenous and other under-represented women and establish a dedicated women’s heart health clinic serving Manitoba women. RBC and Sons & Daughters of Italy, with the support of our Gala Sponsors, will provide crucial salary and research funding, enabling the recruitment and retention of brilliant researchers who will carry this work forward. |
Honorary Co-Chairs
Mabel Garcea, Garcea Group of Companies
Mabel Garcea, is a multi-business owner alongside her family, ranging from interior design to various facets of the construction industry. In addition is a commissioner of oath and wedding officiant.
Mabel has devoted countless hours on fundraising boards for Winnipeg hospitals. She has devoted countless hours to fundraising for Winnipeg hospitals and brings a strong level of commitment to each foundation that she supports. Mabel has devoted countless hours on the fundraising boards for St. Boniface, HSC, and seven oaks hospital. Mabel brings a strong level of commitment to each foundation that she is a part of. She has the distinctive ability to create a connection of trust. Her capacity to listen to the needs of our health care system, and create a well-executed strategy, allows her to focus on specific objectives.
Combined with her years of experience, Mabel has a solid foundation rooted in community engagement and determination to get the job done and done well. Her present and most passionate endeavours are advocating for women’s heart health here in Manitoba.
Elba Haid, President and CEO, RealCare Inc.
Elba Haid, an entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who is passionate about helping and serving others. Elba contributes her time and expertise to several philanthropic endeavours in the community with a focus on the Arts and advancing women and women’s issues in this province. Elba has been a supporter of arts and culture in Winnipeg as a passionate volunteer for Manitoba Opera, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. This, in addition to her contributions to the elder-care community. In 1995, Haid founded Realcare Inc., a primary-care provider for elders in Winnipeg, with the mission to set and maintain a high standard of care in the industry, driven by the belief Manitobans deserve to be cared for with dignity and compassion.
Elba believes in giving back to the community. She felt a very strong commitment to take on the role of honourary co-chair in this initiative because of the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke among women of all ages. Haid lost her mother to stroke when she was only 14 years old and growing up without a mother had a profound impact on her life. She believes in doing everything possible to save other young women from a similar experience.
Elba Haid is a trailblazer in this life-saving campaign, and now Manitoba has six founding members, the most in Western Canada. Elba Haid – “I am honoured to be one of the Honorary Chairs of the Sons and Daughters of Italy Gala with the proceeds going to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Women’s Heart Health Research”.
Canadian Italian Business Professional Association (CIBPA)
2022 Entrepreneur of the YearCIBPA
Having successfully managed and completed north of $1Billion of commercial projects in every sector across Western Canada, Mr. Bova as Founder, President and CEO of Pretium Projects Ltd. and Pretium Construction West, has become one of the fastest growing and highly sought after design builders and construction managers throughout the prairie provinces and Northwest Ontario.
His proprietary PRETIUM Lean Construction approach, emphasizing collaboration with Owners, Design, and Trade Partners, mitigating risk, eliminating waste and maximizing Client’s return on their investment, from the preconstruction phase through to Project Handover has resulted in Pretium becoming the preferred builder for major national and international brands.
Mr. Bova was honoured for his considerable achievements with our highest professional award on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the RBC Convention Centre.
Dinner Entertainment by Cec Lopez
The producer and songwriter, who has lived in Spain, the United States, and Canada, pulls influences from each country. Their music emphasizes the community feel of the Spanish sobremesa, heavy choral elements gained during their time as a member of the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, and intentional lyrics having studied with contemporary American poet Vievee Francis. Lopez has also recently been chosen for the First Up with RBCxMusic program (along with fellow local artist Stun), a program dedicated to showcasing and elevating emerging Canadian artists, and is excited about what it means for the development of their career. Presented by
Big Band Dance Music by the Big City All Star Band
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Music is a conversation with anything and everything greater than oneself. With each song, Cec's voice breathes honesty and intimacy.
Hear Cec Lopez on 
The Big City All Star Band was formed as a select group of Winnipeg’s best talent and have quickly risen to become the area’s busiest high-profile band. Playing nationally and internationally with a highly diverse repertoire, this band has a reputation of always delivering a fun energetic show that's sure to get you dancing.