About the Gala

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To celebrate Gianluca's life and honour his legacy, the founders of Gianluca's Gift created the Gianluca's Gift Gala. This elegant evening of dinner and dancing brings together Gianluca's family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, community members, and supporters of Gianluca's Gift and Character Community York Region. 

Proceeds from the event support Character Community's Youth Social Justice Day Program, the Slap Shot Hockey Program, and the Gianluca Cellucci Memorial Award (one of the awards presented at the annual Character Community Awards). The award recognizes an individual who performed a selfless act, demonstrated positive character attributes, and made a difference in our community.  The Youth Social Justice Day program empowers youth with the tools to make positive character decisions leading to greater civic engagement. A series of student led half day events for 800 students in grades 6-8 that focuses on recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as guns and gangs, racism, sexism, online safety and oppression through guest speakers and workshops. This program engages youth in the issues of social justice and how they can make a difference in their community. The Slap Shot Hockey Program aims to reduce social isolation and build self-esteem in young people facing barriers through character in sport. It is a free seven-week hockey/character development program for boys and girls ages 8-12 that provides a fun and inclusive introduction to the game of hockey and Canadian culture to children whose ability to participate in recreational sport is limited due to financial and cultural barriers.