By Janet D’Souza
Pics Jerson Marques
Mississauga, May 12: Glamor and Glitz! Glittering chandeliers and shimmering evening wear! Vibrant smiles and spectacular participation! The Annual Family Social organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) at Palacio Event Center, Mississauga on May 4, was an evening unparalleled in its celebration, ambience and execution celebrating many groundbreaking milestones. Executive members of MAC welcomed each guest and sponsor individually enveloping them with warmth and respect. This sold-out show was attended by over 550 guests, an astonishing number of sponsors, and multi-generational families. The theme of the event, 'One Team One Goal', reiterated the belief in collaboration where individual identities converge into a cohesive group. The team’s vision to bring the community together and leave an unforgettable legacy was accomplished at the MAC Social.
The MAC Social was hosted by emcee Kenneth D’Souza with a stellar reputation for eloquence, and effortless transitions between segments of the programme; Evolution Band whose irresistible extraordinary music, riveting vocals, and masala songs had people dancing with complete joy and DJ Joyson and DJ Ronan, with their own distinctive styles added an unmatched dimension to the programme. The programme began with a welcome, MAC theme song, housekeeping announcements, and a plethora of delicious appetizers. Line dancing to popular tunes led by the talented and versatile Louella Cardoza was a huge success. The crème de la crème of the program was a special performance by Naach for Fun, a dance organization that believes in community building through the power of dance. The choreography by Suzanne Aranha and the fluid and harmonious yet energetic Bhangra dance by the gifted dancers, Jasmine Monteiro, Shreyasi Sengupta, Shweta Udaykumar, and Vishakha Kaushal captivated the audience and had everyone cheering and applauding. The president, Everest Vijay Dante welcomed and thanked his new executive committee, the guests, the sponsors, and the volunteers, especially the ticket primes for their overwhelming support and dedication.
'The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention' and with their simplest acts of kindness and generosity, sponsors became a part of the MAC family. Their support and most importantly, their partnership played a key role in the success of the event. Their unwavering commitment will help MAC with many community outreach programmes such as charities, food banks and student scholarships. The elite sponsors were Ronald Colaco, a well-known philanthropist who has inspired people with his many works of charity; P K Sabharwal of Newgen Realty Experts who believe that realtors do not sell properties but buy them on their customers' behalf; Jacob Thomas of Anvaya whose lab-grown diamond jewelry epitomizes sustainability and is meticulously crafted with a keen attention to detail; Boban James, head of Trinity Group who has successfully established reputable vehicle dealerships and many other businesses in GTA and ICICI Bank with 20 years in Canada where one can discover a new world of financial solutions. MAC is humbled by the magnanimity of gold, silver, bronze, and other sponsors who gave out of the goodness of their hearts because they believed in MAC’s ability to bring the community together and foster belonging and kinship.
A special felicitation was held for Ronald and Clara Fernandes, ardent and dedicated supporters of MAC, who through their tremendous volunteer service, have earned the undying respect, love and gratitude of MAC and the community. Dr Deepika Lobo, newly appointed as commissioner of health and medical officer of health, Halton Region, Ontario, Canada was also honoured for her incredible achievements, and determination to succeed and exceed. Dr Deepika Lobo truly has made all Mangalureans proud. With a quick introduction of Deepika Damerla, mayoral candidate for Mississauga and Clyde Roach, supporting Conservative Party of Canada, the emcee invited Fr Roshan Loy D’Souza, spiritual director of MAC to lead the guests in prayer. Dinner was a sumptuous and delightful feast with a variety of dishes and a showstopper surprise item, pork baffat, a Mangalurean delicacy. This was another first for MAC in its history of 23 years surpassing all expectations with the guests who appreciated the thoughtful gesture by the MAC executive committee.
The amazing door prizes were a welcome change from all the dancing and people rushed to check their tickets. The 50/50 raffle draw was a huge success as people supported the charities, the beneficiaries of half the collection. The charities were St Ann’s Parish, Toronto, Food Bank Service, providing service to Torontonians since February 2005; and Good Shepherd which cares for the most vulnerable citizens in the community.
MAC thanked Jerson Marques, the photographer who showcased the entire event with his phenomenal pictures. An event of this magnitude requires the strong shoulders, selfless support, time and skills of an entire village and the Mangalurean community came together as one to make this Family Social an overwhelming success. MAC recognized and thanked the collaboration of its guests, members, and volunteers who with their passion and enthusiasm embodied the theme, 'One Team One Goal'.
MAC's upcoming events are Family Get-together at Meadowvale Conservation Park on June 22, Monthi Fest at Maximilian Kolbe parish on September 8 and the Christmas Bazaar on December 7.
To know about the sponsors: Click Here