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Welcome to the 2025 Niagara College Gala!
On behalf of Niagara College, we are honoured to welcome you to our 33rd gala. We gather each year to celebrate NC students—their hard work, their creativity, and their unwavering determination to make an impact in our community.
Tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to get to know NC students and their stories. You’ll hear how community support makes real and immediate impacts on the lives of students and on their futures.
This year, we are also pleased to provide an update on the first-year success of the Together Campaign. Thanks to your generous support, significant strides have been taken to make NC education more accessible, addressing critical shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Your contributions transform the lives of hundreds of students, and the momentum continues to grow.
A special thanks to the dedicated sponsors of this Gala and to the Niagara College Board of Governors for their unwavering commitment, which reflects a shared belief in the power of education to drive progress and create a brighter future for our region and beyond.
We are deeply grateful for your support of NC students and this transformational campaign. Your involvement ensures that Niagara College remains a place where innovation and community connect to create a better tomorrow.
Together, we will create meaningful and impactful opportunities for students to develop their skills, pursue rewarding careers, and contribute to a thriving community.
Enjoy the evening!
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Poppy Gilliam District School Board of Niagara
Rashmi Biswas (Vice-Chair) Lake and Associates
Janet Allan
Retired Partner, KPMG Canada
Nick Farnell
NC Academic Staff Representative
Linda Franklin
Retired CEO, Colleges Ontario
Matt Giffen
Bench Brewing Company
Lynn Guerriero Niagara Health
Kate Hagen*
NC Support Staff Representative
Andrew Harber
Abatement Technologies
Sean Kennedy
President, Niagara College
Shane Malcolm*
Northeastern University - Toronto
Michael Mann
Lancaster Chown & Welch LLP
Rob Nicholson
Retired Member of Parliament (MP), Niagara Falls
Orel Ruiz*
NC Administrative Staff Representative
Maninder Singh*
NC Student Representative
Kevin Smith*
British Columbia Emergency Health Services
*NC Alumni Member
ORDER OF EVENTS
Cocktail Reception
Silent Auction Opens
Opening Entertainment
Versato Dance Group
Welcome & Remarks
Sean Kennedy, President, Niagara College
Krissy Vann, Returning Gala Host and Niagara College AlumnaBroadcast, Radio, Television and Film, Class of 2008
Buffet Dinner with Entertainment
Fox Music
Together Campaign: 1-Year Celebration
Together Campaign: Special Announcements
1) Connect with us via Facebook or Instagram @niagaracollege
2) Use #NCGala and tag @niagaracollege to have your messages and photos featured throughout the evening
niagaracollege.ca/gala for more information
GALA MENU
Passed Hors D’Oeuvres
Mini Beef Wellington
Seared Scallops, Local Pear Jam, Pancetta Chips
Melon, Goat Cheese, Fig Balsamic, Lemon Balm
California Rolls
Buffet
Chilled Seafood Bar
Selection of Fresh Seafood Cascading over Ice to include;
Shrimp, Oysters, Smoked Salmon, Seafood Salad with Marinated Octopus & Calamari
Salad Station
Freshly Baked Dinner Roll & NC Whipped Honey Butter (on tables)
Field Green Salad with Assorted Toppings & Dressings
Caesar Salad, Focaccia Crouton, Shaved Parmesan, Bacon Bits
Caprese Salad Marinated Yellow & Red Tomato, Mini Bocconcini, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Fresh Basil
Farro Salad, Tomato, Broccolini, Dried Cranberries, Honey Mustard Dressing
Three Sisters Wild Rice Salad (Corn, Butternut Squash, Wild Rice, Black Beans, Feta Cheese, Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Olive Oil)
Hot Buffet
Gnocchi with Pesto Tomato Sauce
Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Leek Confit, Niagara Pinot Blanc Creamy Fumet, Chives
Mediterranean Style Chicken Supreme, Artichoke, Sundried Tomatoes, Olives
Hip of Beef Carvery
Tandoori Chicken
Seasonal Roasted Vegetables & Fine Herbs
Roasted Tri-Coloured Mini Potatoes, Olive Oil & Rosemary
Saffron Basmati Rice
Desserts
Assorted Mini Desserts including Caramel Chocolate Panna Cotta (Gluten Free), Lemon Curd Tart with toasted Meringue, Cheesecake Pops and Berries served on platters on the table.
Menu is subject to change.
The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.
At the heart of every community, you’ll find organizations fueled by committed people who are passionate about building a better future for us all. We are inspired by our friends at Niagara College and their continuous efforts to create transformational change for our future generations of leaders across Canada, and beyond.
rbc.com/community
The multi-year Together campaign seeks to raise $50 million to graduate more skilled workers, build state-of-the-art facilities, expand scholarships and programs, support students, and enrich our community and beyond.
TOGETHER WE CAN:
Address the Skilled Trades Crisis Empower Students to Achieve Their Dreams
NC GALA STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Tonight’s Gala is a celebration of the creativity, talent, and skills of numerous Niagara College students, whose contributions are woven into many details of the evening.
Stage Presence
Students from the Landscaping program have taken center stage by executing a faculty-designed, upgraded stage décor. Pulling plants from our very own greenhouse, the group elevated the look of the stage this year, including handcrafted, light-up tulip features.
Gala Apple Bitters
Students from the Artisan Distilling program worked alongside faculty to craft a unique bitters blend for this year’s event. Each pair of guests will receive a Gala Apple Bitters bottle, along with a cocktail recipe to try at home. This exclusive creation is something you won’t
Show Production
Students from the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program are supporting tonight’s show production by capturing footage and managing the production feeds. They are working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Social Media Booth
Students from the Social Media Management program are running tonight’s photo booth, complete with creative backdrops and fun props. Capture the moment and join the conversation on social
Save the Date
September 16 th, 2025
the 23 rd annual
Host Site Presenting Sponsor
Diamond Sponsors
VIP Reception Sponsor
Silent Auction Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Silent Auction Details And Guidelines
Closes at 10:30 p.m. (unless otherwise announced)
Winning Bids
You will be notified by Givergy on your mobile device.
Payment Information and Disbursement
• Payment for Live Auction item(s) can be made 30 minutes after the Live Auction closes.
• Payment may be made by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Debit, in the foyer.
• For Silent Auction items your credit card will automatically be charged only if you have won an item and/or made a donation. You will then be sent a text and email notification with a confirmation of your payment.
• Merchandise pick up will happen in foyer at payment table.
• Larger items may be arranged for pick up at the payment table.
Auction Guidelines
Auction Restrictions and Other Details
Original certificates, gift cards, etc. will be provided at the time of payment.
Bidding
• Niagara College is not responsible for any restrictions omitted or otherwise not indicated by the donor, or prizes not claimed within the scope of the restrictions or expiration dates.
• All items have a reserve bid.
• All bidding increments will be no less than $10.00 per bid.
• To place an auction bid, enter your information on our Givergy site.
• A bid is constructed as a legal agreement to purchase the listed item(s) at the amount indicated.
• All winning bids must be settled before the end of the event.
• If conflict arises over identifying the last valid bid for an item, auction staff has the discretion to determine the winner or to impose an alternate method of closing the item for interested parties, included, but not limited to, a sealed final bid.
LIVE AUCTION PRIZES
Niagara College is proud to present the following exciting live auction packages.
Niagara College Holiday Experience
Value: $2,500
Donated by: Benchmark, NC Teaching Greenhouse, NC Teaching Winery
Enjoy a full holiday experience at Niagara College for a group of 12. Start off at the Niagara College Teaching Greenhouse, where the group will be led through a make-your-own holiday planter workshop, with each guest creating a planter to take home. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared and served by Niagara College students at our Benchmark restaurant, before capping off the day with a wine, beer, cider, and spirit tasting at the Niagara College Teaching Winery.
The Toronto Spring Sports Package
Value: $3,000
Donated by: Danny Cvetanovic and the Talosi Family for the Toronto Raptors, Blue Jays and FC Tickets; TD Insurance for the Toronto Maple Leafs Tickets; Aanch Restaurant, and Hyatt Regency Toronto
• 2 Club Seat Tickets to see the Toronto Raptors take on the Charlotte Hornets on April 9th
• 2 100-Level Tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs tickets play against the Montreal Canadiens on April 12th
• 4 Club Seat Tickets for the Toronto Blue Jays versus Detroit Tigers on May 17 th
• 2 Front Row Tickets to a Toronto FC game of your choice (limitations apply).
This package includes a $100 gift card to Alumni-chef owned Aanch restaurant in Toronto’s entertainment district, and a one-night complimentary stay at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.
Caps, Corks, and Forks
Value: $2,000
Donated by: NC, Culinary, Tourism & Beverage Studies
Students from NC’s winery program go head-to-head against the brewmaster program to see who can pair the best beverages with a five-course meal, prepared by our culinary students. Guests will then cast their votes to determine the night’s ultimate winner! This auction item includes a table for 10.
Private Golf Day for 12
Value: $5,400
Donated by: Peninsula Lakes Golf Club
Enjoy your own golf day for 12 guests at the beautiful Peninsula Lakes Golf Club with a shared cart, lunch and dinner included. Expires at the end of 2025 Season.
Escape to Turks and Caicos
Proudly supporting Niagara College’s network cabling requirements for more than 25 years
Commercial Cleaning Services
Niagara College
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With a strong focus on student success, well-being and future-ready learning, DSBN is committed to providing high-quality education.
By equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need, we are setting them up for their next opportunity – whether that’s postsecondary education, skilled trades, or the workforce.
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Land Acknowledgement
Niagara College acknowledges that we are gathered on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe. We offer our sincere gratitude to them as the stewards of this land, which is protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement and where many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities from across Turtle Island continue to live and work in this territory today. Acknowledging the peoples whose territory we are on, and the agreements that guide their stewardship of the land, reminds us to reflect on and respect their unique relationship to this land. It also is an invitation for all of us to identify action we can commit to that respect and reinforce our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights, including the Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education protocol.