Bella Serata 2014
The beautiful evening at the GYMC on November 15 dazzles the crowd and raises over $9000 for the GYMC.
Some of Guelph’s finest restaurants and caterers offered samples of their best food at the GYMC’s annual fundraising gala. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages were available to quench people’s thirst and mellow their mood.
The stage of the Recital Hall showcased great music throughout the evening. Young performers opened the program. The audience heard the Suzuki String School of Guelph’s Concorde Ensemble and Guelph Youth Singers’ Chamber Choir.
Soprano Marion Samuel-Stevens performed with pianist Ken Gee and trumpeter Chris Cigolea. Then everyone was treated to a special appearance by world-renowned pianist Valerie Tryon.
The “jazz” part of the evening kicked off with a dazzling musical display by pianist/singer Andrew Craig, followed by a fun impromptu performance by singer/songwriter James Gordon. Saxophonist Brent Rowan and bassist Jason Raso ended the night of music with some duos, and were then joined by Chris Cigolea for some great trio music.
The SILENT AUCTION was exceptional.The bidding actually started online before the gala with a limited selection of items. The final ’live” bidding and exclusive items were available only to Gala attendees.
thank you to the following for donating
food & drink
Borealis Grille & Bar . 1388 Gordon St, Guelph . 519-265-9007
Buon Gusto . 69 Wyndham St N, Guelph . 519-265-8766
Diamond Estate Winery . 1067 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. 905-641-1042
Eric the Baker . 46 Carden St, Guelph . 519-265-8999
F&M Breweries . 355 Elmira Rd N, Guelph . 519-824-1194
OX . 37 Quebec St, Guelph . 519-821-9271
Platters . 3 Watson Rd S, Unit 5/6, Guelph . 519-836-3190
Red Brick Cafe . 8 Douglas St, Guelph . 519-836-1126 & 77 Westmount Rd, 519-836-1101
Wellington Cakes . 9 Douglas St, Guelph . 519-836-5088
special thanks to our performers
who generously donated their music
Valerie Tryon piano
internationally-renowned classical pianist
Marion Samuel-Stevens soprano
performing caberet music
Ken Gee piano
Andrew Craig piano and vocals
this extraordinary talented musician will be a treat to hear
Chris Cigolea trumpet . Brent Rowan sax . Jason Raso bass
a trio of fantastic musicians performing jazz
Suzuki String School of Guelph Concorde Ensemble
Guelph Youth Singers Chamber Choir & director Markus Howard
thank you to our gala supporters
BDO Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Guelph Mercury Community Partnerships Program
Woolwich Arrow Neighbourhood Pub
Clay & Jacquie Seabrook
thank you to our silent auction donors
Barbara Bryce Improvised Art Glass
Cristina Ciloci
Guelph Medical Laser & Skin Centre
Bob Ireland
Jay Burn Pottery
Ken Hammill
Kevin Dolderman
Maria’s Pottery
Michael Barnstijn
The Neighbourhood Group of Companies Ltd.
Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop
Our gratitude to the Gala organizing committee
Gabriella Currie-Ziegler (executive director, GYMC)
Bob Desautels
Susan Dickert
Grace Evans
Jennifer Ferron (online & silent auction)
Ken Gee (chair)
special thanks to
Alex Annab
Paule Barsalou (Suzuki String School of Guelph)
Gary Christie
Mary & Carla Hebden (gala decoration)
Valerie Langlois (sponsor lounge decoration)
Paul White
Students from Beyond Borders
Students from the Suzuki String School of Guelph