On November 19th our club had the honor of attending the 2016 Mayor’s Gala at the Pickering Recreation Complex.  Mayor Dave Ryan, and his wife Anne, put on a spectacular event themed, “Old Hollywood – An Affair to Remember”.  The Gala Chair, Diana Hills, organized the entire event in true Hollywood fashion, complete with “paparazzi” and a red carpet walk.
 
 
 
The event was sponsored by many prestigious businesses and organizations, such as; Mattamy Homes, Pickering Town Centre, Ontario Power Generation and Durham Regional Police Services Board.  We were most proud to have two of our Pickering Rotary Music Festival alumni perform.  Lauren Esch and Anna Caroline Macdonald presented their talents to all at the beginning of the Gala.  Additionally, the Rotary grand piano our club proudly owns was used by the talented John Ricciardelli as he played many old Hollywood tunes to a very interested crowd.
 
As we approach our 30th anniversary of the Pickering Rotary Music Festival, we sincerely invite the participants of the Gala to attend.  The performances from the children as well as their vocal pieces are something to see.  A great opportunity for Mayor Ryan and his colleagues to witness how their valued support helps the children in our community.  We want to officially thank the Mayor for his continued support and for the generous gift of $10,000 this year.  The Festival dates are February 23 – March 9 and our Stars of the Festival Concert will be April 8, 2017.