Final Opportunity to Take our Survey
We Want Your Feedback!
Villa Charities is undertaking a survey through The Strategic Counsel to solicit feedback from our patrons and other users of our facilities and services. We want to better understand your needs, how well we are presently serving them and how we can best meet them moving forward. The survey closes on February 18, so this is a final reminder to provide feedback on how you currently engage with Villa Charities.

Don’t Miss our Mardi Gras Celebration Event on February 25
On Tuesday, February 25 at 7pm, Villa Charities is excited to host a special event to celebrate the last evening of Martedi Grasso . Join us in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery for a lively evening of social dancing with masks to wear and Carnevale-themed treats. This is a ‘Pay What You Can’ event. Donations welcome at the door.

Different Musical Worlds Come Together at “Amore Per Sempre”
On Saturday, February 22 at 7:30pm, Soprano Victoria Gydov, Tenor Michael Nasato and Pianist Adolfo De Santis join for a festive musical evening as they perform unforgettable Italian arias and romantic duets from operas by beloved composers such as Verdi, Puccini and Mozart. The concert also includes popular Broadway music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as entertaining Neapolitan songs by Leoncavallo and others.

Spend Valentine’s Day with Your Loved One at Ristorante Boccaccio
Still looking for the perfect spot for your Valentine's Day date night? Dine on authentic Italian cuisine and celebrate with your special someone at Ristorante Boccaccio at the Columbus Centre! Join us and receive a free homemade chocolate dessert with the purchase of a pasta dish or entrée. Make a reservation now!
 
Take Advantage of our Pick 3 Package for Concerti in Galleria and Save
Villa Charities presents Concerti in Galleria , a concert series featuring renowned musicians performing a brilliant array of musical genres including opera, chamber music and more, all held in the beautiful Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Pick any 3 concerts and save 15% on tickets! Buy now for performances through Saturday, April 25.

Celebrate Pancake Tuesday at Caffè Cinquecento
On Tuesday, February 25, stop by Caffè Cinquecento at the Columbus Centre from 8am - 2:30pm for Pancake Tuesday. Enjoy traditional Buttermilk pancakes or Gluten Free Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. Additional pancake toppings and breakfast items are available at an additional cost.

Visit Our Latest Exhibitions in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
The Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at the Columbus Centre is showcasing two new exhibitions. Anthony Ricciardi’s “We Adore You” exhibition includes 30 specially created canvases, two signature sculptures and a mural. “Dreaming in Colour” brings together 30 abstract canvases by contemporary artist Peter Triantos. Visit the exhibitions from now until Sunday, April 5!

Hone Your Italian Skills in “Learn Italian By Doing” Program
Don’t miss your chance to learn or practice Italian in a relaxed and “simpatico” atmosphere at our “Learn Italian By Doing” program. Journey through Italy’s regions and cities in our “Travel through Italy with Angelita Papa” workshop, every Wednesday at 7pm. Also, practice your Italian while learning about the great masters of Italian Renaissance in our “Impara l’Arte with Violante Binazzi” workshop, every Thursday at 7pm. Winter term workshops run until Thursday, March 5!

Move to the Music at Ballo Liscio (Social Dancing)
Can’t make Ballo Liscio tonight? Join us for the next event on Thursday, March 12 at 7pm and enjoy an evening of social dancing in the Sala Caboto Ballroom. No RSVP required. This is a ‘Pay What You Can’ program. Donations welcome at the door.

Presentation on Galileo Galilei at Cultural Tuesdays
Our latest Cultural Tuesdays series continues with Dr. Franco Gallippi, dedicated to the relationship between art and science, and those Italians who have inspired and shaped so many minds over the centuries. On February 18 at 7pm, join us for the final lecture of the series where the topic of Galileo Galilei in cinema and popular culture will be examined.

Book Your Appointment for Friday Chats with the CEO
Come and meet with Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation, and share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Anthony will be held on the second Friday of every month, from 10am – 3pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. Upcoming dates for these chats are Friday, March 13 and Friday, April 17. Contact us today to schedule your appointment – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email  csimpson@villacharities.com .

ShowOne Productions with support from Villa Charities presents Maurizio Schweizer's "Celentano Tribute Show"
For the first time in Toronto on March 8, 2020 at the Elgin Theatre, audiences will experience a show that has won the hearts, minds and souls of Italy and the globe! This worldwide successful project features a collection of the greatest songs by the living legend singer/actor Adriano Celentano like Amore No , Soli , Susanna , Il Tempo Se ne Va , Confessa , Pay Pay Pay and more. Villa Charities patrons can receive a special 10% discount on tickets with the promo code Celetano10 .

Grab Your Workout Partner and Join the Columbus Centre Athletic Club
Get your heart pumping this February at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! From February 1 - 29, sign up for a 12-month membership with a friend or family member and you’ll both receive 20% off your annual membership fees. Applicable to new members only. Conditions apply.

Immerse Your Child in the World of Magic at Columbus Centre March Break Camp
Has your child ever wondered how a magician was able to wow a crowd again and again? Now is their chance to learn from a professional magician at our Magic Camp (Ages 6-12). Campers will learn the secrets of the magic trade including sleight of hand, misdirection, stage presence, parlour magic and close-up magic. Register now for Columbus Centre March Break Camp, running March 16 – 20.

Register for Adult Barre Fitness Class at DanzArts Toronto
Specifically designed to tone, strengthen and lengthen your muscles, our Adult Barre Fitness class at DanzArts Toronto will have you working your whole body! Improve your coordination, flexibility, and overall strength, as you dance to inspiring music and sculpt your arms, legs, glutes and core! No dance experience required.

Create Your Own Canvas at our Next Impressionist Painting Workshop
Join us for our Impressionist Painting workshop on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30pm at the Columbus Centre, where we will be crafting our own interpretations of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1.” Classes are available for $40 + HST per person. Professional art supplies are included.

Last Chance to Reserve for our “For the Love of Polenta” Theme Lunch
Join us on Sunday, February 23 at 1pm at Sala Caboto for a rustic Italian family meal as we dine on polenta. Topped with your choice of gourmet ingredients including braised beef, sausage, caponata, cheese and mushroom cream, enjoy this home style comfort food. Alongside this quintessential Italian dish, the menu also includes salad and dessert. Make a reservation today!

Win Tickets to See Eros Ramazzotti Live at Scotiabank Arena
Sign up for Giro and raise more than $250 or register your foursome for the Golf Classic and your name will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pair of premium tickets (100 Level!) to see Eros Ramazzotti during his VITA CE N’È world tour at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, March 7. Take advantage of this special promotion now!

Celebrate Italian and Jewish Heritage at Un Abbraccio! This June
We invite you to join us for Un Abbraccio! as we celebrate the cultural heritage of our Italian and Jewish communities and the enduring bond between them. Events include a Black Tie Dinner Reception in Honour of Liberation75 on June 1, An Evening of Popular Calabrian Music on June 3 and the Viva Vitalità Italiana: Calabria Mia! photographic exhibition on June 4. For more information, please contact Cristina Costa at ccosta@villacharities.com .

Un Abbraccio! Co-Chairs, Wendy Switzer Myles and Marcello Tarantino at the Launch of  Un Abbraccio! Event
Buy Tickets for “Tarantella Experience” Workshop with Lucia Scarabino
On Sunday, March 29, come learn the ritual of Pizzica Dance and the Tarantella del Gargano from Lucia Scarabino, one of the top folk dancers from Puglia, Italy. Enjoy an engaging and inclusive workshop for all who are curious about learning these historical and traditional folk dances from Southern Italy. With support from Villa Charities, DanzArts Toronto and Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto.