»» Official Launch for World’s First Italian Walk of Fame in Toronto
The official launch of the world’s first Italian Walk of Fame (IWOF) is scheduled for September 7th 2009 in Toronto, Canada.
The Italian Walk of Fame aims to contribute to the preservation and education of Italian heritage by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Italians who have excelled within their respective fields and across a variety of industries.
From the city that is home to the largest community of Italians outside of Italy comes the world’s first Italian Walk of Fame (IWOF). Located in the heart of Toronto’s famous downtown tourist destination known as “Little Italy” and co-founded by Jimi Bertucci and Marisa Beaco Lang, the IWOF will pay tribute to the extraordinary achievements Italians have had, locally and globally, in all fields including business, science, art, film, theatre, finance, medicine, literature, architecture, religion and politics.
Its establishment will provide,
- A place to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
- A platform upon which the Italian identity as well as the Italian immigrant experience can be discussed and defined.
- A means by which visitors and young people can learn some important facts about individuals of Italian origin in particular and about the immigrant experience in general.
- An inspiration to the young for further achievement.
The unveiling ceremonies will take place in Toronto’s “Little Italy” in front of the CHIN Building (622 College St.) at 1:30 pm on Sept 7, 2009. A gala awards dinner will follow later that day at the Riviera Parque Banquet & Convention Centre in Vaughan (2800 Highway 7 West) at 6:00 pm.
Stars of achievement will be presented to:
Giancarlo Giannini - Internationally Acclaimed Academy-Award Nominated Actor
Phil Esposito - Hockey Legend and Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
Johnny Lombardi - Pioneer Broadcaster and Community Leader
Rudy Bratty - Real Estate Developer, Described as “The Man who Built Toronto”
Julian Fantino - Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police
Connie Francis - “America’s Sweetheart of Song” and International Best-Selling Artist
“The Italian Walk of Fame will recognize and honor these six individuals of Italian origin who have demonstrated an exceptional level of accomplishment within their respective fields“, said Co-Founder Marisa Beaco Lang. “In our inaugural year, a portion of the proceeds raised from the awards gala will benefit the Abruzzo earthquake relief effort“, she added.
Details and tickets for the Gala Awards dinner following the unveiling at ItalianWalkOfFame.com.
