Three young ladies welcome guests to the Marrakech-themed 2007 Legacy Gala on Friday, September 28. The event raised more than $400,000 to support students in financial need.
Thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors, auction donors and other guests at the 2007 Legacy Gala, hundreds of Durham College students will now be able to make their post-secondary dreams a reality. The sixth annual Legacy Gala raised $206,000 and qualifies for the Ontario Trust for Student Support matching program, meaning $412,000 in all will go to student bursaries and scholarship endowments at the college and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
The Marrakech-themed event, which took place on September 28 and transported guests to the exotic and beautiful 'Rose City' in Morocco, was attended by hundreds of guests, including business and corporate leaders, politicians and other community leaders, staff and administration from both schools and students. Guests were treated to authentic Moroccan cuisine, belly dancing, fire-eating, sword-swallowing and acrobats. More than 40 local businesses and sponsors donated auction items to the event.
"Durham College would like to thank everyone for joining us to celebrate the treasured partnerships between the college and donors, businesses and community partners," said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. "Once again, your contributions have made this event a tremendous success and will make a real difference, helping our students gain the market-ready skills needed to attain great careers and make a difference in the world."
This year's gala was co-chaired by Dr. Peter and Marianne Zakarow, longtime community leaders and ongoing supporters of Durham College and UOIT. Dr. Zakarow is current chair of the Durham College Foundation and former chair of the Durham College Board of Governors.
"My wife and I are very proud to serve as honorary co-chairs because we share a deep-rooted connection to the values of Durham College and UOIT," said Dr. Zakarow. "Helping make higher education a reality for more young people is very exciting and rewarding."
Sponsors of this year's gala included the Albis family, owners of Tosca, Mondo Ristorante and Avanti Trattoria; the Caribbean Event; Ontario Power Generation; the Patchett family; and the Pardy family, which created a scholarship in memory of their husband and father, Roger Pardy, for students pursuing a career in police services. Additional sponsors included Metroland, the Durham Region Home Builders' Association, BMO Financial Group, Durham College Alumni Association, the Dwayne Moses Memorial Walk and Run, EllisDon, RBC Financial Group and the Durham Regional Police Services Board.