Montage Support Services bring back their signature gala after three years and a group of GBC students to be featured.  

The Dare to Inspire signature gala will feature GBC’s fashion students in an adaptive wear segment alongside other entertainment on the night of June 2. 

The gala, organized by Montage Support Services, is a fundraiser event which is returning after a three year break.  

Montage supports people with developmental disabilities and focuses on providing person-inspired services. The gala aims to widen the organization’s outreach, educate people, and engage them with Montage’s work.  

Laura Tonelli, events and public relations specialist at Montage Support Services shared that their work consists of spending time with people with developmental disabilities and their families to understand their aspirations and set goals.  

“It is more of looking at diverse needs and trying to make them more able in the community… They go out in the community, they volunteer for different events, many of are in wheelchairs,” Tonelli said. 

Tonelli believes that Montage’s greatest achievement is their approach to changing the language for diversity by putting the person first to work towards eliminating perception that challenge the possibility of diversity. 

Montage’s signature gala has different themes each year. This year’s theme ‘dare to inspire’ is dedicated to the recognitions that will be made during the gala’s award session. 

“The title was chosen by our CEO because of the past three years and how individuals as well as everybody else had to pretty much reinvent the way they live life,” said Tonelli, “Dare to Inspire will recognize two of the people that we support and how they have overcome the challenges to do what they love to do.” 

Tonelli added that the gala is an opportunity for Montage to share with supporters and donors that their contribution is making a difference.  

The gala will have a live DJ along with entertainment by Dom Mar KZ, Enrico Galante, and platinum motown boys. There will be a host bar, antipasto bar, and dinner for attendees. Additionally, the group of GBC fashion arts students will be showcasing their adaptive clothing line. 

Students who attend the gala can learn more about Montage’s work and explore co-op or internship opportunities with Montage.  

“Not only is it wonderful that they’re a part of it [the gala], it’s also insightful for them,” Tonelli said. She added that socialising with a new group of people with whom Montage has no previous affiliation helps spread their outreach. 

The gala will be held at Eglinton Grand on June 2 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Interested students can find more information and buy tickets here.  

Students who wish to volunteer to take photographs of the event will receive a free entry and are encouraged to email editor@dialognews.ca.