Antonio Ienco - Arts and Entertainment

Antonio Ienco, Founding Member of the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF), is the driving force behind the emergence of film and interest in the film arts in Vaughan. Without his vision, persistence, and leadership, there would be no meaningful conversation about film in the city today. Antonio has not only introduced film to Vaughan but has cultivated it into a cultural cornerstone—bridging the gap between local talent, the Greater Toronto film community, and the global industry.

From the beginning, Antonio recognized that Vaughan lacked a platform for independent filmmakers. The solution was bold: build a festival that would rival cultural hubs and establish Vaughan as a serious player in the creative industries. Through his efforts, VFF has become synonymous with innovation, opportunity, and international reach. He has positioned Vaughan as a gathering place where filmmakers from around the world can connect with local talent, audiences, industry leaders and businesses across the community that have an strong interest in supporting the creative arts.

Antonio’s ability to create and sustain partnerships is at the core of VFF’s success. Under his stewardship, the festival has secured over 500 sponsors and community partners since its inception in 2013. These relationships are more than financial; they are bridges that connect Vaughan’s business community, civic leaders, and cultural advocates to the arts. His dedication has ensured that the local community see the festival not only as an event, but as a lasting investment in the city’s cultural growth.

Equally impactful are Antonio’s connections to the international film industry. As a member of the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE), he has leveraged his professional network to bring world-class expertise to Vaughan. He was instrumental in making VFF the only Canadian partner in the Entertainment Industry Professionals Mentoring Alliance (EIPMA), a prestigious recognition that links Vaughan directly to Hollywood’s mentoring ecosystem for emerging talent. Through these relationships, Antonio has facilitated, through VFF, industry workshops, seminars, and panels that have equipped emerging filmmakers with invaluable skills, elevating both the city’s profile and the opportunities available to its residents.

The results of his leadership are remarkable: VFF has attracted film submissions from over 65 countries, showcased six Oscar-nominated films, and welcomed countries to its lineup like Australia, Spain, Italy, China, France, Turkey, Greece, Lithuania, Costa Rica, and Nepal into its fold. Festival week now draws audiences from across Ontario, cementing Vaughan as a destination for cultural tourism and celebration.

Antonio’s passion for nurturing young talent is evident through VFF’s student initiatives. Over the past 12 years, the festival has awarded more than $80,000 in bursaries to high school students across Ontario, encouraging the next generation of storytellers. For many of these students, VFF is their first encounter with a professional festival environment, and Antonio’s commitment ensures they are seen, celebrated, and inspired to pursue film as a future.

In every sense, Antonio is a connector: linking sponsors to community impact, young filmmakers to industry professionals, and Vaughan to the global stage. His efforts have ensured that film is not an afterthought in Vaughan but a thriving part of its identity. Through his vision and relentless dedication, Antonio has built more than a festival—he has established a cultural legacy that positions Vaughan as a hub for creativity, innovation, and opportunity.

For these reasons, Antonio Ienco is not only a deserving candidate for the Order of Vaughan but also the embodiment of what it means to build a city’s cultural identity from the ground up. Without him, Vaughan would not be spoken of as a home for film. With him, it has become a beacon for creativity and community connection.

Dr. Aslam Daud - Not-for-profit

A senior professional with more than 30 years of experience in Management, Information Technology, Health Care, Mediation, Arbitration, Adjudication & Non-Profit sectors. Result driven, senior management and multi-faceted experience. Proven track record of leadership and performance utilizing keen analysis, insight and team approach.

Dr. Aslam Daud is a physician turned humanitarian relief and community services champion with more than 25 years of experience in executing and overseeing sponsorships and refugee resettlement in Canada. He is actively involved in assisting refugees in resettlement in such a way that they become a progressive part of the Canadian society, thereby giving back to this great country of Canada which has given refuge, hope, and a new life to many of the immigrants settled in Vaughan.

He is actively engaged in promoting multiculturalism, peace, tolerance and humanitarian services in the city of Vaughan. He has led humanitarian relief teams comprised of Vaughan based volunteers to respond to natural disasters to assist the victims. He has also led and organized medical missions in third world countries.

He divides his volunteer time between international disaster relief assistance and local projects. He founded a Feed a Family Food Bank in the city of Vaughan in 2007 that delivers food to the doorsteps of needy with the help of hundreds of volunteers who are proud citizens of Vaughan. He is supporting hundreds of Vaughan based seniors through the Seniors First program in their old age challenges.

Dr. Daud has played leadership roles in bringing the multicultural and multi-faith communities of Canada closer together thus promoting harmony, tolerance and mutual respect among people.

Dr. Daud is positively vocal within the Government circles and among communities to highlight the plight of displaced persons across the globe strongly advocates for Canada to continue its role as one of the most generous and empathetic nation in this regard. Dr. Daud had worked hard to resolve many challenges faced by sponsorship community by employing an effective strategy whereby he stood firm against opposing elements when required, and at the same time, developed a cooperative working relationship between the Government, UNHCR and other stake holders. He is very familiar with global processes and UNHCR governance.

Dr. Daud is a believer of diversity and inclusiveness. He has excellent peoples skills, ability to coordinate, and close relationship with multicultural communities and has served as board members in various governmental and non-governmental decision-making bodies.

Dirk Drieberg - Athletics

For close to 30 years, Dirk Drieberg has devoted himself to developing youth baseball in Vaughan. He has coached House League, Select, and Rep players from T-Ball upward, and his commitment has never wavered. Remarkably, Dirk served as a non-parent coach for his first four years, and again for the last three years after his children stopped playing. At his peak, he managed as many as three teams in a single year for nearly seven consecutive seasons.

Dirk’s leadership has brought significant success to Vaughan. As Head Coach, he led the Vaughan 15U team representing Ontario to win the Baseball Canada National Championship in 2010. His teams have also captured a Baseball Ontario Provincial Championship and multiple York Simcoe Baseball Association (YSBA) regional titles.

Recognizing the need for a unified vision for youth baseball and softball in Vaughan, Dirk was one of eight individuals—four from Maple Minor Baseball and four from the Woodbridge Knights—who came together to merge their organizations and form the City of Vaughan Baseball and Softball Association (CVBSA) in 2000. Over the past 26 years, CVBSA has grown into the largest youth baseball and softball organization in Ontario and is now recognized across Canada as a model of community sport leadership. Since its founding, Dirk has served in key leadership roles including Vice President of Rep Baseball and now President, a position he holds with the same passion and dedication that first brought him to Vaughan in the late 1990s.

In partnership with the City of Vaughan, Dirk has helped establish year-round youth programming led by professional coaches, running clinics and training sessions at the Maple and Garnet Williams Community Centres during the winter months prior to COVID-19. These initiatives inspired countless youth to stay engaged with the sport year-round and significantly grew local participation.

Dirk’s collaboration with City staff has also enhanced public access to baseball by supporting the creation of new fields and facilities. Under his guidance, Vaughan became known as one of the premier baseball destinations in Ontario. He was instrumental in securing hosting rights for the Baseball Canada National Championships for 10 consecutive years, solidifying Vaughan’s reputation as a national hub for baseball excellence.

Each summer, Vaughan—through Dirk’s leadership—hosts over 20 travel tournaments, the majority of YSBA Provincial Qualifiers, and numerous Baseball Ontario Provincial Championships. These events not only fill every diamond across the city from May to September but also bring thousands of visitors who contribute to Vaughan’s local economy and reputation as a vibrant sports destination. Continuing this tradition, the League has recently been awarded hosting rights for the Baseball Ontario 15U National Qualifiers from 2025 through 2029.

Beyond the field, Dirk has made a lasting impact on the lives of young players, umpires, and volunteers by mentoring them and writing numerous letters of reference for college and university applications. His dedication led to the introduction of Post-Secondary Scholarships—three annual awards of $1,500 each—and a $100,000 league commitment over ten years to support local charities. The first three beneficiaries were the Vaughan Food Bank, Hospice Vaughan, and Million Dollar Smiles. Dirk also personally leads toy drives for the Vaughan Toy Drive, encourages player participation in community parades, and was recognized as a member of the Inaugural Class of the CVBSA Hall of Fame in 2023.

Dirk’s influence extends beyond Vaughan. He is a Life Member and Past President of the York Simcoe Baseball Association (YSBA), ensuring strong regional representation at the provincial level. As Past President of the Select Ontario Baseball Association (SOBA), he developed programs to improve player skills and coaching standards. At the Ontario Baseball Association (OBA), Dirk has served as a Director for nearly two decades, taking on major roles such as Director of Player and Coach Development, Chair of the “Best Ever” Training Clinic, and member of the Coaching Committee. His leadership has been recognized through multiple honors, including being named OBA Director of the Year (2008, 2011, and 2018) and receiving the OBA President’s Award in 2023. He was also twice nominated for the Baseball Canada/Major League Baseball Volunteer of the Year Award (2012 and 2019).

Dirk’s excellence was further recognized when he received the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award (Baseball) from the Sport Alliance of Ontario in 2008. This award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the growth and development of sport in Ontario.

Dirk Drieberg is the embodiment of community service, dedication, and leadership. Whether coaching young players, leading organizations, or rolling up his sleeves to help get a game back on after a rain delay, Dirk demonstrates what it means to truly serve his community.

Given his decades of tireless commitment, his outstanding record of leadership, and his profound impact on both sport and community life, awarding Dirk Drieberg the Order of Vaughan would truly be a home run.

Jason Cleugh - Spirituality

Jason Cleugh is the Lead Pastor of North City Church in Vaughan, and a longtime figure in community leadership. Since helping to launch Maple Community Church in 2002, later renamed North City Church, Pastor Jason has guided the congregation in developing programs and initiatives that have made a meaningful impact on local and international communities.

Under his leadership, North City Church has become a hub for community involvement. Pastor Jason has overseen initiatives that support children and families, youth programs, volunteer development, and charitable outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Jason and the congregation organized support services for local families, providing vital resources and assistance, demonstrating a strong commitment to community well-being.

Pastor Jason Cleugh has also fostered leadership within his congregation. He has created mentoring programs, volunteer coordination opportunities, and youth ministries that empower young people to participate actively in service and community involvement. These efforts have increased local engagement and inspired congregants to contribute to broader civic and social initiatives.

Beyond local initiatives, Pastor Jason has led mission trips abroad, including a 2025 trip to Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing global responsibility, cross-cultural awareness, and service. His work exemplifies a combination of spiritual leadership and practical action, inspiring community members to engage in service both locally and internationally.

Pastor Jason Cleugh’s involvement extends to civic and interfaith activities. In December 2022, alongside Mayor Steven Del Duca, he took part in a candlelight vigil in Vaughan to remember victims of a local tragedy, offering comfort and support to the community. He has worked with municipal leaders and other faith groups on projects focused on social harmony and public service.

As a member of the Canadian Council of Churches, he actively engages and organizes events that bring different groups, congregations, and faiths together, fostering dialogue and collaboration rather than division. His work in interfaith dialogue, including ongoing engagement with the local Ahmadiyya Muslim community, highlights his dedication to understanding, inclusivity, and cooperation.

Outside of his formal ministry, Pastor Jason’s personal interests in leadership, sports, technology, and international awareness shape his approach to service. He has also led congregational trips to Israel, encouraging spiritual growth and a broader perspective on global faith-based engagement.

Through decades of dedicated service in the Vaughan community, Pastor Jason Cleugh has established a strong record of meaningful community impact. His leadership integrates faith, practical action, mentorship, and civic engagement, making him a notable candidate for recognition as a community leader.

Lal Khan Malik - Spirituality

Lal Khan Malik is the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at of Canada. He resides in Peace Village, close to the Baitul Islam Mosque in Vaughan. Mr. Malik has served the community in Canada in various capacities for over three decades. A stalwart in the Vaughan community, his humble, charismatic, and honorable personality has commanded the admiration of not just the thousands of Ahmadi Muslims in the City of Vaughan, but of all residents and community/city leaders who have had the honour of meeting and working with him.

Before moving to Canada in 1987, he served as an engineer in South Asia, and in East Africa. Lal Khan Malik is a strong advocate of social services and was presented the Lifetime of Service Recognition award by the Ontario Non Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) for his 20 years of service with the Non-Profit Housing Association. Serving many years as the Administrator of the Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace building in Toronto, his strong managerial leadership earned the development further distinctions including the ONPHA Going Green award, and the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association (CHRA) Sustainability award.

As National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Mr. Malik extensively travels across Canada. His love of Canada extends not just to the Ahmadiyya community he serves, but to all the citizens of our glorious land. He believes in and practices the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, “Love for All, Hatred for None.” Mr. Malik has been an incredible human rights and community service advocate, meeting with leaders across Canada including Prime Minister Harper, Prime Minister Trudeau, various MP's, MPP's, and local members of council in the City of Vaughan to provide his valuable insights on the importance of fostering interfaith and intercultural harmony across diverse communities in Canada.

Mr. Malik has been serving as National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at since 2007, stationed in Peace Village in the heart of Vaughan, and his ties to the Vaughan community are extensive. Lal Khan Malik has overseen large-scale humanitarian initiatives, including the infamous annual Run for Vaughan, which started in 2003 to support the Vaughan hospital, and has since expanded into over 30 annual charity runs in various cities across the nation.

Mr. Malik has continuously offered the Baitul Islam Mosque and Tahir Hall Community Centre to the Canadian Blood Services for blood drives, to Elections Ontario and Canada to set up polling stations, to many food banks for charity and food drives, and to many other Vaughan community partners/stakeholders in an effort to foster a greater sense of community and to serve humanity.

One of Lal Khan Malik's greatest contributions to the City of Vaughan is his long standing commitment to interfaith collaboration and harmony. As National President of one of the largest Muslim organizations in Canada, he has effectively guided the organization of many interfaith symposiums and dialogues, including the Annual World Religions Conference.

Most notably under his leadership, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at organizes the Jalsa Salana, an international, interfaith convention which was hosted for many years in Peace Village, Vaughan, and thrived there until the late 2000s. It is now attended annually by over 20 000 people from across Canada and beyond. This convention, representing unity and peace, is a staple in the calendars of many faith and community leaders, as well as dignitaries and government officials.

Among the many great qualities of Mr. Lal Khan Malik is his commitment to serving humanity. As an executive on the board of Humanity First, an international humanitarian relief organization, Mr. Malik has been a catalyst in the growth of this non-profit. Notably, he played critical roles in the expansion of the Humanity First food bank in Vaughan, serving thousands of residents annually.

Additionally, Mr. Malik makes great efforts to ensure Canadian values are respected and celebrated. Through the Muslims for Remembrance campaign, Lal Khan Malik effectively led large scale Poppy sales and Remembrance day events in an effort to support our veterans and reflect upon the sacrifices made by our brave Canadian heroes. Furthermore, Mr. Malik has ensured that the Baitul Islam Mosque is always the spot to be for the annual Canada Day celebrations, bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate our great nation.

Mr. Malik also regularly calls on members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in Vaughan to offer themselves for public and civic service, whether it is through volunteering at local food banks, being engaged in municipal affairs, and/or supporting Vaughan businesses and stakeholders. He consistently champions public service, not only through words but actions as well. Thus, he has been heavily recognized with the most prestigious awards, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Award, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award, among many others. He is one of the most recognizable figures in the City of Vaughan and continues to work hard for all Vaughan residents.

Mara Orrico - Business

Mara Orrico graduated from York University in 1991 and received her BFA honours in dance. While in school, Mara taught dance classes for the City of Vaughan as well as the Woodbridge School of Dance in Market Lane. She realized quickly that she wanted to run her own studio to teach and have a positive and lasting impact on students. Mara lives in Woodbridge and is married with three children. She has been a fixture of the dance community in the Woodbridge area for over 35 years. She has taught dance to each of her three children with her youngest daughter, Madelyn, still dancing when home from school at Queen's University.

Dance with Mara ("DWM") was established in 1991 and originally began offering classes in ballet and jazz. DWM is now in its 35th year! The studio's location was initially in the hall of the Christ Church Anglican on Islington Avenue in Woodbridge. With some momentum and growth in registrations, DWM moved to its current home at 131 Whitmore Road near Weston Road and Highway 7. In addition to ballet and jazz, DWM now offers a much broader array of classes in tap, hip hop, musical theatre, acro and lyrical for students as young as three years old. As a testament to the longevity and impact DWM has had on students over decades, many current students are children of former students.

Mara's Philosophy
Mara has always maintained that dance is an art and not a sport. As such, the cornerstone of DWM's philosophy is that students should participate in their weekly dance classes without the pressure of competing for a medal. As a result, DWM attracts students of all abilities, the vast majority of whom take multiple classes per week and make progress on par or exceeding the competency of students attending competitive dance schools. A hallmark of DWM's philosophy includes building confidence in students, including those with developmental challenges. Given how inclusive the studio is, students with autism or other learning disabilities often thrive in DWM's classes.

DWM has a dance team made up of a group of advanced students. This group is active in the community and regularly performs at various events and institutions on a volunteer basis. Mara began this practice several years ago after visiting a long-term care home and recognizing that the residents are seldom able to venture out so why not bring the joy of dance to their home. As a result, DWM’s dance team regularly perform at seniors' homes, cultural events and various fundraisers throughout Vaughan.

Mara ensures that the cost of classes and recital costumes are affordable with all-in total costs representing a fraction of competing schools in Vaughan. This extends to DWM's summer camps in the months of July and August. They're run on a weekly basis at a very affordable price and include curriculum in dance, arts and crafts and drama. Notwithstanding DWM's decision to avoid competitions, every year the school recognizes a select number of students in various age groups for their achievements and improvements throughout the dance year. In addition, as a testament to the inspiration, confidence and abilities acquired at DWM, many of her students go on to specialize in dance, musical theatre and art in high school with several auditioning and being accepted at the National Ballet of Canada.

Year-End Recitals
Every dance year culminates in a recital spanning 2-3 days. In the early years, the recital was held in the church hall, then in the auditorium at Saint Joan of Arc High School. Once she outgrew this venue, the recital was held at the Burton Auditorium at York University for many years. Without notice, the Burton Auditorium was closed down. It was then she decided to relocate the year-end recital to its current home at the Richmond Hill Theatre for the Performing Arts. This more professional venue is befitting the effort and progress made by DWM students during the dance year.

The recital is the product and manifestation of the full year's efforts and dance classes by DWM students. It's also an opportunity for parents, grandparents and friends to come watch the students perform and where many former students come to work backstage to help ensure the recital runs smoothly.

Lasting and Positive Impact on Students
The impact DWM has had on students for over three decades has been immense. Its unique philosophy, style and curriculum have shaped the future of its students for the better. The progressive and supportive environment created by Mara and carried out by the studio has allowed so many young girls and boys to not only develop their dance skills but also build their confidence and create lasting friendships in a positive and welcoming environment.

Marina Gurizzan - Philanthropy

Marina is the founder, along with her husband, of PSP Services Inc, a leader in the payments space, headquartered in Vaughan, ON. Marina began her journey in Canada, as a child, arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Pier 21 on May 3, 1961 with her parents and siblings.

Faith, kindness, hard work and perseverance quickly became her keys to success throughout all aspects of her life personally and professionally. Strong will and determination came from her Father's expectations, no matter the role that is being pursued, Francesco Mignardi taught his children to always work hard.

Her faith and kindness were passed on by her mother. A devout Catholic who suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed for 35 years of her life. Marina cared for her mother and learned that no matter what disability or hard ship one may be faced with, there is no reason to not have a positive outlook on life and achieve one's personal goals.

As a leader at PSP Services Inc. the motto hanging on the walls is "We win as one." Marina references this quote at the end of all her meetings, to remind her teams that as a community, we are stronger, successful and helping each other is an important aspect of winning. Managing 80 employees, Marina works alongside her husband and they brought an integral piece of the payments industry to Vaughan.

Marina walks into a room and immediately brings warmth, comfort and energy. She is a vibrant member of the Vaughan community. She carries a multi faceted approach to giving back. She believes in the value of youth sports for the growth and success of healthy young children. Donating to hockey, baseball, volleyball and motor sport youth teams.

Marina is a big supporter of the arts, be it through film or the music industry. A major donor at Vaughan signature events including this year's Vaughan International Film Festival and Bellvue Entertainment's performance of, The King and I.

Marina also donates to organizations that empower business' the ability to succeed with the right tools through projects such as Spazio Camera where opportunities are provided to aspiring Italian-Canadian businesses. A key business partner with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, PSP Services Inc. has been a lead sponsor of the VCCs annual Women to Women Symposium.

As a VCC member, PSP Services Inc. teams' remain active at all events hosted in the Vaughan community. As Marina has been an advocate on the importance of growing and strengthening the business' in her community.

For 25 years, through donation and time, Marina has dedicated much of herself to Villanova College an independent Catholic Augustinian school in King City. She was asked to Chair the first major Capital Campaign of the school for their 25th anniversary milestone year. In addition, she selflessly gave her time and efforts to Co-Chairing their 25th Anniversary Blue and Silver Gala, which was a resounding success. In addition, Marina supports many charitable organizations that provide crucial support services for the elderly, health industry and more. Donating to key charities such as Hospice Vaughan and Catholic Community Services of York Region.

Marina is an example of a devoted Vaughan community member. She has advocated for the success of various aspects of the community that allows it to thrive. From youth sports to education, growth of a business to supporting neighboring business' she remains a vibrant and integral piece of the City of Vaughan and we are so blessed to have her advocate for the continued growth and success of our city.

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan - Spirituality

Rabbi Kaplan is the spirtual leader of Chabad Flamingo, a synogogue in the heart of Canada's Jewish community in the City of Vaughan.

Rabbi Kaplan was born in Norfolk, Virginia and raised along the Eastern Seaboard. He pursued advanced Rabbinical studies and served on internships in the USA, Russia and Argentina. He received his formal Rabbinic ordination in 1994.

In 1995, after marrying his wife Faygie Grossbaum of Vaughan, they settled in Detroit. Rabbi Kaplan became the founding Dean of Yeshivat Lubavitch in Oak Park. From 1987 to 1988, they resided in Jerusalem with Rabbi Kaplan teaching at the Mayanot Institute.

Returning to Ontario in 1998, Rabbi Kaplan and Faygie Kaplan established Chabad Flamingo which they lead presently. The Flamingo community is housed in a 53,000 square foot Ernest Manson Lubavitch Centre, featuring a main sanctuary with 613 seats, a ballroom, renovated Mikvah facilities. an education wing, a library, a youth lounge and administrative wing.

In 2019, Rabbi Kaplan established an International Welcome Centre across from the Rebbe's Ohel in Queens, New York, which includes 10 hospitality suites along with meeting spaces, serving international visitors.

In 2019, Rabbi Kaplan was appointed Chaplain of York Regional Police Services becoming the first Canadian Jewish Police Chaplain since WWII. Rabbi Kaplan also serves as a member of the Toronto Vaad HaRabbanim and a voting member of the COR Kashrut Council.

Rabbi Kaplan has eight children, four of whom are married, continuining their service as Jewish leaders, one in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Rabbi Kaplan has a significant online presence. He shares weekly teachings on Youtube, Facebook Live, Chabad.org, and RabbiKaplanTV with over 2.2 million views.

He travels internationally to speak, most recently to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. He has a regular presence on television and radio, including a daily Torah segment on CHIN Radio and TV International since 2022.

He maintains close ties with Canadian and community political leaders and has received numerous awards and recognitions including the Civic Hero Award from the City of Vaughan in 2009. Rabbi Kaplan is also a well regarded artist and creates charcoal portraits.

Tony Monaco - Media and Communications

Tony Monaco is a successful and beloved GT A-based radio broadcaster whose extensive career has spanned almost 4 decades. With passion, enthusiasm and an unyielding commitment to his craft as well as a deep connection to his vast southern Ontario audience, Tony has persevered in an incredibly competitive and volatile industry surpassing the test of time while inspiring millions of listeners, community groups and other media industry professionals. His humbleness, unparalleled energy and advocacy for the betterment of the communities around him make indeed a pillar of the Canadian broadcasting profession.

His burning desire for radio began at age four when he picked up the rotary phone to request a song at 1050 CHUM Toronto. Regardless of his tender years he was instinctually aware of his life purpose and in time, with the support of his family, wholeheartedly committed himself to living his dream.

As a teen Tony was inspired by radio and television legend, John Majhor (1050 CHUM, Toronto Rocks, Citytv Lunch Television) and while in secondary school and later as a student enrolled in a three-year Radio Broadcasting & Journalism program at Humber College, Tony interned with his mentor until graduating in 1988. Due to limited on-air positions available in the Toronto Top-40 market, Tony found work as a radio operator at 680 CFTR but was advised by Majhorto leave the city so as to continue honing his on-air skills in more opportune areas. Taking counsel, Tony quickly found broadcasting work at various Top-40 radio stations in Leamington, Windsor, Cobourg and Kitchener until returning to Toronto in 1990 where, with dogged determination he landed a position in mainstream radio at AM 640 - The Hog-thus launching his legendary on-air career. It was at The Hog where he was 'advised' to anglicize his name and refusing, he courageously stated that his name and Italian background were an integral part of who he was. Following the conversion of AM 640 to all-talk programming Tony, with a budding fan base, transitioned to the FM dial. Approached by Canadian award-winning broadcasting pioneer, Bill Evanov, he joined the growing Evanov Communications enterprise to help develop its newly acquired, Top-40 station in Orangeville.

DC103.5 had fewer than 60,000 weekly listeners and when asked why he would leave Toronto and venture into what seemed the bleak unknown, Tony says he had a very strong 'gut feeling' and knew intuitively that the ingenious and ambitious Bill Evanov would transition the location of DC 103.5 to Toronto and most importantly, soar its radio frequency to the top of the Toronto market. Tony believed in 'the little radio station that could' becoming a central figure in its evolution to a GTA and Ontario powerhouse. Known today as 2103.5-the frequency is a key player in Toronto's mainstream marl<et boasting a weekly audience charting in the millions. After a 32-year career with Evanov Communications Tony is considered a most valuable on-air personality, vital and instrumental to the success of the company.

The ability to persevere and remain on-air for a total of 33 consecutive years in an extremely competitive Top-40 Toronto market (where the average career span is only four years), Tony is indeed an anomaly and with a work ethic fueled by a higher spiritual calling, he has dedicated himself literally 24/7 to the world of radio. Inspired daily by his loyal audiences, Tony's focus is to uplift his listeners and elevate the collective spirit of the communities he reaches. 'Without the listener I am nothing' says Tony, who is happiest when he is broadcasting his show in the Z103.5 control room - alone with the listener, happy and connected through the airwaves.

In addition to his daily on-air shows, prerecorded segments/commercials, thousands of 'Live-On-Location' broadcasts and hundreds of interviews with A-List celebrities such as Janet Jackson, John Travolta and Justin Timberlake Uust to name a few), Tony has also been instrumental in corporate and local advertising media sales. As a household name, his on-air personality alone is a crucial selling tool and Tony regularly meets with prospective clients ... and always closes the deal. A team player, he has helped build an independent media empire and today Evanov Communication prides itself on having acquired up to 19 radio stations across Canada.

Tony also enjoys a successful public speaking and emceeing career, appearing at thousands of festivals, concerts and fundraising events. His love of music extends from the airwaves to the record store and for well over a decade Tony's album compilations and annual releases of his Freestyle Frenzy, Euro Mix, Euro Hits and Euro Heaven (SPG Universal Records) could always be found in the Tony Monaco section at HMV stories across the GTA. Tony is always excited when fans approach him at public events to autograph their treasured vintage copies. For years his talent also graced the television screen and although Tony says, 'video killed the radio star,' he was a regular host of TLN's Graffitti and Miss Italia Nel Mondo while appearing in countless TV specials and commercials.

Tony places deep importance to civic duty and elevating the lives of those around him and it is truly impossible to measure the social impact he has made throughout the GTA. In the city of Vaughan where a vast number of his beloved listeners reside, it is safe to say that no other media personality- television nor radio - has promoted Vaughan as Tony has.

Whether on the Z103.5 airwaves or through his strong social platforms, he has gone above and beyond to showcase and support small, large and emerging Vaughan business so that all may thrive. In times of social and economic crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony made it a mission on his daily show to promote small Vaughan business so they could survive the storm.

His charitable, pro bono work in Vaughan has included raising funds for community crisis organization, Vaughan Together with daily, on-air public advocacy for food and monetary donations benefitting long-term care facilities dealing with COVID-19. Through his efforts Vaughan Together delivered close to 8000 prepared meals and over 400 care packages to Vaughan front-line workers, which Tony also helped deliver at a personal risk to his own health. Tony also procured pro-bono, outdoor musical performances by noted artists, helping lift the spirits of staff and residents who watched from their windows in isolation. Selflessly, he has also given valuable on-air, social media and onsite support to Vaughan Food Bank, Waves of Changes for Autism, Macl<enzie Health Foundation's Ride For Health, Million Dollar Smiles, Hats On For Awareness, Hospice Vaughan and many more.

There is something to be said about the power of 'quiet philanthropy' and because of his humility and gentle nature this is where Tony truly shines. In addition to visiting young listeners in their hospital rooms at the request of despairing parents, spending personal time on the phone with fans with special needs or popping into a birthday party of a community member who is terminally ill, Tony is a consistent, comforting and unwavering presence in the lives of an innumerable amount of people throughout the GTA. Spanning generations, he has traveled life's road alongside his audience- especially those dealing with special needs. Over the years Tony has come to understand the importance of music, witnessing the benefits on those dealing with various abilities and thus has procured concert tickets, 'meet-and-greefs' with celebrities and radio station tours for special needs listeners and their families.

Via his own Toronto-based A/I-Ages concerts ands-elect Tony Monaco CD compilations he has showcased young, local talent while mentoring up-and-coming musical artists by connecting to them to pro-bono agents, major record labels and legal representation. In the mid-nineties he was also a speaker at Queen's Park stressing the importance of supporting our young Canadian, musical talent. Tony has also provided pro bono emceeing services, on-air promotion and social media awareness to Sunnybrook Hospital, Variety Village Toronto, Bowling for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Peel, AIDS Walk Peel, MICBA Charity, Stephanie Caputo Foundation and many more.

As an essential worker during COVID-19 travelling to the Z103.5 studios every day, he comforted the masses with his familiar, steadfast presence and reassured his audiences that they indeed were not alone. He encouraged 'call-ins' and engagement in a period of desperate isolation. Following the tide of the pandemic listeners - some in tears - thanked him for his positive energy and for helping them get through their darkest days. Although he felt it was his civic duty to help maintain the collective spirit, Tony is always humbled by these encounters. And not a day goes by where a listener does not thank him for 'just being there each and every day.

Revered not only by his Z103.5 colleagues, he is also applauded by the industry at-large those who nickname him The Legend, recognizing him as a traiblazer and who truly understand the profound commitment and hard work it takes to survive and thrive. And in an age where employee retention is waning and the corporates have come to dominate mainstream media, Tony has remained loyal to Evanov Communications/2103.5- a family owned business and one of the last remaining successful independents on the dial. His inspiring and enormous contributions to the Canadian radio broadcasting industry including the social and economic impact he has made in Vaughan, the GTA and beyond are to be celebrated. Lastly, his spiritual contributions to humanity are perhaps his most noble of all- lifting the collective spirit of the masses and creating positive change in the world around him. Today he continues his steadfast commitment to Vaughan, the community where he feels most at home, exemplifying and embodying all that the Order of Vaughan represents.

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Past Recipients

Past recipients ordered by year

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