The 4th Annual INSPIRE 2009 Aroni Awards was another sold-out affair. The event, held last Sunday evening inside the Arcadian Court in the city's downtown core, is one of Toronto's most prestigious awards ceremonies and silent auctions dedicated to empowering and support the youth.
Recognizing the unsung community heroes in various fields, the awards show was hosted by Comedian Jay Martin and television personality, Patricia Jaggernauth. Special guest presenters for the evening included Hon. Margarett R. Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion and Joe Pantalone, Deputy Mayor, Toronto City Councillor. Toronto Transit Commission Chairman Adam Giambrone was also in attendance.
In 2006, Toronto Promoter Mesfun Y. Haile and his family launched The Aroni Awards in memory of his brother Aron Y. Haile, an African Canadian who was tragically killed in an vehicular accident in his hometown, Eritrea (East Africa). At just 30 years old, he had become a role model and mentor in his community and at the time of his death, was on vacation from his position as a Software Developer for the Bank of Montreal. The event was created to inspire and reward young people for their outstanding community achievements.
Education Bursaries were presented to three students, Chante Barnwell, Aman Y. Sultan and Troy Knight for post-secondary schooling. Despite having challenges in their lives, they have perserved and continue to demonstrate excellence while pursuing their dreams.
The AronImage Awards were presented to:
Big it Up, a Canadian fashion hat brand - Youth and Entrepreneurship
Thando Hyman-Aman, first Principal of Toronto's recently launched Africentric Alternative School - Youth and Education
Mitzie Hunter, Toronto Community Housing - Youth and Community
Jermaine Bagnall, Ryerson University Graduate Student Union President - Youth and Sports/Media
Schools Without Borders, a youth led organization making education and learning accessible for young people - The Inspire Award
Entertainment for the show included performances by the Manding Foli Kan Don Drumming Group; R&B Vocalist Kim Davis; Spoken Word Artist Nadine Williams; Vocalist Saidah Baba Talibah; musician Jessi Bear and Dance Troupe, Baby Boyz. Comedians Jean Paul and Arthur Simeon provided some jokes and kept the audience quite entertained.
Kim Davis
Baby Boyz
No comments:
Post a Comment