let’s celebrate
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the beautiful Klages Mill & Garden.
April 25, 2025
Klages Mill ❊ Chesley, ON
5:30 – 10 pm
This event is all about celebrating diversity, inclusivity and people making a difference in our region. Come together with friends, family, and community members to enjoy music, delicious international food, and celebrate what brings us together. We will honour individuals, businesses, groups and youth with our first annual BELONG AWARDS. Get ready for a night filled with laughter, love, and connection. We can’t wait to see you there!
evening program
5:00
Registration
Finger foods and networking in the banquet hall
5:30
Welcome and Ice Breaker
Emcees: Sharon Safra & Fernando Ortiz Mercado
Elder: Shirley John
Town Crier: Drew Ferguson
6:00
International Buffet & Music
with live instrumental music by international talents
Yuki Okomoto-Stocovaz – keyboard
Emily Bi – guzheng
7:00
Introduction to Welcoming Communities
Colleen Purdon with wcgb board and Gala committee
7:15
BELONG Awards 2025 Ceremony
presented by wcgb Gala Committee
David Morris – Anne Schneider
Manpreet Kaur Sangha – Mwikwedong
Sharon Safra – TD Bank Hanover
Sadhana Prasad – Bankole (Banks) Faleyee
see below for more info
Move to the adjacent hall for performances and dancing
7:45
International Dancers
Indian Gujarati Folk Dance
Philippines Anyo Martial Arts Dance
Jalisco Mexican Dance
Cuban Dance
8:15
Dance Party
Music, Line Dancing & Salsa Dancing with DJ Aure of Turquesa, Rockin’ Boots Melissa Wright Emke & Licerine Rodriguez Latin Salsa Dance
9:00
Door Prizes
9:15 – 10:00
Closing & Thanks
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Who can be nominated
The BELONG recipients are selected through a nomination process. To nominate, review the values of BELONG below and complete the nomination form. Please submit all completed nominations by Friday, April 4, 2025. Self-nominations will not be considered. The impact has to be local. Nominees must reside in Grey or Brue County.
We call on our community to nominate those who commit themselves to improving welcoming experiences for others in Grey and Bruce Counties and the Territories of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
We will present the BELONG awards to Individuals, Community Groups, Businesses, and Youth Changemakers (age 29 and under) for their efforts in creating a Grey and Bruce Counties, and the Territories of Saugeen Ojibway Nation where we all BELONG.
who should we recognize?
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Why is recognition important
It is more important than ever to come together and celebrate the diversity and the good things that are happening in our region: the people and things that connect us, make our lives richer, and give us joy and meaningful connections. The Gala will celebrate that ‘Together we are One’.
The values of BELONG
- Building connections within the community to promote an understanding of diverse cultures.
- Enhancing the capabilities of individuals and empowering those from various backgrounds.
- Listening to others and acting in their best interests.
- Oneness: fostering unity—prioritizing togetherness and collaboration over chaos; we are all one.
- Newcomers: welcoming newcomers for their diverse knowledge and strengths.
- Generating skills for success and integration.
I am reaching out to you, on behalf of our Board of Directors, to ask for your support of the Gala: through purchasing tickets, promoting the Gala, inviting others through your networks and at your workplace, and joining us to celebrate amazing people and organizations who are making a difference in Grey Bruce.
Sincerely,
Manpreet Kaur Sangha
Chair
Klages Mill
Chesley, ON
April 25, 2025
5:30 – 10 pm