CGLCC’s 7th Annual Black & White Gala: We were unstoppable!

The CGLCC hosted its biggest ever Black & White Gala, bringing out the best in the Canadian LGBT+ business community on November 11, 2022 at the Carlu in Toronto.  

We thank all of those who supported, attended, and donated time and resources in honour of the incredible individuals and companies who are making a difference today and every day. This evening was truly unforgettable for the CGLCC – we hope it was for our guests as well!

The Numbers

• 500 awesome attendees.
• 24 amazing Sponsors.
• Over 60 incredible Silent Auction items donated, bid on, and won.
• 7 CGLCC Business Leadership Awards given to inspirational individuals and businesses in our community.
• 2 Canada’s Drag Race legendary Queens.
• Over 10 million glittering rhinestones.
• At least 2,000 feathers on the dance floor.

Social media statistics are still rolling in as the excitement and experience-sharing continues on our platforms! #DontStopUsNow!!

Award Winners

Winners of the 2022 Business Leadership Awards were announced throughout the evening. These amazing individuals and businesses deserve our collective appreciation for their contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts in Canada and beyond. 

• Terri McDowell, Winner: Business Leader of the Year
  Presented by Accenture
• Suzie Yorke, Winner: LGBT+ Business Advocate of the Year
  Presented by CGLCC / Supplier Diversity Program
• Robertson & Company Ltd., Winner: LGBT+ Business of the Year
  Presented by EY
• Thierry Alcantara-Stewart, Winner: Young LGBT+ Entrepreneur of the Year
  Presented by RBC
• BDC, Winner: National Corporation of the Year
  Presented by EDC
• Katherine (Katie) Dudtschak, Recipient: Legacy Award
• Bobbie Racette, Recipient: LGBT+ Founder Award

READ WHAT THE WINNERS HAD TO SAY!

Highlights

• Miss Moço and Miss Jada Shada Hudson, both legendary queens from Canada’s Drag Race, SLAYED the stage to the thrill of our guests! “I feel so powerful being a queer entrepreneur,” said Miss Moço to the audience. “2SLGBT+ entrepreneurs have already made such a huge impact on the Canadian economy WITH barriers, imagine Canada with those barriers removed!”
• The lovely and engaging Jake Mossop was on hand for off-stage, red carpet-style interviews with our guests, winners, supporters and presenters! Videography for this was provided by Mark Rupert of More Content, a CGLCC Diverse Supplier.
• Freddie Gipp of Indigenous Enterprise opened the event with a powerful performance of a traditional welcoming dance, while Sandra Bouza closed the evening with a thematic “Don’t Stop Us Now!” cover that had guests grooving in their seats. DJ Recklezz pumped up the after-show dance floor with a premium blend of beats, new and known.
• Ryan Rizzo and Kevin Nguyen were the lucky raffle winners who claimed two tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies. Leon So was the Silent Auction bidder for the Luxury All Inclusive Seabourn Caribbean Cruise. Congratulations to Ryan, Kevin, and Leon! Bon voyage!

Glitz & Glamour – all captured!

The GORGEOUSNESS of this evening could NOT be contained! 

Check out and download the Step & Repeat pics!

You can also view and download more of the memories captured at the Black & White Gala on CGLCC’s photo site. Additional pics will be added throughout the weeks ahead, so check back often.

Photography by Remus & Co. 

POSE FOR THE CAMERA!

If you would like to share your own memories of CGLCC’s 7th Annual Black & White Gala, please send any photos, stories, or favourite moments to communications@cglcc.ca. You can also check #BlackandWhiteGala #dontstopusnow on social media to see highlights, continue the conversation, and share your own experiences!

Sponsors & Supporters

The Silent Auction and Air Canada Raffle raised over $40,000 in support of CGLCC programs and operations. We appreciate all the amazing businesses and individuals who donated items to our Silent Auction this year. 

Thank you all!