As a child, Vinci’s mother would invite homeless people over for dinner. And now this chef and restauranteur, owner of Biagio Ristorante in downtown Toronto, makes it his mission to assist others in honour of his mother.
Since 1989, Vinci has used his talents to assist Tastes of Heaven, an annual gala to raise funds for Catholic Missions In Canada. He started the event with six other men, including former prime minister John Turner. To create an event different from typical banquet, Vinci flew three chefs in from Italy.
The first year, there were 95 to 100 guests. This year, Vinci expects 500.
Over the years, the event has been held at different venues, first to accommodate more guests and then in search of the best location. This year’s gala will be held at The Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, Ont., on April 25. Last year, Tastes of Heaven raised more than $323,000, the largest amount raised thus far at the dinner.
Admission costs $500 for a single ticket and $650 for two tickets with table sponsorship ranging from $3,000 to $25,000. After a cocktail reception, guests will dine on Coquille St. Jacques, Orochetti pasta and filet mignon.
“I’m going to provide beautiful wine as well,” Vinci said.
Aside from the “special tailored menu,” a highlight of the evening will be meeting missionaries and bishops from mission territories.
“I feel like a missionary,” said Vinci, who has a passion for helping the people who travel great distances to bring the Word to those living in remote areas. He admires their devotion.
This year’s guest speaker is Sr. Sheila Fortune, C.S.J., a Canadian missionary from the diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. She will be speaking on the Church’s challenges in Northern Canada.
Vinci believes it’s his call to give something back to the community.
“I love it because I think I’m doing something for myself, something good,” said Vinci. “We all should try to help our neighbours.”
It’s not the only time he helps out. Vinci also makes dinner for a couple hundred people once or twice a month at St. Michael’s Cathedral’s Out of the Cold program. Within the last two years, Vinci has started fundraising to send underprivileged kids to Camp Scugog to increase their opportunities in life.
And for the last 14 years, he has invited a few hundred homeless people to dine at his upscale restaurant on the last Sunday before Christmas. No buffet, insists Vinci.
“It’s not just the food. It’s giving them dignity for one day,” he said. “They try to dress up a little bit when they come here.”
Along with their dignity, his guests also walk away with gifts. And Vinci’s mother’s legacy lives on.