There were close to 1,000 business and community leaders at the Sheraton Centre to see Gagliano receive the Words & Deeds Leadership Award from the United Jewish Appeal and the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy. Former Ontario premier David Peterson introduced guests at the microphone, including Lieutenant Governor David Onley and Toronto Mayor David Miller.
Gagliano’s support for community cultural events, including Toronto’s Luminato cultural festival, which will run its second year of theatre, dance, music and literary events June 6-10 across Toronto, prompted UJA Federation Chair David Koschitzky to label Gagliano “an innovative ambassador of cultural vitality and social inclusion.”
The Gagliano family also supports the Salt + Light Media Foundation which broadcasts Salt + Light TV across Canada.