3rd Annual Big Picture Gala Draws Sell-out Crowd

The sounds of Motown classics filled the air as more than 650 business, entertainment and community leaders gathered in the Pearson Convention Centre to celebrate at Sheridan’s 2009 Big Picture Gala on October 22, 2009.

For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Brampton, Ontario

The sounds of Motown classics filled the air as more than 650 business, entertainment and community leaders gathered in the Pearson Convention Centre to celebrate at Sheridan’s 2009 Big Picture Gala on October 22, 2009.

This sold-out event, now in its third year, put the spotlight on innovators in the fields of the arts, business, community service and technology. The Big Picture Gala Honouree Award was presented to John Cassaday, President and CEO of Corus Entertainment, in recognition of the company’s leadership in the Canadian entertainment industry. “Talented artists with a commitment to excellence drive the creation of great brands and great content,” said Cassaday. “We commend Sheridan for building an inspiring and innovative educational environment that has trained and developed many of the bright lights in our industry and at Corus Entertainment.”

The Big Picture revelers were entertained by the comic musings of Greg Morton, noted Canadian comic and 1980 Sheridan graduate, who served as the evening’s MC. Sheridan’s outstanding Music Theatre-Performance students kept the crowd energized with top-notch performances of Motown classics.

Other Big Picture Award recipients included Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life in the Business category; Pratt and Whitney Canada in the Technology category; Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for the Community Award; and FUJIfilm Canada for the Arts.

“Sheridan is fortunate to be associated with so many innovative and inspiring companies who share our commitment to excellence and creativity,” said Sheridan’s President & CEO, Dr. Rob Turner. “It is a pleasure for us to recognize their tremendous contributions to Canada’s cultural, economic and social fabric.”

Other notables in attendance last evening included Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell, Mayor Hazel McCallion, the Honourable William G. Davis; Ruby Dhalla, M.P. Brampton-Springdale; Terence Young, M.P. Oakville; Harinder Takhar, M.P.P. Mississauga and Minister of Government Services; Vic Dhillon, M.P.P. Brampton West; Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. Brampton-Springdale; Kuldip Kular, M.P.P. Bramalea-Core; Ted Chudleigh, M.P. Halton; Kevin Flynn, M.P.P. Oakville; Reza Moridi, M.P.P. Richmond Hill; Peter Gilgan, CEO, Mattamy, and many, many more.

About the Big Picture Gala

The Big Picture Gala, now in its third year, is an opportunity to spotlight outstanding education, individuals and achievement, and to publicly recognize and celebrate our Big Picture Award recipients and the work they do in our communities.

In addition to raising significant funds to support Sheridan students, the evening showcases the rich student talent from our Music Theatre and Media Arts programs, as well as remarkable works of art from our Crafts and Design students and alumni, which are presented in the Gala’s silent auction.

Sponsors of this year’s Gala include Corus Entertainment, OMD Canada, Virox Technologies, Bell, Bird Construction, The Cookie Jar Group, Somerville Graphics, Rogers, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, and the New AM740.

About Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Sheridan’s mission is to provide students of all ages with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We deliver career-focused education and training in the arts, business, technology and community service fields to 15,000 full-time students each year. We offer a wide range of credentials, including apprenticeships, one-year certificates, 2- and 3-year diplomas, 4-year bachelor’s degrees, and one-year post-graduate programs. Our School of Continuing Education serves 34,000 adult learners each year who are seeking to upgrade their skills, train for a new career, or pursue an area of personal interest.