Sheridan Unveils Sneak Peek at 4th Annual Big Picture Gala

Sheridan's President, Jeff Zabudsky and Big Picture Gala Chair Jake Dheer, accompanied by numerous gala volunteers, gathered today at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga...

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2010
Mississauga, Ontario
 

Sheridan's President, Jeff Zabudsky and Big Picture Gala Chair Jake Dheer, accompanied by numerous gala volunteers, gathered today at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga to provide media with a 'sneak peek' at this year’s Big Picture Gala, taking place at the Mississauga Convention Centre on October 28th.

Billed as a unique 'pep rally', this year's gala will feature music from the hit tv series Glee, performed by a host of talented students from Sheridan’s renowned Music Theatre Performance program. Students were on hand to perform a preview of what attendees can expect to see and hear at the Gala.

Gala Chair Jake Dheer also unveiled the grand raffle draw prize for the event – a brand new, 2011 Ford Fiesta, generously donated by Ford of Canada. Other evening highlights will include a silent auction featuring unique artworks crafted by students, alumni and faculty from Sheridan's School of Animation, Arts and Design - not only the largest art school in Canada, but among the most revered in the world. An array of exciting items, ranging from Blackberry Smartphones to tickets for the 2011 Juno Awards, will also be up for auction. “I’m honoured to be chairing this fundraising event, which benefits Sheridan students as well as the communities in which they will contribute their skills and talents after graduation,” said Dheer. “It’s going to be a highlight event of the fall season.”

 

President Jeff Zabudsky and the Big Picture Gala Raffle Prize - a 2011 Ford Fiesta

 

A focal point of the gala will be the presentation of the Big Picture awards, which recognize organizations and community groups who lead their fields in innovation and achievement. This year’s winners were announced today by Sheridan President Jeff Zabudsky, and include:

Business: Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited

Technology: Dell Canada Inc.

Community Service: YMCA Canada

Arts: Torstar Corporation

“It will be a great honour for Sheridan to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding organizations at our Big Picture Gala,” said Zabudsky. “Not only are they leaders in their respective fields, but they are also valued partners who share our vision of creative excellence and innovation.”

Accepting the awards on October 28th will be David Mondragon, President and CEO of Ford of Canada; Paul Cooper, Country Manager at Dell Canada; Scott Haldane, President & CEO, YMCA Canada; and John Honderich, Board of Directors Chair, Torstar Corporation.

About the Big Picture Gala

With an audience of 600 dignitaries and guests, many of whom represent leading Canadian corporations, The Big Picture Gala is Sheridan’s signature event.

All proceeds from the Gala support Sheridan's Shine Brighter Campaign, designed to ensure each student has an exceptional educational experience. Funds raised will support campus expansion as well as increase access to scholarships for all students.

Event Sponsor of this year’s Gala is Bird Construction.

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 annually serve 15,000 full-time and 35,000 continuing education students at campuses in Oakville and Brampton, Ontario. Sheridan offers an innovative learning environment celebrated for academic excellence, applied research and creativity. Program options range from one-year certificates to four-year Bachelor’s degrees, in the arts, business, community service, and technology fields, preparing students for career success. 88 percent of Sheridan graduates are employed within six months of graduation.