Gala history
Nineteen years ago, the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County spearheaded the creation of a community-wide celebration to recognize the contribution of the Rt. Honourable Herb Gray.
On October 23, 2002, a formal evening of appreciation was held, and the program included the presentation of the first Multicultural Council tribute – the Herb Gray Harmony Award.
This prestigious honour recognizes individuals, businesses, or organizations in our community who have actively promoted the equality of all cultures, and who have made an outstanding contribution to building a community that is multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-faith.
In 2008, the Champion Award was added to the program, celebrating significant contributions made to our community by first-generation Canadians.
To honour the 45th year of the Multicultural Council in 2018, the Inspire Award was introduced as a way to recognize a newcomer for their perseverance, optimism, and positive example provided to our community.
Each spring, the Herb Gray Harmony Gala takes place and features a different exciting etho-cultural theme, drawing a crowd of over 600 community partners, supporters, and representatives to recognize award recipients.
Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the Multicultural Council, and serve to assist in our mission of creating a welcoming community for all.
For sponsorship information, please contact Mira Gordic at 519-255-1127 ext 155 or mgordic@themcc.com
Previous Award Recipients
| 2002 | Harmony: Rt. Honourable Herb Gray |
| 2003 | Harmony: Vernon Mahadeo |
| 2004 | Harmony: Capital theatre & Dr. Subhas Ramcharan |
| 2005 | Harmony: Dr. John Jacob Lyanga |
| 2006 |
Harmony: Individual Award – Elise Harding-Davis, Private Company – Champion Products – Ashok Sood Non – Profit Agency – WEST Champion Award: Anthony P Toldo |
| 2007 | Harmony: Michael G. Solcz & Jamie Henderson |
| 2008 |
Harmony: Rotary Clubs of Windsor & Essex Champion Award: Antoine Greige |
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2009
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Harmony: Gary Parent Champion Award: Dr. Raphael Cheung |
| 2010 |
Harmony: John Morris Russell Champion Award: Marwan Taqtaq |
| 2011 |
Harmony: David Musyj Champion Award: Snjezana Gacesa |
| 2012 |
Harmony: Aruna Koushik Champion Award: Terry Rafih |
| 2013 |
Harmony: Sandra Pupatello Champion Award: Dr. Fouad Tayfour |
| 2014 |
Harmony: Eddie Francis Champion Award: Floyd Cacciavillani |
| 2015 |
Harmony: Dr. John Strasser Champion Award: Mario Collavino |
| 2016 |
Harmony: Marty Komsa Champion Award: Vince & Olivia Rosati |
| 2017 |
Harmony: Dr. Alan Wildeman Champion Award: Dr. Godfrey Bacheyie |
| 2018 |
Harmony: Caesars Windsor Cares Champion Award: Mrs. Jasmin Reyes Tjong Inspire Award: Ali & Hussein Mohammed |
| 2019 |
Harmony: The Tepperman Family Champion Award: Dr. Gordon Jasey Inspire Award: Charles Kayumbi & Marceline Kilongo |
| 2022 |
Harmony: Anita Imperioli Champion Award: Dr. Christos Spirou Inspire Award: Moussa Keita |
| 2023 |
Harmony: Dr. Patti France Champion Award: Mr. Biagio (Bill) Marra Kathleen Thomas Inspire Award: Kobra Safi |