UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Raises $460,000 for Caribbean Scholarships at Sold-Out Gala

TORONTO — The 16th Annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards dazzled guests at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel last Saturday, raising an impressive $460,000 to support scholarships for students across the Caribbean. The prestigious black-tie affair brought together nearly 500 guests, including corporate leaders, dignitaries, and cultural icons—all united by the mission of bridging opportunity gaps through education.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap,” served as a powerful reminder of UWI’s commitment to transforming lives through access to higher learning.

“Education is a powerful bridge that spans the divide between poverty and empowerment,” said Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Co-Patron of the event. “For 16 years, this event has been a symbol of hope… offering the resources, care, and love necessary to help students realize their potential.”

Distinguished Guests and Honourees

Among those in attendance were Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont, who delivered special remarks, TIFF CEO Dr. Cameron Bailey, University of Toronto Chancellor Dr. Wesley Hall, Tyndale Chancellor Harriet Thornhill, Olympic legend Donovan Bailey, and Juno Award-winning rapper Haviah Mighty.

The 2025 honourees included:

• Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) – Multi-platinum rapper, Def Jam A&R, Canada’s Got Talent judge

• G. Raymond Chang Award: Myron and Berna Garron – Philanthropists for pediatric and Canadian healthcare

• Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative – Organization addressing the Black employment gap in corporate Canada

• Vice Chancellor’s Award:

  • Dr. Mark Beckles, President & CEO, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)

  • Ms. Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission

  • Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction; Founder of shebuildscities.org

Student Voices and Standout Entertainment

A heartfelt highlight of the evening came from scholarship recipients Christina Williams and Lianne Williams, who shared powerful testimonies about how UWI’s support helped remove financial barriers and fuel their academic dreams.

Headlining the night was Tessanne Chin, winner of The Voice (Season 5) and a 2014 Luminary Honouree. She brought the house down with a stirring rendition of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” Musical performances from Thunder Dome Sounds (Eddie, Quincy, and Tré-Michael Bullen), Belinda Brady, and saxophonist Jesse Ryan added to the evening’s vibrant Caribbean spirit.

Live Auction & Legacy Support

The gala also featured an exclusive silent and live auction, with standout prizes including Air Canada business class tickets, villa stays in Jamaica and St. Lucia, and a luxury dining experience at the Ritz-Carlton’s Chef’s Kitchen.

Returning as lead sponsor for the 16th consecutive year was Scotiabank, joined by primary sponsors Sprott Inc., the Dottori-Attanasio Family, BDO, Air Canada, BMO, Sagicor, WeShall Investments, and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang.

Uplifting Black voices from coast to coast – this is the Afro-Canadian heartbeat. Only in Vision Newspaper.

The post UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Raises $460,000 for Caribbean Scholarships at Sold-Out Gala appeared first on Vision Newspaper.