WOMEN HABITAT PRESENTS
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA
The Celebration Begins in
A Night for Celebration and Fundraising
Boundless is Women’s Habitat’s annual fundraising gala event — honouring the courage, resilience, and leadership of supporters throughout our community. Boundless 2026 will be an evening that celebrates the beauty of Mexican artistry.
This year we gather under the theme “Shades of Mexico” — because every woman, and every story, carries a shade all her own. Together, those shades become something boundless.
Every seat filled, every table booked, and every gift made brings a woman closer to safety, healing, and a future without limits.
WHY ATTEND
An evening designed to move you.
01
Networking
An evening among supporters who lead, give, and build — meaningful connection over shared purpose.
02
Awards
Celebrate the people whose courage and leadership have shaped our community.
03
Entertainment
Live mariachi, colourful folk dance, and the joyful artistry of Mexico.
04
Cuisine
A vibrant taco bar bar, traditional sweets, and desserts. Plus mexican beer!ve, and build — meaningful connection over shared purpose.
05
Community
Every seat supports safer futures for women and families at Women’s Habitat.
THE EVENING
How the night unfolds.
5:30pm
Reception & Music
Welcome, meet and greet, photos, and the first notes of live music.
6:15 PM
Taco Bar Buffet
A shared table of vibrant Mexican flavours, crafted to be savoured together.
7:00 PM
Awards Program
Honouring resilience, leadership, and impact across our community.
8:00 PM
Piñata
Get the chance to see and experience traditional celebration with the chance to win a gift card from Kitchen on the 6!
8:30 PM
Live Mariachi
Music, movement and celebration with Flor de Azalea Mariachi!
9:30pm
Closing
Connection, colour, and a night designed to be remembered.
WHY ATTEND
Flor de Azalea Mariachi
The night comes alive with a live mariachi band- Flor de Azalea mariachi, and a beautiful piñata, and the handcrafted beauty of Papel picado, textiles.
It is a cultural celebration — warm, joyful, and unforgettable — designed to honour Mexican tradition with grace and authenticity.
THE TABLE
A Premium Dining Experience.
Taco Bar Buffet
A build-your-own spread of slow-cooked fillings, fresh salsas, and tortillas.
Handcrafted Cocktails & Beer
Experience the true flavours of Mexico with traditional micheladas!
Sweet Finales
Churros, tres leches, and Mexican-inspired confections to close the night.
Featured Honourees
Meet this year's recipients.
SERVICE AWARD
Emily Chow
In recognition of your outstanding service and compassion
Read Her Story
Emily believes investing in our community is vital and she has dedicated her time to supporting children, families, and individuals through a variety of volunteer initiatives. In pas years, she facilitated and supported children's homework clubs, helping young learners strengthen various skills while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning across a range of subjects. Beyond educational support, Emily has contributed to numerous fundraising and community outreach efforts, including organizing holiday hampers, food drives, in-kind donation campaigns, and special events that provide meaningful assistance to those in need. Emily believes that no task is too big or too small when it comes to making a positive difference. Whether working behind the scenes or directly supporting community members, she approaches every opportunity with compassion, humility, and dedication. What a privilege to advocate and contribute wherever help is needed most, always striving to uplift and empower others through acts of service.
GENEROSITY AWARD
Old Mill
In recognition of your exceptional generosity and lasting investment in our mission
Read their story
Old Mill Toronto has been a cherished part of Toronto’s west end since 1914, growing from a historic tea garden into one of the city’s most iconic hospitality and event destinations. For more than a century, the Old Mill has welcomed generations of guests through its tradition of gathering, celebration, and community. With its enduring heritage, distinctive character, and longstanding commitment to hospitality, the Old Mill continues to be a place where meaningful moments and lasting connections are created.
SPIRIT AWARD
Michele Francis
In recognition of your inspiring leadership and hope
Read her story
Thank you so much for this incredible honour. I am truly humbled to accept it. As a survivor of domestic violence, I was fortunate enough to have the support of my family and a safe place for myself and my daughters when I needed it most. I know that that is not the reality for so many women who don’t have that same lifeline so they remain in an abusive relationship because they have nowhere to go. As someone who works in a male-dominated industry, I felt I had a calling to support WHOE and involve men in our fundraising initiatives. If we can work together to help even one woman feel seen, supported, and hopeful, then every moment is worth it. Thank you WHOE for providing a safe haven where women and their families have the chance to heal and rebuild their life free from fear.
SPIRIT AWARD
Material Sciences Corperation
In recognition of your vision, hope, and unwavering commitment
Read their story
Material Sciences Corporation is a global leader in advanced metal-based solutions, with more than 60 years of experience developing innovative products for the automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries. Known for its expertise in lightweighting, acoustical materials, and coated metal technologies, MSC has built its reputation on innovation, service, and long-term partnership. With operations serving customers across multiple countries, the company continues to combine technical leadership with a strong commitment to quality and responsible business practices.
DEDICATION AWARD
Lantic
In recognition of your unwavering dedication.
Read their story
Old Mill Toronto has been a cherished part of Toronto’s west end since 1914, growing from a historic tea garden into one of the city’s most iconic hospitality and event destinations. For more than a century, the Old Mill has welcomed generations of guests through its tradition of gathering, celebration, and community. With its enduring heritage, distinctive character, and longstanding commitment to hospitality, the Old Mill continues to be a place where meaningful moments and lasting connections are created.
COMMITMENT AWARD
Tessa Rojas & Suzan Trabert
In recognition of your unwavering commitment and enduring partnership in advancing our mission
Read Tessa's story
Tessa Rojas has been a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Quantum Realty since 2013.With a degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Torontoand more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in retail, hospitality,telecommunications, and financial services, she is known for her professionalism,integrity, and commitment to exceptional client service.In 2022, Tessa and her business partner, Suzan Trabert, founded Merry Mavens,an annual holiday fundraising and networking event that brings together womenownedbusinesses, local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters for anafternoon of shopping, food, connection, and giving back. What began as a smallclient appreciation gathering has grown into a meaningful community eventfocused on empowering women and supporting important local causes.In partnership with Women's Habitat of Etobicoke, Merry Mavens raises fundsand awareness for women and children affected by domestic violence. In just fourannual events, the initiative has raised approximately $40,000 for theorganization.Giving back has always been an important part of Tessa's life. She has sponsoredchildren through Chalice for many years and, together with her husband,Augustine Rojas, has supported numerous charitable initiatives, includingsponsoring golf tournaments benefiting the Children's Wish Foundation throughtheir family business, Interad.Tessa believes that success is measured not only by professional achievementsbut by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. She is honoured toreceive the Women's Habitat Boundless Award and remains committed to buildingstronger communities through service, generosity, and compassion.
Read Suzan's story
Tessa Rojas has been a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Quantum Realty since 2013.With a degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Torontoand more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in retail, hospitality,telecommunications, and financial services, she is known for her professionalism,integrity, and commitment to exceptional client service.In 2022, Tessa and her business partner, Suzan Trabert, founded Merry Mavens,an annual holiday fundraising and networking event that brings together womenownedbusinesses, local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters for anafternoon of shopping, food, connection, and giving back. What began as a smallclient appreciation gathering has grown into a meaningful community eventfocused on empowering women and supporting important local causes.In partnership with Women's Habitat of Etobicoke, Merry Mavens raises fundsand awareness for women and children affected by domestic violence. In just fourannual events, the initiative has raised approximately $40,000 for theorganization.Giving back has always been an important part of Tessa's life. She has sponsoredchildren through Chalice for many years and, together with her husband,Augustine Rojas, has supported numerous charitable initiatives, includingsponsoring golf tournaments benefiting the Children's Wish Foundation throughtheir family business, Interad.Tessa believes that success is measured not only by professional achievementsbut by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. She is honoured toreceive the Women's Habitat Boundless Award and remains committed to buildingstronger communities through service, generosity, and compassion.
The Venue
Old Mill
21 Old Mill Road, Etobicoke, Ontario
Thursday, September 18, 2026
PARKING
Paid parking is located infront of the Old Mill Spa for all guests.
ACCESSIBILITY
Step- free access, accessible washrooms, and reserved seatong on request.
DIRECTIONS
Minutes rom the Old Mill subway station and major highways
DRESS CODE
Cocktail attire- a touch of colour is warmly encouraged.
SPONSORSHIP
Partner with Purpose.
Align your organization with an evening of impact — and reach a room of executives, philanthropists, and community leaders.
COMMITMENT
$2000
Recognition Includes:
- Prominent logo placment on event materials
- recognition in multiple social media posts
- Recognition in multiple social media posts
- Recognition throughout event
- Inclusion in event slideshow
- Featured recognition in Annual Report
- Verbal recognition during event program
DEDICATION
$1000
Recognition Includes:
- Logo nad name recognition on event web page
- Inclusion in event email communications
- Dedicated social media recognition
- Recognition during event
- Featured recognition in Annual Report
GENEROUS
$500
Recognition Includes:
- Logo nad name recognition on event web page
- Name included in event communications
- Social media acknowledgement
- Recognition during event event presentation
SPIRIT
$250
Recognition Includes:
- Logo nad name recognition on event web page
- Name included in sponsor appreciation communications
- Social media acknowledgement
OUR IMPACT
Partner with Purpose.
For decades, Women’s Habitat has provided shelter, counselling, and community programs that help women, children and youth build safer futures.
45+
Years Serving Etobicoke & beyond
12,000
Women & children supported
24/7
Crisis and Shelter Support
“Women’s Habitat gave me a safe place to breathe, and a community that believed in me until I could believe in myself again.”
– Program Recipiant
“Boundless is the most joyful, purposeful evening of our year. You leave feeling like you were part of something that matters.”
— Returning gala guest