2019 East Gwillimbury Honouree
Anita’s Corporate Events and, sister company, For All Occasions Gift Baskets & Sweets (est. 2001), keeps owner Anita Donato busy enough—that is for most people but not for her. She has a huge heart and wears many other hats. Anita and her team host the annual Dreams to Reality Wedding Show in York Region, and she is an active member and past President of the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Newmarket Chamber.
Anita was nominated for the Business of Character Award in 2011 and 2012 and received the prestigious title of Small Business of the Year in 2012.
Anita’s Corporate Events, a professional wedding and event planning company, serves York Region and the GTA. Whether they’re helping a client plan an extraordinary event from the ground up or assisting with the final weeks of preparation to ensure an event goes as smoothly as possible, their mission is to make sure special moments happen with as little stress as possible. They keep their clients calm and organized while providing them with expert advice and creative ways to make their special day absolutely memorable.
A quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” speaks best to the motto Anita lives by. And it’s very evident in all her work and volunteer efforts. This inspiring phrase is in a frame on Anita’s desk and she reads it often, sharing that it really sums up what she feels.
Anita is truly proud of all the volunteer work she does, believing that it’s important for everyone to give back where they can. She emphasizes that sometimes the simplest thing can mean so much to a person. A listening ear. A friendly smile. Volunteering will also help remind you of all the good you have in your own life and what you might take for granted unwittingly from day to day.
Seniors have a precious place in Anita’s heart. The Newmarket Health Centre, just one of the residences she contributes her time to, provides long-term care and day programs for seniors. Everyone beams when Anita and her team drops by. They go four times a year to visit and make baskets with them. Even though some of them are in poor health, they always give Anita a lovely smile. Every time she is there, Anita is reminded of why she loves volunteering so much.
Anita says she has grown a lot through giving of her time to others, saying she sees first-hand so many good people doing good deeds, in spite of a world that isn't always so wonderful.