News

Peter Mercanti’s “It All Started With Lasagna” is Finally Here!

All net proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Charity of Hope.

Click Here for Details: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000163634952

COH Events Page: http://charityofhope.com/news-events/events/

It All Started with Lasagna is a chance to get up close and personal with Peter Mercanti, a successful Hamilton businessman who came to Canada as an immigrant at age seven with his parents. With forthright honesty, Peter shares the story of his rise to business success—starting off at the age of eleven with selling “recycled” car engines to the scrap yard from which they were liberated—and the development of Carmen’s Banquet Centre, his flourishing wedding and event venue, and associated hospitality businesses.

In addition to his fascinating personal story, Peter shares his secrets to success both in business and in life, as well as key tips for becoming an effective leader. He also shares many fascinating and humorous stories about the various celebrities who performed at his venue, including Michael Douglas, Al Pacino, Sylvester Stallone, President Bill Clinton, Dom DeLuise, Sophia Loren, Wayne Gretzky and many, many others.

Both inspirational and engaging, this book is for: any entrepreneur—young or old (Peter recently started his latest business, Mama Yolanda’s Lasagna, at age 70); anyone looking for inspiration on how to live better spiritually, personally, or professionally; those with an interest in Hamilton’s recent history; and anyone who just wants to be outright entertained with funny stories.

 

Colours of Hope with Gerry Dee…A Night of Laughter and Great Food!

On Friday, March 23rd, 2018, the Hamilton chapter of the Charity of Hope hosted Colours of Hope, a fundraiser to raise money for local children and youth in our community. Canadian actor and stand-up comedian, Gerry Dee, headlined our event, as we indulged in a delicious meal, courtesy of Carmen’s Banquet Centre. Gerry’s performance was truly delightful and his sense of humour provided our guests with some much-needed comic relief. His stories about teaching were a hit with teachers, parents, and students alike. Gerry had headlined our event in 2016 and made such a positive impression on our guests that we invited him back for more laughter and excitement. 

At our event, we honoured a very special, strong and hopeful lady, Khadjia. She received a bursary to help her as she pursues further education.  Khadjia told us her heartwarming story and reminded us that even a “simple smile can give hope to someone else”.  

Not only did our audience listen to excellent speakers, all of our guests walked away with a manicure or pedicure on behalf of The Spa at Mercedes-Benz Burlington.  And one of our lucky guests, Randy Vansevenant, won the big raffle prize for the evening, a weekend away with a new Mercedes Benz. Thank you Mercedes-Benz Burlington https://www.mercedes-benz-burlington.ca.

But more importantly, that Friday restored our faith in humanity. We raised over $120,000, which will help us as we continue to grant wishes and provide hope to kids in need. We want to sincerely thank everyone who came out to support us on March 23 as well as Carmen’s staff, our volunteers, the Hamilton community, and our amazing corporate partners for your ongoing dedication to those in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Night in Canada with Chantal Kreviazuk…another great night!

On Friday March 31st, 2017, the Hamilton chapter of the Charity of Hope hosted Hope Night in Canada, a fundraiser to raise money for local children and youth in need. In keeping with this year’s Canada 150 theme, Canadian singer and songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk headlined our event, as we indulged in a delicious maple cheesecake dessert, courtesy of Carmen’s Banquet Centre. Chantal’s performance was truly spectacular and her witty zingers between songs provided us with some much-needed comic relief.  
 
At our event, we granted wishes for three very special youth. In partnership with BMO, we provided laptops to two Steph and Myliek, to assist them as they continue to work with other youth in their neighbourhoods.  Anita, our Edge Spirit award winner, received a bursary to help her as she pursues further education. 
 
But more importantly, Friday restored our faith in humanity. We raised over $100,000, which will help us as we continue to grant wishes and provide hope to kids in need. A huge thanks to everyone that came out to support us, Carmen’s staff, our volunteers, the Hamilton community and our amazing corporate partners for your ongoing dedication.  
 

 

 

 

 

March 27th, 2015

Mercedes-Draw-Ticket-Mayor-WebThe Mercedes Raffle Event was held on Friday March 27th, 2015 and run abiding by the Terms and Conditions for Raffle Licensing of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The winning ticket number was 0095 and the winner has been contacted. Lottery proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit deserving children and youth from the City of Hamilton. Thank you for your support.


September 19th, 2014

Brantford Fundraiser


March 24th, 2011

Hamilton Gala Fundraiser with Dave Andreychuk


March 26th, 2010

Hamilton Gala Fundraiser with Craig Keilburger


Tuesday March 28th, 2009

Hamilton Gala Fundraiser with Brian Melo