Inaugural Meaghan’s Music Room Charity Gala raises over $12,000

By Zachary Roman

The Caledon community came together to support people with physical and intellectual challenges last month.

On February 25, the first-ever Meaghan's Music Room charity gala was held at Caesar's Centre in Bolton. The gala featured dinner, dancing and drinks and raised funds for the work done at Meghan's Music Room.

Mary Balinov operates Tisho's Music Academy with her family in Bolton. At the academy, there's a dedicated music room where subsidized music classes are held for people with physical and intellectual challenges.

Balinov explained over $12,000 was raised from the gala and said it was a great start considering it was the first one to ever be held in support of Meaghan's Music Room.

“Hopefully all these people will come back next year, and more to follow, and we can build on that,” said Balinov. “It was important that we get the first one out of the way and it was wonderful.”

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves attended the gala, along with Councillors Tony Rosa, Cosimo Napoli, and Mario Russo. Balinov said it was great to see support from the Town of Caledon, who sponsored a table at the gala.

“We had some wonderful sponsors that stepped up… everybody contributed, the community has been wonderful,” said Balinov. “It was a lot of fun, the music was great, the food was amazing. The venue was very accommodating.”

Balinov said she wanted to put out a huge thank you to the Caledon businesses that sponsored the gala, as well as the Board of Directors for Meaghan's Music Room. She said they did lots of work in order to make the gala a success.

The gala came at an important time for Meaghan's Music Room as it was fundraising to make up for lost time in the pandemic. Balinov said the money raised at the gala will be key in subsidizing music and dance classes for the over 150 individuals who use Meaghan's Music Room.