Special guests

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David Rocco | celebrity chef | television host | bestselling author

International Celebrity Chef and Executive Producer David Rocco brings his passion for food, travel and adventure to millions of homes through his worldwide hit television programs David Rocco's Dolce Vita and his spin-off shows: Dolce India, Dolce Africa, Dolce Italia, Dolce SE Asia, and David Rocco's Dolce HomeMade. 

Author of three internationally bestselling cookbooks, Chef Rocco recently launched his own line of pasta and sauces across Canada and in the US. In the summer of 2021, David opened his first Canadian establishment, David Rocco - Bar Aperitivo in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood making it on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list.  

A global celebrity, David is seen in spots in over 100 countries around the world – including National Geographic, Fox Life, Food Network and Cooking Channel, BBC Food, Hola! TV, and TLN. David has been a trailblazer in food television, breaking down barriers and stereotypes to bring cultures through the love of sharing a meal. 

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Regina |  former sponsored child from SOS Children’s Villages Ghana

Regina was abandoned before her first birthday, a baby left outside a hospital in Tema, Ghana. At that moment, her life could have gone in countless directions, many of them too horrific to think about. She was found and brought to the SOS Village in Tema. 

Today, she is pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan.  

As a child, Regina was always driven to learn. While other children were playing, she was at home, studying and reading. Her mom, SOS Mother, Francisca, showed her there was a way to a better life. Every morning, she would call on Regina to watch the students of SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College, a high school that offered International Baccalaureate programming, as they walked past their home. “Regina, come and see; this could be you,” she would say, pointing to the students in their distinctive blue school uniforms. “Once you are able to go to international college, you will be able to go anywhere in the world that you choose.”  

Regina is living proof of the bright future made possible for every child welcomed into an SOS Children’s Villages home. 

Special performances

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Carlos and Sofia | cabaret and theatre arts dancers

Carlos Zapata and Sofia Skvirsky are internationally renowned professional cabaret and theatre arts dance partners. With eight years of professional performance and competition experience, they captivate audiences with their intricate lifts, dazzling tricks, and heartfelt storytelling routines, consistently earning standing ovations. Together, they boast over 65 victories in professional cabaret competitions. Their combined accolades include nine Canadian show dance championships and three world pro-am theatre arts titles.

Their achievements include reaching the finals of the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, where they represented Canada among a select group of international couples. Additionally, they were personally invited by a senior casting director from AGT to compete on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent in 2018. Recognized as top-tier dancers globally, Carlos and Sofia are sought after for teaching workshops, choreography, coaching, and training dancers of all styles and levels. They continue to showcase their talents on stages both nationally and internationally.

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Sofia Spilberg | violinist

Sofia Spilberg is a professional violin artist from Toronto who plays her own unique sets of pop, classical, house, dance, Bollywood, and fusion music. A versatile violinist, Sofia is passionate about performing instrumental music before an audience and sharing her exceptional style with people. From perpetual classical performances to fascinating electric violin shows and DJ live collaborations, Sofia has performed at exclusive events and shows worldwide.