Live Love Gala
Gifted People Services 13th Anniversary
On a gentle autumn night, lights and laughter intertwined, warmth and hope shone brightly. The 13th anniversary charity gala, "Live Love Gala: Lighting Up the Stars, Let Love Continue," hosted by Gifted People Services (GPS), was held on October 25, 2025, in Markham. This was a grand event brimming with love and faith, a celebration for the community, for families, and for every heart that silently dedicates itself to children with special needs.
The venue was packed with guests, and the stars shone brightly. The dinner was co-hosted by Mr. Grant Guo and Ms. Julia Guzman.
Government and business leaders gather together, walking hand in hand for love.
This event received strong support from all three levels of government in Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney sent a congratulatory letter, and Members of Parliament, Premiers, Members of Provincial Parliament, and the Mayor of Markham sent congratulatory telegrams！
Canadian Member of Parliament ( MP) Shaun Chen, Aris Babikian, MPP of Ontario, Alan Ho , City Councillor of City of Wonderland , and Simon Cui, City Councillor of Richmond Hill, were present at the event, adding luster to the charity gala and conveying the deep concern of all sectors of society for children with special needs and their families.
This gala dinner received generous support from numerous businesses and organizations, including TD Bank & TD Wealth, HT Perfect Group, Trinity Financial Services, Uforce Education, Rediscover Beauty Clinic, St. Marlyn TAGvenue, Witchwood Jewelry, Marathon Café, Xiangyu Xianglei, Zhicaotang, United Chinese Medicine, and Wukong Education. It was their trust and goodwill that illuminated this occasion with love.
Thirteen Years of Hardship and Achievements
The event opened with the national anthem and a video commemorating the center's 13th anniversary, moving the entire audience to tears. Since its founding in 2012, Gifted People Services has provided professional support, including ABA behavioral intervention, music therapy, and social skills training, to thousands of children and families with developmental disabilities.
In her address, founder and principal Ms. Dianna Jiang movingly stated, "Every child is a star; with understanding and companionship, they can shine their own light. Over the past thirteen years, we have witnessed countless miracles and felt the power of love."
A stage for love, a shining moment.
The entire gala dinner was filled with captivating performances, punctuated by waves of applause and heartfelt emotions. Julia Guzman, the 2025 National Latin Dance Champion, delivered a passionate performance, immersing the audience in the rhythm of youth and dreams. A youth performance group sang "Million Reasons," their sincere voices conveying hope and courage, while Mr. David Zhong's rendition of "The World Gave Me" deeply moved the entire audience. The evening also welcomed a special guest—Scarborough North City Councillor Simon Cui—who spontaneously performed a Peking Opera piece , adding even more warmth and surprise to the event.
Special needs children and their parents, sharing gratitude
Three parents shared their growth stories with the center , their heartfelt words moving many to tears. Heather, a recent college graduate and a representative of the younger generation, spoke, offering words of encouragement to other parents and young people. James, a skating instructor, shared his experience, highlighting the center's role as a platform for young people to shine. Karen, a music therapist , presented heartwarming videos of teaching music to children . These courses not only help children with special needs discover their interests and talents but also teach them focus, build confidence, and learn to cooperate, gradually opening their hearts and connecting with the world.
Auction , love and compassion converged into light.
The charity auction was a lively affair, with guests enthusiastically bidding. They not only contributed to charity but also gave gifts to family and friends . Auction items included Narnia toys, a Magico massage comb, family portrait artworks from Artage Portraits, a renowned oil painting by Mr. Liu from Terrain Art School, handcrafted jewelry from Witchwood Jewelry, a Hetian jade necklace, and paintings by international artist William Ho. Each item was a double gift of love and art. The auction raised a total of $3,850.
Multiple gifts and three rounds of lucky draws to thank our guests.
Three rounds of lucky draws brought the joy to a climax. Prizes included a Rediscover Beauty Clinic treatment, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and performance voucher for the St. Marlyn TAGvenue music venue, a Cuban vacation grand prize from Ali Travel Group, a Marathon Café voucher, a Huaxing Café red envelope, and a Fat Ginseng American ginseng gift box, among others. Round after round of surprises kept the joy flowing amidst applause.
Paying tribute to dedication, let the light shine into more hearts.
During the dinner , the center presented awards and honors to long-serving staff and volunteers, including 5-year service awards, 10-year service awards, and multiple honors such as Outstanding Volunteer, Best New Volunteer, and Most Improved Volunteer, to recognize their selfless dedication and companionship over the years. Their efforts are the brightest light in the center's thirteen-year history. We also thank Member of Parliament Shaun Chen for recognizing and honoring all the nominated volunteers.
The continuation of love begins in the heart.
As the banquet concluded amidst applause, guests departed with GPS souvenir bags, refreshments, and gifts, but the warmth lingered in the air.
Light up the stars and let love continue. Thirteen years have been a journey of perseverance and faith; every year to come, Gifted People Services will continue to use love as a light to illuminate the path forward for more special children and families, so that every star can be seen with gentleness.
Special thanks to all the sponsors of this event.