Record-setting Georgian College charity event raises $570,033 to help students flourish
Nov. 13, 2025
BARRIE, ON — Georgian College’s biennial charity fundraiser was held on Nov. 7 at Casino Rama Resort. The 2025 theme, Flourish: uniting for student success, presented by belairdirect, generated record-setting net proceeds of $570,033 to help reduce financial barriers for students through awards, scholarships, bursaries and vital services such as the Georgian FoodLocker.
The event was co-chaired by two Georgian graduates, Ali Khonsari (class of 1997 and honorary degree 2024) and Addison Wallwin (class of 2015 and 2019), with the support of a dedicated volunteer committee. It brought together 300 donors, sponsors, alumni and friends of Georgian united by a shared commitment to empowering students, supporting accessible education and ensuring essential services are available when students need them.
“We’re deeply grateful to our vast range of supporters for their generosity and continued friendship with the college – including our incredible sponsors and donors,” said Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President and CEO. “Together, we’re empowering students to focus on what matters most: achieving their goals, building meaningful careers and creating a bright future.”
The funds raised will have a lasting impact, helping more learners flourish and pursue their education and career goals with confidence and stability.
Marley Gaspric, a student in Georgian’s Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills program and recipient of the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, was featured in one of the event’s student impact videos. She says the scholarship has made it possible for her to focus on her studies and future career.
“I can focus fully on my career, learning and building my skills without the worry of working extra hours to afford the expenses that come with being a college student,” said Gaspric. “Coming to Georgian is a step toward my future and career and I want to thank donors for standing alongside me and helping me truly flourish.”
The event MC was Jon Montgomery (class of 2000 and hon. degree 2015) a Georgian alumnus, Olympic gold medalist and host of The Amazing Race Canada. At the event, Montgomery shared, “To our sponsors, donors, volunteers and gala committee, and every single one of you in this room tonight, thank you. You’ve shown us that flourishing can’t happen alone. It only happens when you surround yourself with people who care.”
Students from a wide array of programs showcased their learning through experiential displays and helped with event logistics. Guests were able to meet and speak to students in nursing, firefighting, interior design, cabinetmaking, culinary, digital content creation, aesthetics and more.
Georgian extends heartfelt thanks to presenting sponsor belairdirect, venue sponsor Casino Rama Resort, Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach, Gateway Casinos Innisfil, together with all of our Catalyst, Pathfinder, Mentor and Builder-category sponsors, media sponsor Central Ontario Broadcasting, in-kind supporters, donors and guests whose generosity made this record-setting fundraising total possible.
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