Saturday, 14 November 2026
Mississauga Convention Centre
75 Derry Road West, Mississauga, Ontario
Tickets: $125 per person
Tables and sponsorship opportunities available
The Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development invites you to an extraordinary evening of celebration, connection and purpose at the CACD 2026 IDPAD Excellence Gala.
Bringing together approximately 225 to 400 guests from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, the Gala will welcome young people and families, business and institutional leaders, educators, public officials, community builders, artists, philanthropists, sponsors, CACD alumni and friends.
This will be more than an elegant awards dinner. It will be a gathering of generations, a celebration of Black excellence and a platform for investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
Guided by the principles of Recognition, Justice and Development during the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, the Gala will honour the achievements and enduring contributions of people of African descent while connecting those who paved the way, those leading today and the young people preparing to lead tomorrow.
It will be an evening where legacy meets opportunity—and where celebration is transformed into action.
An Evening with a Greater Purpose
For more than two decades, CACD has empowered young people and strengthened communities through education, mentorship, leadership development, cultural identity, civic engagement, career preparation, innovation and collaborative community action.
The 2026 IDPAD Excellence Gala will mark an important new chapter in that journey by:
- celebrating Black excellence, leadership and community contribution;
- introducing CACD’s New Direction and Learners to Leaders+;
- connecting young people with mentors, professionals and leaders;
- mobilizing support for the Sonia Cunningham Scholarship Fund;
- strengthening educational, career and leadership pathways for youth; and
- sharing CACD’s longer-term vision for a Centre of Excellence for Leadership, Innovation and Community Development.
Every ticket purchased, table reserved and sponsorship secured will help CACD create opportunities for young people to learn, belong, contribute and lead.
Placing 100 Young People at the Heart of the Gala
Most importantly, young people will be at the heart of the celebration—not simply as observers, but as recognized participants, contributors and future leaders.
Through Learners to Leaders+, CACD is seeking sponsors and community partners to help bring at least 100 young people to the Gala. Supporters may sponsor an individual youth ticket, several seats or a complete youth table of ten.
Participating youth will experience an inspiring celebration of Black excellence, meet accomplished leaders and professionals, and discover new educational, career and leadership possibilities.
Our goal is to place 100 young people in a room filled with people who believe in their potential and are prepared to help them move from learners to leaders to builders of legacy.
Sponsor a seat. Open a door. Help a young person see what is possible.
Learners to Leaders+ and CACD’s New Direction
CACD’s New Direction is building a more connected and future-focused pathway for youth development.
At its centre is Learners to Leaders+, CACD’s evolving framework for supporting young people through education, mentorship, leadership, career exploration, digital innovation, cultural identity, mental health and well-being, civic participation, entrepreneurship and community service.
The Gala will offer an inspiring introduction to this vision, with further programme and partnership announcements to be revealed during the evening.
The Sonia Cunningham Scholarship Fund
A central purpose of the Gala is to strengthen the Sonia Cunningham Scholarship Fund and support deserving young people pursuing post-secondary education, training and career pathways.
Guests, businesses, foundations and community partners will be invited to invest in young people whose potential should never be limited by financial circumstances or lack of opportunity.
Supporting the Scholarship Fund is an investment not only in an individual student, but also in the families, workplaces and communities they will one day serve and lead.
Connecting Learners, Leaders and Legacy
At the heart of the Gala will be the Leadership and Legacy Circle—an invitation-only gathering of distinguished Canadians whose leadership, public service, professional achievement and community contribution have helped shape institutions, strengthen communities and open doors for others.
The Circle will bring together accomplished leaders from government, business, education, justice, public safety, philanthropy, culture and community development. It will create a rare and meaningful connection between those who have built remarkable legacies, those leading today, and the young people preparing to carry that work forward.
For participating leaders, the evening offers an opportunity to do something both simple and significant: to be present, to inspire and to help a young person see what is possible. A conversation, an encouraging word, a shared insight or a thoughtful introduction can become the moment that changes the direction of a young person’s life.
Participation will be honorary, selective and flexible, with no governing or fiduciary responsibilities. Distinguished participants will be invited to lend their presence, experience and influence in ways that reflect their interests and availability.
This is where accomplished leadership becomes living legacy—not only through what has already been achieved, but through the confidence, connections and possibilities created for those who will lead next.
Distinguished participants and special guests will be announced as confirmations are received.
An Elegant and Memorable Experience
Guests can anticipate an uplifting and sophisticated evening featuring:
- a Leadership and Legacy Circle VIP Reception;
- red-carpet arrivals and networking;
- live cultural and musical entertainment;
- an elegant dinner;
- youth participation and special presentations;
- recognition of excellence and community contribution;
- distinguished guests and an inspiring keynote address; and
- opportunities to support scholarships and youth advancement.
Additional honourees, guests, sponsors, entertainment and programme details will be announced in the coming months.
Attend, Sponsor or Partner with Us
There are several ways to be part of this important occasion:
- purchase an individual ticket;
- reserve a table for colleagues, family or friends;
- become a Gala sponsor;
- contribute to the Sonia Cunningham Scholarship Fund;
- sponsor a youth seat or table;
- provide an in-kind contribution; or
- explore a customized community partnership.
Whether you participate as a guest, sponsor, partner or supporter, your involvement will help transform an evening of celebration into opportunities that continue long after the Gala has ended.
Join Us
On Saturday, 14 November 2026, we will honour those who opened doors, celebrate those making a difference today and invest in the young people who will shape tomorrow.
Come prepared to be inspired, make meaningful connections and help build a future in which every young person can learn, lead and leave a legacy.
CACD 2026 IDPAD Excellence Gala
Saturday, 14 November 2026
Mississauga Convention Centre
Tickets: $125 per person (Introductory ticket price only until the end of September; then it will increase to $150)
Purchase your ticket. Reserve your table. Become a sponsor. Support the Scholarship Fund. Invest in tomorrow.
