Parker's Journey

Last night was one of the most memorable evenings I have ever had. Parker's Journey was a complete success and I don't think that it could have been any better. My wife and I had the most wonderful time and we are so appreciative of everyone who helped out and everyone who shared the evening with us.

I know that I mentioned it last night in my speech but I want to begin this article by thanking some very special people. First, we would like to say thank you to Sam and Andrea, their expertise and guidance throughout the organisation of the event was invaluable. We are very fortunate to have had the two of you take part in Parker's Journey. You made an excellent team as Master of Ceremonies. Thank you to the Mayor of Vaughan, Michael Di Biase for finding time in your extremely busy schedule to be with us in this celebration of our son'’s life. You were extremely well spoken and your words touched so many of us. I mentioned a thank you to my mother last night, but I really want to say it again. Tracy and I are extremely appreciative of all the time you have put into this event. The time and effort that you put aside for this means so much to us. It truly is times like these that reinforce the importance of family. Most of all, we would like to thank Mara and Mauro Arturi. From the moment we heard from my mother about this event that you were planning for our son we were absolutely flabbergasted. The two of you have put so some much time and effort into Parker's Journey that we are forever grateful. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

In addition I want to thank some other people who made last night a very special one. Thank you to Carlo Coppola who played two incredibly beautiful songs during dinner. Carlo was extremely talented and his music touched everyone. Thank you to Veriation Music who donated their time last night so we all could have a wonderful time. You found a way to keep my seven month pregnant sister dancing until the wee hours of the night! Thank you to D&D Floral Design for the beautiful floral centre pieces. To Dolce Magazine and CHIN TV for taking last night to cover the event. We look forward to seeing the memories you captured in your upcoming magazine and Sunday television show. Thank you to the people at the La Primevera Ballroom. It was such a beautiful evening, the food was absolutely incredible. I also want to thank all of our sponsors last night for their generous donations. The raffle and silent auction were definately a success.

I tried to speak with as many of the people who came to Parker's Journey last night and I cannot thank everyone enough for everything you have done for our family and our son. It was so nice to hear from many of the people who read the blog on a regular basis. I was so touched to know that Parker has become so special to so many different people. This is the reason that I say that I feel terrible when I do not write an article on a given day. Yes, it is my outlet for sharing what I and my family are going through, but even more it is my way of telling the world how much I love and how special my little boy is.

I know that many of you would like to know the final amount that the evening raised and we are very pleased to tell you that Parker's Journey raised over $25, 000. Our family cannot thank everyone enough for last night. I know that the next big celebration that we have will be to celebrate Parker and his successful journey back from Italy. Please continue to regularly visit Parker's website as I tell the story of Parker's Journey.