TORONTO, ON – The Bikila Award Celebration and Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday, 21st September 2019, Toronto, Canada at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street, East, Toronto beginning at 6:00 pm. This annual event is in its sixth year and has become one of the most anticipated events in the African-Canadian community calendar.
The annual Bikila Award Celebration and Gala Dinner is the organization’s signature event and draws hundreds of attendees from within and outside of the Ethiopian-Canadian community. Every year, the organization honors prominent individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their community and the society and have achieved excellence in various professional fields including the youth who have achieved academic excellence.
The award categories include Scholarships for students who have achieved Academic Excellence and notable individual recipients in Community Services, Professional Excellence Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s keynote speaker is renowned Psychiatrist, Author and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Mehret Debebe. Mimi Alemayehou, Managing Director and a member of the Board of Directors for Black Rhino Group, Executive Advisor to Blackstone and member of the Board of Director FinDev Canada will be the honorary guest speaker. This year Bikila Award event is presented by Helen Mesfin, ebs TV Talk Show Host and Senior Executive.
The Order of The Shining Star of Ethiopia is awarded to H.E. Aklilu Habtewold who is honored posthumously, for his unparalleled dedication in preserving Ethiopia’s independence, renaissance and prominent representation of his country at the world stages.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Colonel Semret Medhane for his extraordinary service and dedication in the superior transformation of both the Ethiopian Air Force and the Ethiopian Airlines.
Award recipients at the 2019 Bikila Award event include Yetnebersh Nigussie; who will be recognized in Professional Excellence award for her exemplary advocacy work in promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and her dedication to humanity. Elias Wondimu; Professional Excellence Award for his dedication in making knowledge and learning in service to society and creating a positive impact through his work as a distinguished publisher. Dr. Ibrahim Yimer; Professional Excellence Award for his outstanding achievement in aerospace research and prominent role in his profession. Tessema Bitew; Community Service Excellence Award for his compassionate community service work in Ethiopia by enabling the needy youth to continue their education.
The Academic Excellence Award and The 2019 Bikila Scholarships go to Solyana Gedlu, Kedous Mekbib, Angel Ayele Lainscek, and Bethel Samson.
The evening will also include cocktails, delicious food, Live Jazz music by The Barnes/Woldemichael Ethio-Jazz Quartet, door prizes and other entertainment.
Limited tickets are available for sale by calling 416-709-5647 and 647-833-5647 or visiting one of the following locations: Rendezvous Restaurant (1408 Danforth Avenue), Abyssinia Restaurant (884 Danforth Avenue), or Lalibela Restaurant (1202 Danforth Avenue).
The mission of the Bikila Award organization is to foster academic, professional and business excellence and promote volunteerism among persons of Ethiopian origin primarily through awards and recognition.
Based on its mission Bikila Award was established as non-political, non-religious and a not-for-profit, organization in 2013 to empower young people to reach their highest potential and to celebrate their achievements.
For more information about the organization and awards ceremony, including a full list of award recipients, please click here or visit: www.bikilaaward.org.
Source: www.bikilaaward.org