Gala Committee

Since the Inaugural Gala in June 2019, the Ajax Mayor’s Gala has raised $1,300,000 net to support organizations making a meaningful impact in our community! We couldn’t do it without the support of our generous sponsors, guests, vendors and volunteers! 

At The Ajax Mayor’s Gala 2025, Boots & Bow Ties, our guests will be transported to where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play. We invite you to don your ten gallon hat and dust off your best dancing boots as you join us for a gourmet meal, thrilling entertainment and a rootin’ tootin’ good time! 

Keeping with The Ajax Mayor’s Gala tradition, the purpose of our shared experience is to benefit charitable organizations and not-for-profits doing great work in our community. As part of a two-year agreement, the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation will be our Charity of Choice in 2025 and 2026. Funds will be used to purchase multiple Automatic Drug Dispensing Units for the surgical and medical units at the Ajax Pickering Hospital.  These purchases will have a significant positive impact for the hospital staff and every patient cared for at the Hospital.

Additional funds raised are committed to other organizations supporting Ajax residents and will be announced following the Gala. 

We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and generosity of our sponsors! Thank you for your community spirit and contributions.

We look forward to seeing y’all on June 14, 2025!

The Ajax Mayor’s Gala Committee

Rose Collier Gala Chair

Maureen Dowhaniuk Event Director

Ashley Adams

Emily Moorhouse Molnar

Lori Ellis

Nimrah Khan

Magda Tzortzis

Matthew Vilord

In memory of Maureen Dowhaniuk, whose behind-the-scenes work for multiple special events meant that they were unforgettable! When first moving to Ajax, she was part of the Recreation Program for the Town of Ajax, before moving to handle marketing projects at the local McDonald’s Restaurant and then  to Rouge Valley Health System Foundation as the lead for Special Events. Her hard work helped raise millions of dollars for the Ajax Pickering Hospital, and she was proud to help provide great health care in her community. Even after officially retiring, Maureen continued to be involved in events including bringing her wealth of experience to the Ajax Mayor’s Gala for the last three years. Maureen was creative and thoughtful; a force to be reckoned with and a dynamic person to have in your life.  She will be missed by all those who knew her, including the Gala committee.