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All Star Awards Gala makes celebrities out of community members by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 5 | Thursday, August 28, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The fourth annual All Star Awards Gala in Oakville will be a night where everyone is treated like a VIP . The ceremony recognizes the talents and contributions of those in the community with a developmental challenge and is put together by Oakville resident and Special Olympian James Montague. It takes place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 6-10 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Oakville, 590 Argus Rd. A press conference announcing the gala was recently held at the local hotel. "The annual All Star Awards Gala is going to be the event of the year. The awards gala (is) for people who might otherwise not be recognized. Everyone should be treated like a VIP ," said Mayor Rob Burton. "I have to thank and congratulate James for (extending) that treatment to more people who deserve it." The mayor called on Oakville residents to nominate someone, as you would be doing the community "a great service if you step forward." Montague is the event planner and together with his father, Steve, organize the gala with support from Community Living Oakville and Best Pack. Montague said he is anticipating a "sell-out attendance" of more than 130 people, including nominees, families and friends. The idea for the gala came to Montague and his friends several years ago after wanting to create an event similar to the Oscars, he said, but tailor it "in his own way." He hosted the first ceremony at his house, which grew in popularity as the next two galas were held at the Holiday Inn Oakville -- drawing in 32 and 80 people, respectively. "From the past three (galas), I've found that this type of evening develops confidence, pride and social interaction with others. (These are) qualities that are very important for young people today who may face challenges in their day-to-day lives," said Montague. The 22-year-old noted there will be 50 winners chosen, based on a list of criteria from Community Living Oakville. There are so far 25 nominees. "We want to make sure we get the invite out everywhere. If there is someone that is living with any disability, we want to make sure we include them in this gala," said Montague. From the red-carpet treatment and fourcourse meal to the décor, the experience really "wows them," he explained. "We're having a couple come in to do a professional dance...Last year, we had an Elvis (Presley) impersonator and that really wowed everybody. We try to up the entertainment with a half-time show." Montague said the awards gala draws tremendous interest in the community because of its "unique ability to allow families, friends and colleagues to share their joy in being recog- James Montague speaks at a press conference at Oakville's Holiday Inn to promote the All Star Gala, Sept. 27. | photo by Franki Ikeman ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) nized for their efforts, gifts and talents. "Those in our community won't only enjoy the success of the full, productive contribution to the community through their employment, but they will also get the formal recognition for these great efforts," he said. "There are many young men and women in Oakville that would benefit from this experience." Montague is looking for more nominees and sponsors for the gala, which will also feature a raffle to pay for the recipients' limousines to and from the event. "This gala is for those people living with a disability, either physical or mental. We're here for them. I'm not the celebrity. The celebrities are those working at Community Living Oakville and Best Pack and those in the community with a disability." Tickets, available until Sept. 19, cost $30 for nominees/recipients and $40 for guests. For more information, contact Montague at 905-815-5559 or montaguejames@yahoo.ca. THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM AYA KITCHEN TENT SALE UP TO 75% OFF 2359 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE · 1195 North Service Road West AyAoakville.com · 905.847.1522 Saturday, September th 9am - 5pm RAIN OR SHINE 6 UP TO SHOE SALE KIDS SHOES · Comfortable, Orthopedic Footwear · Custom Orthotics · Compression Garments · Body Braces · Women's Health Products · Body Support Products WE'RE CLEARING OUT OUR BACK SHED & BASEMENT TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW ITEMS. 70 % OFF BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF 511 Maple Grove Dr. Oakville 289-644-2464 www.comfortclinic.ca info@comfortclinic.ca