On November 25th, Light Up Riverside, the Riverside BIA’s annual holiday event, will once again enliven the community with a tree lighting, photos with Santa, live choir music and lots of cheer! The fun festivities are happening on Saturday, November 25, from 5pm to 7pm in the Mustard Seed Courtyard.
This year the Riverside BIA is proud to work with event co-sponsors Gillis & Kennedy RE/MAX and Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP. It’s fitting that Light Up Riverside is once again happening at 791 Queen E, right beside the local RE/MAX offices and just steps west of the Baird MacGregor offices.
Patrick Gillis and Dianna Kennedy of Gillis & Kennedy RE/MAX, Light Up Riverside 2017 Co-sponsors (Photo courtesy of PawelecPHOTO)
Dianna and Patrick have strong ties in Riverside, with a combined 48 years experience in the area’s real estate market. They have a lot of enthusiasm for how the neighbourhood has changed and grown.
We sat down with the dynamic team of Patrick Gillis and Dianna Kennedy to get to know them better, and their connections to the Riverside neighborhood:
What do you love about Riverside-what makes this area unique?
Dianna: My father owned a textile business in the neighbourhood so I know it well from that connection. Aside from the art, festivals, history and architecture, I feel that Riverside has a strong charisma which comes from the neighborhood retailers. It’s infectious and you just can’t help but be caught up and want to be a part of it.
Patrick: I know this neighbourhood inside out, including the streets and laneways. I visited the neighbourhood as a teenager and I’ve seen the changes in the Queen/Broadview area. I’ve always thought Riverside would really explode since it’s situated just east of the downtown core and the DVP. Today, the neighborhood boasts a 24-hour streetcar, original brick buildings, cool shops and restaurants, all of which make the community unique. Even in the last 10 years, such a change has happened, and the area has an amazing future in store.
Why did you decide to sponsor Light Up Riverside 2017 and how does it connect to you?
Dianna: We want to make a difference, whether that is through supporting local businesses or sponsoring events. It’s an extension of all the volunteer work we do in our own personal time. We do business in the neighborhood and want to give back.
Patrick: Christmas is one my favorite times of year and to support this event helps celebrate this special time even more. We’re here to help people, and we want to give back through this event.
What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?
Dianna: My nickname is Dee Dee – my father called me that as a kid and all my friends and family call me that. My license plate is DeeDee, so you’ll always know where to find me!
Patrick: I’m known as the “Monopoly King”- I am very good at the game. My kids have really learned how to strategize against me.
What’s your favorite thing about the work you do?
Dianna: The people that I meet are so different and come from all walks of life. I love that I get to help change lives.
Patrick: It’s exciting to be a part of the process of helping people though some of the biggest decisions of their lives. My friends become clients and clients become friends.
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A BIG thank you to our 2017 Light Up Riverside co-sponsors, Gillis & Kennedy RE/MAX and Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP, and to Fontbonne Ministries for hosting again in the Mustard Seed Courtyard.
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Find out more and let us know you’re coming to Light Up Riverside!
