OUR IMPACT
The Blu Genes Foundation’s Fundraising Events
Offer Hope Where There Currently Is None.
VISIT
Cityzen Group proudly supports the Blu Genes Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to advance gene therapy research and find treatments for rare genetic disorders, beginning with Tay-Sachs disease. Blu Genes was founded by Sam and Maria Crignano, and began out of a personal mission to seek treatment for their granddaughter beyond palliative care - offering hope to families like theirs. Over the years, the Foundation has directly supported groundbreaking initiatives, including a $1.8 million donation to UMass to advance the world’s first in-human clinical trial for Tay-Sachs disease and over $700,000 gifted to SickKids to fund a dedicated research team developing gene-editing treatments.
TEA FOR BLU is an elegantly crafted afternoon of socializing, traditional tea service and fun activations with special guest medical superstars. Our fourth annual Tea for Blu took place on Sunday, April 7, 2024, and enjoyed an encore experience at the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
A Signature Blu Genes Event, VELO BLU is an annual charity cycling event at the beautiful Peller Estates Winery in Niagara on the Lake. The event boasts high-end experiences for each rider and event guest. VELO BLU offers multiple routes for cyclists of all levels. Over the years, Velo Blu has become a cornerstone of this mission, raising an incredible $1.8 million through its past five events and contributing to a total of over $3.6 million raised for the foundation to date.
ITALIAN
CONTEMPORARY
FILM FESTIVAL
CREATING MEANINGFUL IMPACT WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES WE HELP FORM.
VISIT
Cityzen Group has proudly supported the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) since its inauguration with Sara Margani sitting on the Board of Directors and Maria Crignano sitting on the Board of Advisors. Over 12 remarkable editions, the ICFF has grown to encompass 5 cities, 9 dynamic programs, and an impressive audience of over 57,000 attendees. This festival honors the essence of more than 15 local communities, attracting a diverse and multi-generational audience that bridges cultures and backgrounds.