Paletta Family – Burlington Museum Foundation donors
The Joseph Brant Museum Burlington Builders Gallery, featuring the history of families who have made significant contributions to Burlington, appealed to the Paletta family who wanted to create a lasting testament to the generous contributions of family patriarch Pasquale (Pat) Paletta.
“My father came to Canada and started his meat processing business in Hamilton with one animal,” says Angelo Paletta, who today heads up the family’s Burlington-based real estate empire that includes shopping centres, office buildings and residential developments. The family also owns Princess Gates Entertainment which finances films, television and stage productions.
“He moved the business to Burlington in 1964 at the corner of Appleby Line and the QEW, and grew that to more than 100,000 square feet and 165 employees before selling it to what was then Canada Packers. From there he began investing in real estate and that is where our primary focus is today.”
The spirit of philanthropy was part of the business from its beginnings, a tradition that continues today with the family’s $50,000 contribution to the Joseph Brant Museum expansion.
Angelo says it’s important for the community to rally behind the museum expansion, and urges other businesses to follow his lead. “Get involved, put your money where your mouth is … show the community that you’re willing to give back, and have your story kept alive for generations to come.”