The Cannata Report will raise funds to benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation and "Break on Through" at its 38th Annual Awards & Charities Gala on Nov. 2, 2023 in Morristown, New Jersey. Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankee Mariano Rivera will make a special appearance to represent his foundation and its Print Design & Packaging Development (PDPD) program, an initiative to educate young men and women to pursue careers in the printing industry.

Hytec Dealer Services and TD SYNNEX will serve as the official sponsors of the gala that celebrates excellence in the office technology and imaging industry by announcing the winners of The Cannata Report's Frank Awards. "Break on Through," this year's gala theme, celebrates the future of the office technology industry, exemplified by the Mariano Rivera Foundation's educational initiative in which students are enrolled in a vocational program that provides them with training and certifications in digital press technology, color management, workflow and digital graphic design. "Break on Through" also applauds the groundbreaking innovations and diversification opportunities redefining the independent dealer channel.

"The office technology and imaging solutions industry is at a crossroads," said CJ Cannata, president and CEO, The Cannata Report. "As technology innovations drive change and evolution throughout all business sectors, independent dealers must expand their product offerings and services beyond traditional imaging solutions to meet the changing demands of their clients. At the same time, groundbreaking products in printing and imaging are propelling the channel. With new, inventive services offered alongside office technology and printing solutions, conventional assumptions about the copier dealer channel are rapidly progressing.

"It's our honor to raise funds for the Mariano Rivera Foundation's print technology education program," Cannata continued. "We are inspired by Mariano Rivera and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth through mentorship and education programs. That our 38th Annual Awards & Charities Gala is raising funds for an initiative at the heart of the industry that we have chronicled for over 40 years is incredibly special."  

In addition to announcing the winners of the Frank Awards, which are determined by its Annual Dealer Survey, The Cannata Report will bestow the Frank G. Cannata Philanthropy Award to a member of the office technology industry for their dedication to giving back and supporting charitable organizations. A Veterans Award will be given to a member of the office technology industry for service to their country and fellow veterans.  

Independent office technology dealership executives will be presenters and announce the winners of the Frank Awards. Robert Goldberg, general counsel of the Business Technology Association, will once again serve as the event's emcee. In addition to official gala sponsors Hytec Dealer Services and TD SYNNEX, ConnectWise and Static Control will serve as presenting sponsors. HP will sponsor the gala's cocktail reception, and Xerox and Polek & Polek will sponsor the afterparty. The gala will be held at The Madison Hotel in Morristown.

The Cannata Report's Annual Awards & Charities Gala has collectively raised more than $3 million for charitable organizations nationwide.  

The day after the gala, The Cannata Report will host its Annual Women Influencers Brunch to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Women Influencers editorial showcase and salute its 2023 honorees, Chelsey Bode of Pearson-Kelly Technology, Melissa Confalone of Fraser Advanced Information Systems and Liz Sumner of SumnerOne.