What do you call 26 lawyers on stage together?

Insulting punchline aside, the answer is: a collective effort of philanthropy in support of the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

More than $1.3 million has been raised for the GCTC, along with its selected charity partners, since the annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser began in 1999. This year, at least $10,000 of the proceeds will benefit Salus, an organization that offers supportive housing options for adults with serious mental illness.

Geoff McBride was back to direct the volunteer cast of 25 lawyers and one newly appointed judge, Peter Doody, in The Mouse That Roared comedy (the 1959 film version starred Peter Sellers).

Lawyer Janice Payne from gold sponsor Nelligan O’Brien Payne plays the role of a female U.S. president, perhaps giving us a taste of what’s to come in the upcoming election just south of our border.

Directing such a large cast was a little daunting, McBride told Around Town at Thursday’s opening night party. “It was one of those things where it was like, ‘Great, let’s get 26 people in a room and do a show with them,’ ” he said. “Then it was like, ‘Oh, my God, we have 26 people in a room and I have to do a show with them!’ ”

For the production team, it required juggling the lawyers’ schedules as well as the cast members, in and out of parts. For the lawyers, it meant devoting more than 100 hours of (non-billable) time to evening and weekend rehearsals.

As if cast member Marisa Victor didn’t have enough on her plate as a mother of three young kids with a demanding job as a civil litigator. Preparing for a show is a lot like training for a marathon, she analogized (Oh, did I mention she also trained for and ran the half-marathon last weekend?).

“Sometimes it’s really tough but you put in the hard work and it’s awesome in the end,” said Victor, who has had a lifelong passion for acting.

After the show, the cast celebrated with the crew, as well as work colleagues and sponsors, in the lobbies. Stealing the spotlight for a change was the play’s stage manager, Erin Finn. She cleaned up nicely.

The Mouse That Roared performs at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre at 1233 Wellington St. W. until Saturday, June 4. Tickets are $110 and include a post-show reception and a $60 tax receipt.

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From left, lawyers Stephanie Doucet (Gowling WLG) and Tara Berish, co-chair of the Lawyer Play Committee, and Ontario Court Justice Peter Doody are part the cast of 26 performing until Saturday, June 4, 2016, in The Mouse that Roared comedy in support of the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

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From left, lawyer and cast member Dan Moore at the opening night party on Thursday, June 2, 2016, with audience members Robert Borden and lawyer Ted Mann, from silver sponsor Mann Lawyers, at the 17th annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser for the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

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From left, lawyers Allison Vanek, Michelle Doody (Borden Ladner Gervais) and Laura Kraft (Gowling WLG) are part the volunteer cast of 26 lawyers performing until Saturday, June 4, 2016, in The Mouse that Roared comedy in support of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, in partnership with the County of Carleton Law Association.

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From left, Geoff McBride, who was back to direct the 17th annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser for the Great Canadian Theatre Company, with lawyer and cast member Marisa Victor and GCTC artistic director Eric Coates, at the opening night reception on Thursday, June 2, 2016.

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From left, lawyers Allison Russell (Kelly Santini), James Jeffcott (Low Murchison Radnoff) and Janice Payne (Nelligan O’Brien Payne) are part the cast of 26 performing until Saturday, June 4, 2016, in The Mouse that Roared comedy in support of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, in partnership with the County of Carleton Law Association.

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Seen at the opening night party for the 17th annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser for the GCTC were lawyer and cast member Tara Berish, stage manager Erin Finn and Amanda Montague-Reinholdt (RavenLaw) on Thursday, June 2, 2016.

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Paris may be suffering from its worst flooding in decades but the only thing flowing at its embassy in Ottawa on Thursday was generosity from its ambassador, Nicolas Chapuis. He hosted this year’s annual Fête Champêtre fundraising reception for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra.

A trio of classical musicians filled the air with beautiful sounds as the ambassador greeted some 250 arriving guests, alongside Fête Champêtre honorary chair Peter Herrndorf and the orchestra’s new artistic adviser, maestro Alain Trudel, concertmaster Mary-Elizabeth Brown and the orchestra’s board president, Martha Hynna.

In his welcome speech, the ambassador remarked on what a “magnificent day” it was for Canada with the announcement that French-Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will become the new music director of The Metropolitan Opera.

Herrndorf got the crowd chuckling when he remarked that the two most important cultural jobs in New York are now both filled by Canadians, with one being the executive producer (Lorne Michaels) of Saturday Night Live and the other being the music director of The Met. “What could be better for Canada?” said Herrndorf.

Attendees included Green party Leader Elizabeth May, award-winning Canadian novelist Elizabeth Hay and Ottawa city councillor Tobi Nussbaum.

Many women donned eye-catching hats and fascinators from milliner Madeleine France Cormier of Chapeaux de Madeleine. Her own headpiece came with a musical symbol — the always whimsical treble clef.

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From left, French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis and honorary chair Peter Herrndorf, president and CEO of the National Arts Centre, and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Mary-Elizabeth Brown and the orchestra’s new artistic adviser and principal guest conductor, Alain Trudel, greet arriving guests to the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, Christos Mouroukas and his wife, visual artist Chrysoula (Susie) Mouroukas, with Claire MacDonald and lawyer Rob MacDonald (Gowling WLG) at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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Looking rather mysterious in her large but beautiful hat, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra board member Sharon McGarry (Hulse, Playfair & McGarry) poses with fellow board member David Henry (Borden Ladner Gervais LLP) at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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Les Kumar-Misir and his wife Mary de Toro attended the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, Snookie Lomow, chair of special events for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, with Ottawa milliner Madeleine France Cormier (in a musically themed fascinator) and guest Donna Scorpio at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, Erlene Leslie with Juliana Assaly and her mother, Sandra Assaly, at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, lawyer Marc Jolicoeur, from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and his wife, Kathleen Faulkner, with Carla Pagani and her husband, Marco Pagani, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, Ottawa city councillor Tobi Nussbaum (Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward) in conversation with Sandy Smallwood, president of Andrex Holdings, at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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Giller Prize-winning Canadian novelist Elizabeth Hay and her husband, Mark Fried, attended the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, musicians Jonathan Crombie, Lisa Nazarenko and Olivier Philippe-Auguste performed at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, Otawa Symphony Orchestra honourary member Allison Dingle with Peg Herbert at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis with Green party Leader Elizabeth May at the annual Fête Champêtre fundraiser for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, hosted Thursday, June 2, 2016, by the French Embassy.

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From left, honorary chair Peter Herrndorf, president and CEO of the National Arts Centre, with host, French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Mary-Elizabeth Brown and the orchestra’s new artistic adviser and principal guest conductor, Alain Trudel, at the annual Fête champêtre fundraising party for the orchestra, held Thursday, June 2, 2016.

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There was palpable excitement in the air as the most anticipated fundraising art auction of the year drew a sold-out crowd to the Ottawa Art Gallery on Thursday for bidding and buying, combined with food and drink — the two most important staples for good socializing.

Le pARTy featured 65 original works of art, ranging from paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, new media and installations created by emerging and established artists (they’re given the choice of receiving a 40-per-cent commission or donating their commission back).

Helping to turn the night into a scrumptious gathering were some 20 local businesses from the bar, restaurant, catering and alcoholic beverage industry.

The signature fundraiser was held in support of the public art gallery’s exhibition and educational programming needs. It was organized by a committee co-chaired by artist and OAG board member Danny Hussey and Ottawa writer Hattie Klotz, the latter of whom will be re-locating the Kent Street Raccoon to her own ‘hood, New Edinburgh. Klotz was the highest bidder on the artwork by Christopher Griffin.

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Artist Danny Hussey, from Central Art Garage gallery and framing studio, and writer Hattie Klotz were co-chairs of Le pARTy, the signature art auction fundraiser for the Ottawa Art Gallery held at 2 Daly Avenue on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Le pARTy raised $108,000, proving to be one of the most successful in its 20-year history. It was also the final time the art auction was held at the 2 Daly Ave. location. The gallery will be operating next year out of its renovated and expanded space at 50 Mackenzie King Bridge.

Attendees had the option to skip the bidding process by offering full-market value for an artwork. The first one to make such a move was OAG board member Lilly Koltun, retired director general of the Portrait Gallery of Canada. She snapped up Jinny Yu’s monoprint, called Notes. She had spotted it online, when the gallery released its list of artworks to be available for sale at Le pARTy. “As soon as I saw it I thought, ‘Oh God, that’s mine; that’s absolutely mine’,” said Koltun, who was attracted to the black and white subtly of the piece.

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Ottawa Art Gallery board member Lilly Koltun, retired director general of the Portrait Gallery of Canada, examines Candelabra by Ottawa artist Joy Kardish, at Le pARTy, the signature art auction fundraiser for the public art gallery, held on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

The evening was shaping up, at one point, to be quite plentiful but costly for Canadian historian and author Charlotte Gray. She had bids going on multiple artworks. Not only did she leave satisfied (she bought a piece by artist Leslie Reid) but so did her husband, George Anderson, because, quipped Gray, “I didn’t blow the budget”.

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Ottawa Art Gallery board chair Lawson Hunter, counsel with sponsor Stikeman Elliott, with the U.S. ambassador’s wife, Vicki Heyman, and Canadian historian and author Charlotte Gray, both of whom were active bidders at Le pARTy art auction fundraiser held at 2 Daly Avenue on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Art aficionado Vicki Heyman, wife of U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman, was top bidder on a Meryl McMaster digital chromogenic print, called Caduceus. “I’ve been following her work,” Heyman told Around Town as she lingered near the bidding sheet shortly before the bids closed.

McMcMaster, who was left flattered by Heyman’s steadfast purchase, said it’s always very meaningful to her when an individual has an emotional connection to her work. “I’m really excited to be part of this whole event,” she told Around Town.

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London called and more than 400 posh partygoers answered by heading to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Friday night for a British-themed bash that raised funds and awareness for the Snowsuit Fund.

The sold-out Bash 2016: London Calls was part nightclub, part restaurant, part lounge hangout and part circus. A suspended, umbrella-carrying, hat-wearing Mary Poppins poured bubbly for guests from her aerial hoop above while a sign below reminded guests of her words to live by: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.

It was a splendid looking crowd, with men in their bow ties, top hats and flat caps, and women making bold statements in Union Jack-print leggings and feathery fascinators (although no one could top the giant floral blossom crown worn by event planner extraordinaire, Tami Varma).

The impressive party featured a large dance floor with lights, plus a Beatles tribute band and a DJ. There were also stunning backdrops of some of London’s top attractions, from Big Ben to its famous Ferris wheel, the London Eye.

Organizers have a lot to be proud of. They’ve developed a fresh and unique party, started in 2013, that’s become the talk of the town. They’ve also been raising funds and awareness among younger people, of the Millennial generation, over a charity that distributes more than 16,000 snowsuits each year to help children in need.

“We’ve been working on this for four years,” event chair Andrea Gaunt, from Export Development Canada, told Around Town. “It’s been a lot of effort (but) we just seem to have really hit a groove.”

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If you think all the partygoers dancing late into the night at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala have a lot of energy, then how about our governor general, David Johnston, and his wife, Sharon?

The viceregal couple made its red carpet arrival to the National Arts Centre on Saturday night having flown straight back from London, England, where they took part in the celebrations of our Queen’s 90th birthday.

With the governor general’s own 75th around the corner, the entire audience in Southam Hall, along with a stage full of NAC Orchestra musicians and Ewashko Singers, broke into a rousing performance of happy birthday for his excellency. Johnston was seen smiling with his arm around his wife, giving her a loving squeeze, from their front and centre seats up above with the laureates.

The evening, presented by Enbridge, shone the spotlight on a group of extraordinary Canadian performing artists. It honoured them through a variety of song, dance, musical and theatrical tributes, short NFB films, and loving words from well-known friends and colleagues.

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Elisapie, Tom Jackson and Leela Gilday perform together on stage as part of a tribute to laureate Susan Aglukark at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala, held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

This year’s recipients of a lifetime artistic achievement award were: Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark; Quebec choreographer Marie Chouinard; legendary tenor Ben Heppner; film and television producer Robert Lantos; and Quebec children’s playwright and artistic director Suzanne Lebeau. Unfortunately, singer Michael Bublé is recovering from vocal cord surgery but is expected to attend next year to receive his National Arts Centre Award.

Also fêted was Toronto lawyer John D. McKellar with the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts for his 50 years as an active volunteer, generous donor and pro bono legal adviser.

His son, Don McKellar, who’s well known in Canadian show biz, gave a delightful speech about the different ways his father has motivated, nurtured and guided him. “When I think about it, this award is really an award for great parenting,” he joked on stage. “You’ve been the best dad imaginable but we’re proud to share you with the entire arts community in this country. You’ve been a good dad for a lot of people.”

Returning to host the evening was actor Colm Feore. He poked fun at the NAC building, currently under major renovations. “If you want to see a real sinkhole, try and find the temporary men’s washroom,” he wisecracked, referring to the recent partial road collapse of Rideau Street. “It’s kind of an in-house out-house.”

The work will be completed by next year’s 25th anniversary GGPAA Gala. The new and improved building is certain to be as dazzling as some of the gowns worn at the performing arts gala that night.

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Here’s something to lift you up: a pair of young employees with a local elevator company not only won a jackpot of $30,000 at the Hellenic Community’s 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner on Tuesday but it also voluntarily donated half the money back.

As well, Mike Arsenault and Michael Ruspic decided to share their remaining winnings with their CBM Elevators colleagues, with them at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre that night. “We’re a family,” they told Around Town, speaking both figuratively and literally.

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From left, friends and colleagues Mike Arsenault and Michael Ruspic from CBM Elevator Company react with excitement upon becoming the final two contestants of the $30,000 Reverse Elimination Draw held during the Hellenic Community’s 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre.

Proceeds from the gala benefit both the Hellenic Community’s cultural and religious programs and its new charitable partner, the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation. For the next five years, the local Greek community will be raising money and awareness for the west-end hospital’s new Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit.

“It’s the beginning of a new relationship,” event chair Dean Karakasis, executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Ottawa, told Around Town. “It’s not just about raising money tonight. It’s really about making sure that we become ambassadors on behalf of the QCH and its ACE Unit.”

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From left, event chair Dean Karakasis with Queensway Carleton Hospital president Tom Schonberg, Tomlinson Group of Companies president Kevin Cinq-Mars, and Ron Prehogan, chair of the hospital’s capital campaign, at the 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner, held Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre in support of the new Acute Care of the Elderly Unit at the west-end hospital.

More than 400 attendees took part in a night of cocktails, dinner, auction bidding and prizes, topped off by the Elimination Draw for $30,000 or a 2016 Mercedes-Benz car from Star Motors. The draw begins with 20 contestants. They must decide whether to split 30 grand or try to win a bigger share of the pot, with a risk of getting booted off stage if their raffle ticket is pulled from the lottery drum. The elimination only ends when all remaining contestants unanimously agree to stop.

Ottawa lawyer Lawrence Greenspon found himself with big shoes to fill as he temporarily took over hosting duties from the event’s long-time emcee, ‘Stuntman’ Stu Schwartz (the local radio personality and Senators PA announcer is recovering from his recent bone marrow transplant to treat leukemia).

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Ottawa lawyer and community builder Lawrence Greenspon worked the room while leading the live auction at the 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner held at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital and the Hellenic Community of Ottawa.

Attendees included Hellenic Community president Nicholas Lafkas and its spiritual leader, Fr. Alex Michalopulos, philanthropist Peter Foustanellas from Argos Carpets and Olympia Homes, former long-time event chair Steve Ramphos from District Realty, and Star Motors owner Jeff Mierins.

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From left, Jill Lafkas, president of the Greek Ladies Auxiliary, with her husband, Nicholas Lafkas, president of the Hellenic Community of Ottawa, with Melanie Adams, president and CEO of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, and James Beach at the 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner, held Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre.

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From left, Jeff Mierins, owner of Mercedes-Benz dealership Star Motors, with attendee Jim Orban, president and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation and previous charity partner of the Gold Plate Dinner held Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre.

Also spotted were lawyer and succession planning consultant Ron Prehogan, chair of the QCH Foundation’s capital campaign, as well as the foundation’s outgoing board chair, Alan Whitten, from Huntington Properties, and its incoming board chair, Deborah Bourchier, managing partner of accounting firm GGFL.

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GGFL managing partner Deborah Bourchier, incoming board chair of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, with its outgoing chair, Alan Whitten, president of Huntington Properties, on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre for the 31st annual Gold Plate Dinner, which partnered with the hospital foundation to help raise funds for the hospital’s new Acute Care of the Elderly Unit.

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An Evening with Bryan wasn’t meant to be a swanky affair. After all, the benefit dinner for The Ottawa Hospital Foundation showcased a home-made strawberry rhubarb pie, to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

It was baked that morning by Darleen Murray. She’s one of nine siblings of Bryan Murray, former general manager and coach of the Ottawa Senators and the evening’s humble guest of honour.
Murray, 73, and his exceptional NHL career were celebrated by a crowd of 400 family members, friends, former colleagues and players. Guests dined inside the Canadian Tire Centre hockey arena, which looked more like a ballroom than an ice rink, at the $350-a-ticket gathering.

The evening, emceed by Dean Brown, from TSN 1200 sports radio, raised more than $100,000 for cancer research and care at The Ottawa Hospital.

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From left, Ottawa businessman, philanthropist and hockey fan Dan Greenberg with event honouree Bryan Murray, Daniel Alfredsson and TSN 1200 radio broadcaster and event emcee Dean Brown at An Evening with Bryan, held at the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in support of cancer research and care at The Ottawa Hospital.

Special guests from the hockey world shared stories about Murray with Gord Wilson, also with TSN 1200. As well, Murray participated in a group hockey chat on stage. All language had to be kept clean and remain “Geri-approved” (referring to Murray’s missus, Geri Murray).

Murray, who was diagnosed two years ago with Stage 4 colon cancer, has become very familiar with The Ottawa Hospital through his regular appointments, tests, scans and chemo treatments.

“The care that you get – and I watch a lot of people and I talk to a lot of people going through the same cancer treatment – from the nurses and the doctors at The Ottawa Hospital has been more than outstanding,” Murray, a native of Shawville, Que and a former school teacher, said on stage. “I talked about going to other, bigger cancer centres at one time, but I don’t know that I could get looked after better or by more compassionate people.”

Expressing gratitude to Murray on behalf of the hockey fans were celebrated philanthropists Dan Greenberg and Barbara Crook. The hockey club’s president, Cyril Leeder, also took to the stage to do such a classy job of thanking him on behalf of the organization. Murray maintains a senior advisory role with the team.

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Prominent philanthropic couple and Ottawa Senators fans Barbara Crook and Dan Greenberg were among the hundreds to turn out to An Evening with Bryan, held at the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, to raise funds for cancer research and care at The Ottawa Hospital in honour of the Ottawa Senators’ Bryan Murray.

“We often have these great people who toil endlessly for us on our behalf or on behalf of the game itself, whether it’s as a player or a coach or a general manager, and they do so selflessly for a number of years, and then they’re gone,” said Leeder. “The attitude usually is: Next man up.

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From left, Dr. Jack Kitts, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, with Cyril Leeder, president of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, at a benefit dinner for the hospital held Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the Canadian Tire Centre in honour of Bryan Murray, former GM and coach of the Ottawa Senators.

“In the crazy world of the business of sports, we don’t often get the opportunity to publicly thank those people … who give their heart and soul to our sport, to their city, to their team. People who care more about the game and about their team than anyone and anything else.

“Bryan Murray is one of those people.”

Leeder thanked Murray for taking the Ottawa Senators to its only Presidents’ Trophy in 2003 and for the “great ride” in 2007 that got the team to the Stanley Cup finals. “And Bryan, thank you for showing everyone at Senators Sports and Entertainment how to carry oneself with integrity, with honour and with a sense of community,” he added.

Since going public with his disease, Murray has been a strong voice for cancer prevention by encouraging “stubborn middle-aged men” to get their colons checked. “I was one of those,” Leeder acknowledged. “I had not done so until your public plea.”

Because of Murray, lives have been saved through increased cancer screening and detection. “On the flip side, every year when I go to get that check-up from my neurologist, I’m thinking of you,” Leeder jokingly added.
Former Ottawa mayor and one-time Senators president Jim Durrell led the organizing committee, which also included Phil Downey (Royal LePage Gale Real Estate), Tim Kluke (The Ottawa Hospital Foundation), Peter O’Leary (Ottawa Senators hockey club) and Mike Runia (Deloitte). Attendees included Dr. Jack Kitts, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital; Steve West, chair of the hospital foundation’s board; and Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson.

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From left, event chair Jim Durrell with honouree Bryan Murray, Ottawa hockey legend Daniel Alfredsson, and Tim Kluke, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, at An Evening with Bryan held in honour of Murray on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the Canadian Tire Centre, to raise funds for cancer care and research at The Ottawa Hospital.

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From left, the Ottawa Senators’ chief marketing officer and V-P of ticketing, Peter O’Leary, and Phil Downey, Royal Lepage Gale Real Estate, were both part of the committee that organized An Evening with Bryan, held at the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in support of cancer research and care at The Ottawa Hospital.

Returning to the subject of that home-made dessert. It, along with the recipe, not only sold for an impressive $2,000 to Greenberg (who generously gave it away to Kim and Michel Pilon) but Ottawa Senators senior advisor and former captain Daniel Alfredsson wanted a piece of the pie. Likewise, Gary Zed (Ernst & Young) was willing to match the highest bidding price.
Darleen has agreed to bake a couple more, helping to raise a total of $6,000 for the cause.

“Hey Darleen, can you make cupcakes?” joked Brown after her pie proved a hit. “If we got some cupcakes we’d be rolling here.”

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From left, Angela Spicer from Event Design with Sharon Martin, senior director of philanthropy at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, at An Evening with Bryan, held at the Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

Also auctioned off was the chance to attend an Ottawa Senators hockey game in GM Pierre Dorion‘s suite. It sold for $3,100. A trip for two on the Ottawa Senators team plane for an out-of-town game went for $6,500 to Crook. The one other time she and Greenberg flew on the team plane for a game, the Sens ended up winning.

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Related

• An Evening with Bryan raises money for cancer research

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After many years of raising her child as a single mom and caring for her ailing parents and grandparents, Sabrina Walker was faced with the daunting task of returning to the workforce.

With only $11 to spare, the Ottawa woman bought herself a cheap outfit for an interview for a sales position. It was at a shopping mall shoe store. She researched the company, familiarized herself with its merchandise and prepared her resumé. Unfortunately, she was one of 50 or so people referred by Ontario Works to the job opening.

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Dress for Success vice-chair and co-founder Joelle Hall with client Sabrina Walker and executive director Katherine Clarke-Nolan at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala.

“The manager, in her posh clothes, looked me up and down and laughed,” Walker told guests at a VIP reception for Stepping Out, an annual fundraiser for the non-profit organization Dress for Success. “She said, ‘Let me guess, you just want to continue to use the system’. I guess some people were merely applying to continue to receive their [financial assistance] cheques.

“I am uncertain if it was my lack of confidence or my attire that made her judge me so poorly but I can honestly say I was so hurt and discouraged,” said Walker, who was less interested in abusing the social welfare system and more keen on earning her own money.

“I was tired of figuring out how many days I would have to go without food so my son could get what he needed,” said Walker. “I wasn’t dreaming of Maseratis or yachts; I was just hoping to work, to be able to have three meals a day and the opportunity to give my son a better life.”

Dress for Success Ottawa was founded some six years ago by a group of volunteers wanting to change the lives of women struggling near the poverty line.

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From left, Tiffany Smith with volunteer Lesleigh Smith at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala for Dress for Success, held at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

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From left, Jen Zaret with Dorothy Stern, Lori Caplan, Sharon Appotive and Debi Zaret, co-founder of Dress for Success, at the non-profit organization’s annual Stepping Out gala.

Each year, it continues to provide a growing number of clients with professional attire and a network of support in its mission to empower women into the workforce.

Its gala, held Thursday at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building, drew hundreds of partygoers for a carnival-inspired night of cocktails, food, live music and prizes.

Walker got referred to Dress for Success, which fitted her small frame with a pair of suits for her interviews. She also took part in a skill-building workshop and was handed some smart employment advice from female professionals. “It’s nice to see there are so many women who are willing to support other women,” she said.

Through the organization, Walker got suitable clothes and accessories for a temporary job that she landed. Her plan now is to return to school this fall to study digital communications.

“Dress for Success is more than just outfits,” said Walker. “It’s hope, support and a great place for encouraging personal, educational and employment success.”

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From left, volunteers Arturo Calvo, Kay Richter and Carmen Crinjala at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala for Dress for Success.

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Michelle Osborne, seen with York Street Spa senior stylist Assana McDonald, dropped into the free beauty bar during the Stepping Out gala.

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From left, Dress for Success co-founder and former board member Visnja Zaborski Breton with current board member Kate Headley, director of strategic communications and marketing, at the Stepping Out gala.

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From left, Bobbi Faulkner, Jennifer McGahan and Kelly Genier turned out to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Thursday, June 16, 2016, to support Dress for Success.

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From left, Jenny Noonan with Trie Donovan, Kerri-Lynn Pratt and Suzanne Stanton at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne for the annual Stepping Out gala held Thursday, June 16, 2016, in support of the non-profit organization Dress for Success.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

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So high was the demand to participate in the fourth annual Lawn Summer Nights charity lawn bowling tournament that organizers added a special pop-up event this past Saturday, at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Club.

It was a luau theme. That meant many bowlers arrived in swishy grass skirts, screaming-loud Aloha shirts and colourful leis around their necks. Their sunscreen was appropriately scented: coconut.

The event was held in addition to the regular Lawn Bowling Nights tournament taking place at the club each Wednesday throughout the month of July. It’s sold-out but you can buy $10 tickets to come out and watch.

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From left, Yvonne Langen, Ryan Crompton, Erin Chezick and Tim MacDonald at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

The fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis is being held in cities across the country, attracting a young professional crowd out for a relaxing night on the greens. Its proceeds are helping researchers to find a cure for CF, a genetic disease that progresses over time, attacking the lungs and digestive systems. There are about 4,200 children and adults in Canada living with the disease.

Advances are being made with new drugs, and the median age of survival has risen to 51.8, the crowd heard.

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Jessica Meranger gets ready to throw her bowl down the green at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

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From left, Mackenzie King, Michael Griffiths, Peter Murphy and Jason Fleck at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

“We’re doing well but we’re not doing well enough,” said Helen Meinzinger, president of the CF’s Ottawa chapter, a member of the RCMP and the mother of a six-year-old son with cystic fibrosis. “There are still people dying from this disease. In May, we lost a 20-year old in this community to this disease. A summer ago, we lost three young ladies, in their 20s, to this disease.

“I don’t want to lose my son to this disease.”

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From left, Emily Gingras, Carrie Kennedy,Shelagh Connolly and Ali Duret at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

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Cystic Fibrosis Ottawa chapter president Helen Meinzinger addresses participants of the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up.

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From left, Susan Thurston, Jessica Wright, Sarah Wright and Madelaine Thurston at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

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From left, Malaika Njau, Tegan MacKay, Matt Niizeki and Katherine Atkinson at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Cub on Saturday, June 18, 2016, for the Lawn Summer Nights Ottawa Pop Up, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis.

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Kelsey Lett, seen ringing the bell to open a Lawn Summer Nights tournament in 2015, has lived with cystic fibrosis for 24 years, and says, ‘I feel like I’ve already seen the good, the bad and the terrible. My daily fear: going into the hospital and never coming out.’

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

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The applause was no less than thunderous following the cultural dance performance that charmed and captivated everyone at the annual Igniting the Spirit Gala, held Tuesday at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

This year’s Power of Transformation theme was symbolized by the legendary thunderbird.

It was a quick sellout this year and the biggest gala yet for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. It also saw its largest number of artists performing together on stage, blending contemporary music, ballet and traditional dance beneath suspended lightning bolts of neon colour. The show featured world-champion dancer Lisa Odjig and was choreographed by Christine Friday.

Organizers were hoping to raise $150,000 for Wabano at the gala, held on National Aboriginal Day.

Back to co-chair the $200-a-ticket event were Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau and Barbara Farber, president of Leikin Group.

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Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau with Allison Fisher, executive director of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and his gala co-chair, Barbara Farber, president of Leikin Group, at the sold-out Igniting the Spirit Gala: The Power of Transformation, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

It took a long time before Farber first heard about the Wabano Centre on Montreal Road. She credits Sue O’Sullivan, a former deputy police chief-turned-federal ombudsman for Victims of Crime, for convincing her years ago to drop in and check it out. “I had no idea what it was all about. No idea,” she told Around Town.

Farber originally planned to go for a quickie visit but fell in love with the place and staff once she arrived. So, she called her office to let it know she wouldn’t be returning that day. “I was blown away by what they were able to accomplish,” Farber told Around Town, singling out the programs for elders and children, in particular.

The Wabano Centre, led by executive director Allison Fisher, provides a range of health, cultural and social support services to more than 10,000 aboriginal and non-aboriginal people each year.

“The work of Wabano has been critical for this city,” said returning host Shelagh Rogers of CBC fame, speaking against a stunning stage backdrop of a native art bird, painted courtesy of Dorothy Shaw.

Rogers shared a sweet and funny story about how she came to receive her own indigenous name through her work as an honorary witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “I treasured it and I treasured it, and I found out what it meant,” said Rogers. “It means ‘white woman’.

Canadian comedian Mary Walsh was back as the gala’s honorary chair. She and fellow actor Susan Kent, co-host of This Hour has 22 Minutes, were seen in the crowd, peddling raffle tickets to fans, during the cocktail reception.

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From left, Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal MPs Gudie Hutchings (Long Range Mountains) and Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s South-Mount Pearl) with fellow Newfoundlander Mary Walsh, honorary chair of the Igniting the Spirit Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

Guest speaker Sophie Grégoire Trudeau thanked the Wabano Centre for making her feel like part of its family since the moment they met. She was the lady in red that night in her dress from the Luxx collection, created by an Edmonton-based aboriginal fashion designer.

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Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was the guest speaker of the Wabano Centre’s Igniting the Spirit Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

The 620 attendees also included Olympic athletes Caroline Calvé (snowboarding) and Mary Spencer (boxing), Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and members of city council, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May.

During the live auction, May successfully bid on a thunderbird-inspired traditional shawl in her favourite colour — green.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

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Wellington West is one of the trendiest ‘hoods in town. Yet, behind its popular restaurants and rising home prices is a marginalized population living in poverty.

Many of these struggling folks regularly turn to their community food bank, the Parkdale Food Centre, for help. It was the beneficiary of the Branching Out Gala held Thursday at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, better known as the home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company.

Absinthe, Allium, Bar Laurel, Dish, Supply & Demand, Urban Element, Thyme & Again and Holland’s Cake & Shake kept a crowd of 150 guests fed with their signature dishes. There was also tasty beer from Beyond the Pale to wash it down.

The generosity of the culinary community isn’t limited to a one-night gala affair, said Parkdale Food Centre manager and recognized community builder Karen Secord. “We couldn’t do what we do every week without them,” she added. “They have been so amazingly supportive.”

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From left, Parkdale Food Centre board chair Len Fardella with its manager, Karen Secord, and Patrick Garland, chef and owner of Absinthe CafÈ, one of the neighbourhood businesses out supporting the fundraiser for the community food bank, held at The GCTC.

On hand for the benefit were the food centre’s board chair, Len Fardella, as well as the head of its fundraising, Hilary McVey.