It was a night to tie on the bibs and offer up the bids as a crowd of 500 gathered Thursday at the Hilton Lac Leamy for a lively evening of East Coast music, tantalizing seafood and lobster, and enviable auction buys, all in support of Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

The 22nd Annual Evening in the Maritimes saw Senator Vern White, who was born and raised in Cape Breton, once again serve as honorary chair with David Cork from Scotia Wealth Management.

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From left, Senator Vern White with his wife, Sari Musta-White, Jenni Tipper and David Cork, who served with White as honoury co-chairs of the 22nd Annual Evening in the Maritimes, held Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Hilton Lac Leamy in support of Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

The gala, presented by pharmaceutical company Lundbeck, hauled in a record-breaking net total of $110,000 for Citizen Advocacy, a local non-profit organization that’s been helping people with disabilities for more than 40 years.

The live auction, led by lawyer and community builder Lawrence Greenspon, featured the return of an unforgettable trip to Antarctica. It was donated by One Ocean Expeditions and Worldwide Quest, which quietly promised to throw in a second package if the bidding demand got high enough. It did, and the item sold twice, at $20,000 each, to Myrna and Don Law-West of LWI Consulting Partners, and their guests, Terri Morgan and Maury Hill, raising a total of $40,000.

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Lawyer Lawrence Greenspon, seen with his wife Angela Lariviere, served as charity auctioneer at this year’s Evening in the Maritimes gala, held at the Hilton Lac Leamy on Thursday, May 19, 2016, in support of Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

The big-ticket purchase was not impulsive, said Law-West, who was planning to visit the world’s southern-most continent with his wife in the near future. It made sense, he told Around Town, to buy the trip at a charity dinner in order to further help a cause that he’s been supporting for a number of years. The trip is valued at $25,000.

The popular shindig offered up laid-back East Coast charm, from fiddle music and highland dancing, to fishing village-inspired decor. That meant a lot of anchors, but none as prominent as host Graham Richardson from CTV Ottawa News.

Winning the crowd over was Caroline Joanisse, a young woman born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Through Citizen Advocacy’s Everyday Champions program, she has found a mutually rewarding and lasting friendship with volunteer Patricia Collette. The pair enjoys a weekly movie and dinner date together, out in the community.

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From left, Caroline Joanisse and Patricia Collette shared their story of being matched up through Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa at the 22nd Annual Evening in the Maritimes gala held at the Hilton Lac Leamy on Thursday, May 19, 2016. (

“My time with Caroline is special,” Collette told the room. “She is a joy to be with and she makes me feel young.”

Joanisse spoke of the valuable support she has received from Collette. “I like that she listens to me and she has empathy,” said Joanisse. “I think of her as a role model or as a big sister.”

Currently, Citizen Advocacy has a waiting list of 300 people with developmental disabilities hoping to be matched with a volunteer advocate.

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More than 400 women in this city have put their money where their mouths are by supporting an all-female philanthropic program that’s helping to transform the way mental illness gets diagnosed, treated, researched and publicly discussed.

The Women for Mental Health initiative was celebrated at a reception held Wednesday at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. There, attendees toured the hospital’s new brain imaging centre and checked out its state-of-the-art PET-MRI unit designed to help people, suffering from major depression and other mental illnesses, get better faster.

So high is the suicide rate that if you added up all of its victims, globally, it would be like erasing the population of Ottawa every year. “That’s totally unacceptable but we’ll be in a better position to change that now,” Dr. Pierre Blier, director of The Mood Disorders Research Unit, told some 70 attendees.

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Psychiarist and brain researcher Dr. Pierre Blier spoke to supporters of Women for Mental Health during an annual celebration of the philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

It was the unexpected and shocking 2010 suicide of 14-year-old Daron Richardson, daughter of popular hockey player-turned-coach Luke Richardson and his wife, Stephanie, that motivated Nancy O’Dea to lead Women for Mental Health. “Because it felt so close to home,” the luxury property realtor and former nurse explained in her heartfelt speech.

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Nancy O’Dea, inaugural chair of Women for Mental Health, delivered a heartfelt speech to attendees of an annual celebration of the all-female philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

The program succeeded with the help of 21 founding members. They agreed to donate $5,000 each over five years and to recruit female friends and colleagues to do the same. Many women, said O’Dea, have the gift of communication. “We talk, we share, we disseminate messages in our community. So, what better group of people to coalesce for a cause.”

On hand were Nancy Stanton, acting president and CEO of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health; Susan Engels, chief nursing executive at the hospital and vice-president of quality and professional practice; and Wilma Deen, chief operating officer of the Institute of Mental Health Research.

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From left, Nancy Stanton, acting president and CEO of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, with fellow Women for Mental Health ambassador Mariette MacIsaac (Trinity Development Foundation) and inaugural chair Nancy O’Dea at an annual celebration of the philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

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From left, Manjit Basi and Lisa Zed, founding members of Women for Mental Health, at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, for an annual celebration of the all-female philanthropic program, which has successfully raised $1.6 million.

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From left, Women for Mental Health ambassadors Peggy Cork and Terri Hoddinott at the annual celebration of the all-female philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

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From left, Wilma Deen, COO of The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, with Royal Ottawa vice president and chief nursing executive Susan Engels and Women for Mental Health ambassador Mariette MacIsaac at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, for the annual celebration of the philanthropic program.

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Jazz singer Cyndi Kennedy performed with Howard Tweddle on double bass and keyboardist Rick Woyiwada at an annual celebration for the Women for Mental Health philanthropic program, held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

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From left, Women for Mental Health ambassador Nicole Loreto, vice president of communications for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, with founding member Lynne Clark, director of partnership development with United Way, at an annual celebration of the all-female philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on May 25, 2016.

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From left, Women for Mental Health ambassador Nori Gowan, manager of business development with the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, with founding member Helen Hirsh Spence at an annual celebration of the all-female philanthropic program, held at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

In closing, O’Dea recalled an inspiring conversation she once had with the late Arnie Vered. It was following a meeting for cabinet members of the Royal Ottawa’s ambitious $25-million campaign. Vered, who was one our great community builders, was so proud that a city of only one million people could be home to so many wonderful centres of excellence. The Royal Ottawa, he predicted, will become the next great centre of excellence. “Thank you to all of you for helping to make that happen,” said O’Dea.

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A bunch of new partygoers decided to give the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl a whirl this year, leading to a first-ever sell-out for the wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser for Ottawa-Gatineau’s LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The $30-a-ticket event drew more than 450 attendees to Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday to sample the tasty offerings from 33 vendors, while jazz musicians and Toto Too Theatre performers kept the crowd entertained.

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From left, pastry chef Sarah Corbett and Vanessa Nisbet from Lifford Wine and Spirits were among the vendors who participated in the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl fundraiser for the Ottawa-Gatineau gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-friendly community not-for-profit organizations, held inside Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016.

Organizers were hoping to raise roughly $10,000 for this year’s chosen charities: Capital Rainbow Refugee, a group that sponsors LGBT refugees; Ottawa Senior Pride Network, a group that works to promote a healthy aging LGBT community; and Ten Oaks Project, an organization that offers camp programs to children and youth from LGBT families.

Graphic designer and committee chair Glenn Crawford compared the event to The Ottawa Wine and Food Show “but much more social and much more fun”. Just think Edward Kwan (a.k.a. China Doll), Ottawa’s popular gay drag performer. He could be spotted at the party at all times, thanks to his massive multi-coloured boa feathered wig.

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Edward Kwan, better known as China Doll, is flanked by Ten Oaks Project board president Morgan Barnes, left, and Richard Corneau at the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser held at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016.

As well, attendees included scooter-riding councillor Catherine McKenney, the first openly gay woman on Ottawa city council.

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From left, Ottawa city councillor Catherine McKenney (Somerset Ward) with Nadia Ziroldo at the 12th annualSwirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser held at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016.

Public interest in Swirl & Twirl has grown since organizers started switching up the beneficiaries, resulting in a wider network of people learning about and attending the fundraiser each year. Also helping to boost this year’s ticket sales was the venue, which is large, welcoming and filled with natural light.

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From left, Marc-André Millaire with fellow committee members Kerry Beckett, Glenn Crawford, Denis Schryburt and Mario Larochelle, joined by Lana Lovecakes in Vegas showgirl costume, at the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser held at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016.

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Glenn Nuotio and Ariel Troster at the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser for the Ottawa-Gatineau gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-friendly community not-for-profit organizations, held Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building.

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From left, Dr. Claire Kendall with nurse practitioners Elizabeth Lavoie and Joanna Binch, all of whom work in the area of HIV care, attended the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl fundraiser held at the Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016, held in support of the Ottawa-Gatineau gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-friendly community not-for-profit organizations.

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From left, Zhaida Uddin, Stephan Klovan, Chris Desmond and Haoua Inoua at the 12th annual Swirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser held at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016.

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From left, Sue Saikali, Rae Raymond, Marie Paquette and Gerry Foley are regular attendees of the annual Swirl & Twirl wine, beer and food-tasting fundraiser held at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in support of the Ottawa-Gatineau gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-friendly community not-for-profit organizations.

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This year’s Girls Night Out was issued its own extreme heat alert after some of Ottawa’s smoking-hot firefighters volunteered to help out at the 10th annual benefit dinner and auction for Hospice Care Ottawa, a community-based organization that provides hospice care and community palliative support to individuals and their families.

The men in uniform escorted hundreds of ladies to their dinner tables at Friday night’s event, held at Algonquin College. They also offered to visit the home of the highest auction bidder in order to prepare a barbecue dinner for her and her friends.

In the 700-person crowd was prominent Ottawa philanthropist Shirley Greenberg, who was there with two tables full of her friends. Organizing committee member Mary Ann Smythe also had a table, courtesy of her husband, Phil Massad from BMO Nesbitt Burns. “I didn’t even have to ask him,” she told Around Town. “He volunteered.”

The crowd heard from Hospice Care executive director Lisa Sullivan. She was “over-the-moon excited” to share the good news that they will be breaking ground Tuesday on a new residential hospice in Kanata.

“For many of you in the room, the genesis of Girls Night Out came from a desire to have a hospice in the west end of Ottawa,” she said.

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From left, Kim Curran, vice president of philanthropy at the Bruyëre Foundation, with its board chair, Fiona Gilfillan, at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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Brian Tong from Quality Entertainment teaches a crowd of 700 women a few quick dance moves at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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From left, supporters Candy Laframboise from Kelly Funeral Homes and Lise Tyrell from Big Easy’s Seafood and Steak House and Rosie’s Southern Kitchen, with Hospice Care Ottawa executive director Lisa Sullivan at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for the community-based charitable organization, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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From left, Shannon Gorman with Debbie O’Brien and Amy Desjardins, executive director of the Algonquin College Foundation, at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa , held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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From left, Hospice Care Ottawa board member Hèlëne Sabourin with Ottawa firefighter Peter Roy-Smith (who scored extra points with the ladies for his Aussie accent), event supporter Mary Ann Smythe and board member Sheila Brady at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held Friday, May 27, 2016, at Algonquin College.

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Some 700 women learned a few quick dance moves at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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From left, Eleanor Thomson with prominent Ottawa philanthropist Shirley Greenberg at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held Friday, May 27, 2016 at Algonquin College.

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From left, Paulette MacGregor and Stephanie Haw from Amsted Design-Build were among the 700 attendees of the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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Judy Faulkner, owner of Faulkner Real Estate, and her mother, Sandra Faulkner, attended the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundriaser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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CTV Morning Live weather host and event host Melissa Lamb with Brian Henry, president of Quality Entertainment, at the 10th annual Girls Night Out fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, held at Algonquin College on Friday, May 27, 2016.

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Somebody knew enough to cue the blue skies and warm weather for the 4th annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala held Wednesday on the very same river that the sold-out benefit was raising money to protect.

A crowd of 475 supporters arrived by valet drivers, foot, boat and bicycle to Lemieux Island, situated on the Ottawa River. There, they mingled on a beautiful and bucolic piece of property decked out with lounge chairs, twinkling lights and creative food stations catered by Thyme & Again.

Not only was the party fun but it was successful; the gala raised more than $230,000 for Ottawa Riverkeeper.

Canadian super talent Serena Ryder played for the enthusiastic crowd while the prime minister’s much-in-demand wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, served as 2016 Honorary Riverkeeper (following in the watery wake of former honourees Kevin Vickers, Stephen Poloz and Mark Carney).

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From left, award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Serena Ryder shares a laugh with Newfoundland Liberal MP Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s South-Mount Pearl) and 2016 Honourary Riverkeeper Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

In her bilingual remarks, Grégoire Trudeau praised water as a life-giving force with cleansing properties, and spoke about how it can influence, along with the rest of nature, our moral and physical health. “It is where we come from and it is where we must give respect in return,” she said.

Grégoire Trudeau also touched on the subject of areas in the world and in Canada where people lack safe water. “It shouldn’t be a luxury to have access to clean water,” she added.

Ottawa Riverkeeper Meredith Brown took to the podium to present the 2016 Water Leader canoe paddle to Mayor Jim Watson and Ottawa city council for their “unwavering commitment” toward reducing the amount of untreated sewage going into the river. The Ottawa River flows 1,200 kilometres before joining the St. Lawrence River.

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From left, Ottawa Riverkeeper board chair Geoff Green with Mayor Jim Watson (named 2016 Water Leader), Riverkeeper Meredith Brown and Ottawa city councillor David Chernushenko (Capital Ward) at the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

The mayor has been a champion of the clean up of the Ottawa River by making it a priority for the city, said Brown, and has worked successfully with the other levels of government to reduce sewage spills.

In addition, the organization received $100,000 from ongoing supporter RBC, presented by Louise Summers from RBC Wealth Management.

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From left, Geoff Green, chair of the Ottawa Riverkeeper board, and Riverkeeper Meredith Brown celebrate over the $100,000-ceremonial cheque presentation made by RBC Wealth Management regional vice president Louise Summers, joined by the Riverkeeper’s new executive director, Patrick Nadeau, at the annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Back to host the $250-a-ticket event was Ottawa journalist Evan Solomon, joined on stage by Gary Zed from presenting sponsor EY; Canadian explorer and educator Geoff Green, chair of the Riverkeeper board; and Claudette Commanda from the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation.

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Gary Zed from presenting sponsor EY on the red carpet with 2016 Honourary Riverkeeper Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Riverkeeper Meredith Brown at the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala held at Lemieux Island, on the Ottawa River, on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

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Claudette Commanda, an elder from the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation, addresses the sold-out crowd at the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. (Caroline Phillips / Ottawa Citizen)

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Ottawa journalist Evan Solomon was back to host the sold-out 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Attendees included Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna and fellow Ottawa Liberal MPs Andrew Leslie and Karen McCrimmon.

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Ottawa Liberal MPs Andrew Leslie (chief government whip) and Catherine McKenna (environment and climate change minister) attended the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

The silent auction offered dream-of-a-lifetime trips for the outdoorsy types, including an Arctic cruise package worth $31,632, donated by Adventure Canada; a canoe or rafting Nahanni Wilderness Adventures trip worth $21,500; a guided trip on the Dumoine River, joined by Meredith Brown and avid paddler and well-known musician Kathleen Edwards; and a stay at Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix in Quebec.

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From left, Ottawa Riverkeeper board member and well-known musician Kathleen Edwards with Liberal MP Karen McCrimmon (Kanata-Carleton) at the 4th annual Riverkeeper Gala, held at Lemieux Island on the Ottawa River on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

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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.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

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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.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

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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.