Published Aug 28, 2023 • 1 minute read
“Every cent donated goes to buying food,” Andrée-Anne Martel, executive director of the Vanier Community Services Centre, said as she addressed the crowd at the fundraising event Partage at Beechwood on Aug. 23. The after-hours event on the road at Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, had guests dining at a Tuscan-themed table nestled between the massive trees and headstones. The charming fundraiser raised $55,000 to help support Partage Vanier, Vanier’s food bank, which was deemed the most used in the province in 2019 and was in the top three in demand in Canada.
From left: Nathalie Carrier, executive director of Vanier BIA; Michael McLellan, chair of the Vanier Community Services Centre; and Andrée-Anne Martel, executive director of the Vanier Community Services Centre. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Carole Saad, left, owner of LouLou Lounge, who brought the spectacular table together, and great friend Erin Benjamin, president and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
The event raised $55,000 from guests who filled 22 tables with eight guests per table. The unique event keeps growing, with $30,000 raised in 2021 and hopes of raising even more in 2024 for Partage Vanier, the province’s most-used food bank. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Nick McCarthy, director of marketing, communications and community outreach at Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, spoke about the importance of the cemetery being a place for the living as he addressed the crowd. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Supporters Anand Aggarwal and his wife, Saroj Aggarwal, co-owners of the Infinity Convention Centre and the Manor Park Group of Companies. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Michael Mrak and his sister Liza Mrak of Mark Motors Group addressed the crowd as sponsors for the special evening. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
John Gomes, with Royal LePage Real Estate, a sponsor for the evening, with his wife Meghan Gomes, an elementary school teacher at Manor Park Public School. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Grandmother Irene gave a welcome address to the group of supporters at the cemetery ready to enjoy a wonderful evening. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Chef Dave Godsoe of Restaurant E18hteen, sponsors for the evening, with his wife, Allie Godsoe. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Mathieu Fleury, former councillor for Rideau-Vanier, was at the event to show his support. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Mona Fortier, MP for Ottawa-Vanier, was all smiles at the fundraising event. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Anna Bélanger, owner of Anna Bélanger & Associates, with Melinda de Haerne, a registered massage therapist at Anna Bélanger & Associates. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
From left, Natalie Belovic, president of Manor Park Community Association; Rick Eisert, broker manager with Royal LePage Real Estate; and Silvina Almeida, a teacher at Rockcliffe Park Public School. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Steven McKeown, Vanier BIA event planner; Morgan Eadie, chair of the Vanier BIA; and Pat Vandesompele, Vanier Community Garden co-ordinator. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Rebecca Noel, Vanier’s own Shawn Tavenier, and Scott Irving played as guests made their way from the cocktail reception to the incredible table with Tuscan vibes in the cemetery. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Elizabeth Kilvert, owner of the Unrefined Olive, a sponsor for the evening, with Deirdre Freiheit, leadership coach with Pourquoi Pas Coaching International. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Eric Cardinal, owner of Mood Moss Flowers, with his wife, Kelly-Anne Skuce (left). PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Guests used musical instruments and noise makers as they walked from the cocktail reception over to the dinner table, which was close to 76 metres long for the 176 guests. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Chef Ross Fraser of Fraser Café put on an Italian winery-themed multi-course menu, with pairing from Reif Estate Winery and other partners. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia
Tenor Philip Klaassen dazzled the crowd with his stunning voice as guests enjoyed their dinner between the tombstones. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /Postmedia