$330K raised as philanthropy flows at Riverkeeper Gala

Federal cabinet minister Evan Solomon, seen alongside Ottawa Riverkeeper Laura Reinsborough and auctioneer Ryan Watson, made an appearance at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, an annual fundraiser he's been involved with since its inception in 2013. Photo by Caroline Phillips

$330K raised as philanthropy flows at Riverkeeper Gala

Published On: May 22, 2025By Caroline Phillips

It’s not often you find yourself mingling with mermaids, but when you’re immersed in the magic of swimming beneath the Borealis — this year’s theme at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s signature gala — anything’s possible, really.

Last night’s celebration brought more than 350 attendees to Jacques Cartier Park on the Quebec side of the river, highlighting the organization’s commitment to collaborating with both provincial governments.

“We need to work together because, as we like to say, you can’t protect half a river,” Laura Reinsborough, Ottawa Riverkeeper and CEO of the local environmental organization, as she welcomed a crowd packed with business leaders and sponsors.

Supporters of Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala know to go with the flow with its gala when it comes to the weather. While the evening started with a drizzle, it wasn’t long before umbrellas became unnecessary accessories. Staying warm was easy, especially with the Big Smoke Brass band packing the dance floor with high-energy music, taking its performance right into the crowd and leaving attendees wanting more.

Laura Reinsborough, Ottawa Riverkeeper and CEO of Ottawa Riverkeeper organization, welcomed more than 350 attendees to the organization’s signature gala, held at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held at Jacques Cartier Park, featured a “swimming beneath the Borealis” theme. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Glenn Sheen from RBC, Jeff Westeinde, Ottawa Riverkeeper board chair Colleen Westeinde and Ottawa Riverkeeper Chair Emeritus Geoff Green listened to remarks made during a small reception held before the main Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper board member Melissa Hammell, co-founder of Building Bridge Group, luckily only had to use her umbrella briefly during the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Sanjay Shah, CEO of ExecHealth, and his wife, Dr. Bella Mehta, are long-time supporters of the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Jacques Cartier Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Tim Kluke, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, in conversation with Ottawa Riverkeeper supporters Michel Drouin, and Gilles Desjardins, owner of real estate company Brigil. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jeff Mierins, owner of Star Motors of Ottawa, and his wife, Tara-Leigh Mierins, are long-time supporters of the Ottawa Riverkeeper and its annual gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Back as presenting sponsor was the Insurance Bureau of Canada, represented by its national director of climate change advocacy, Jason Clark. Also present was RBC’s regional president, Devinder Gill, who proudly announced a gift of $480,000 from the Royal Bank of Canada to Ottawa Riverkeeper during the Chair’s Reception, held prior to the main gala.

RBC has been supporting the work of Ottawa Riverkeeper for more than 14 years, including with its hands-on involvement in shoreline cleanups. RBC’s regional operating officer, Tim Carmack, also serves on the organization’s board.

Long-time supporter Sheila Whyte, owner of Thyme & Again, was back to provide catering services while the decor and comfortable seating areas were the work of Carole Saad of Chic +Swell and LouLou Lounge furniture rentals.

From left, RBC regional vice president Andrew Arnott, Amanda Bell (vice president of regulatory and government affairs), Glenn Sheen (regional director of marketing and citizenship), Brooklyn Mattinson (associate director of regulatory and government affairs), Erika Whitmee (senior manager of marketing and communications), RBC regional president Devinder Gill and Tim Carmack (regional operating officer) at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Indigenous hoop dancer Makhena Rankin Guérin performed at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held in Gatineau on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper Emeritus Meredith Brown and Ottawa Riverkeeper Chair Emeritus Geoff Green at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala held in Jacques Cartier Park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Clayton Kennedy and Sheila Whyte from Thyme & Again Creative Catering, with their good friends, Leanne Cusack and Joel Haslam, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The evening raised roughly $330,000 to support the work Ottawa Riverkeeper does to protect, promote and improve the health of the Ottawa River and its tributaries. The total included proceeds from the online and live auction — the latter featuring an exclusive stay at Fogo Island Inn, located off the north-east coast of Newfoundland. The package sold for well over its value for $20,000 to Tim Saunders and Janice Saunders.

While the remote luxury hotel is often described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, it’ll be at least the second time for the Saunders; they previously won a stay there at the Elmwood School Gala. Coincidentally, both packages were auctioned off by Raising the Bid’s Ryan Watson, who has the ability to command an audience’s attention when few others can.

The Saunders were invited to the gala by new sustainability sponsor Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, a luxury real estate firm known for its extensive waterfront property listings.

Janice Saunders and her husband Tim Saunders were happy to be the highest bidders on the all-inclusive stay at Fogo Island Inn because it meant raising more money for Ottawa Riverkeeper during its annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The Saunders were bidding against Peter Wall, a volunteer fundraiser with the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s $5-million The Big River Give campaign. It got a welcome boost toward its final $1 million thanks to the crowd’s generous response during the evening’s cash-call paddle raise. The campaign is co-chaired by Colleen Westeinde, who’s also chair of the Ottawa Riverkeeper board, and Board Emeritus Geoff Green, president and founder of Students on Ice Foundation.

Helping to inspire the crowd to give was marathon swimmer Sarah Dobbin, who’s planning to swim 50 km down the Ottawa River this August.

Campaign volunteer and former city councillor Mathieu Fleury served as the evening’s bilingual emcee, enthusiastically stepping into a role held since 2013 by his friend, former journalist turned politician Evan Solomon.

Solomon — described as the “heart and soul” of the gala — offered brief remarks (after being introduced with his shiny new honorific title). He now serves as Canada’s cabinet minister for artificial intelligence and digital innovation in Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s government.

Solomon’s connection to the Ottawa Riverkeeper dates back to its very first gala, when Carney was named inaugural co-honorary Riverkeeper. This year, the organization decided to recognize author, columnist and writer Roy MacGregor, who, unfortunately, could not attend due to illness.

In his first speech as a cabinet minister, Solomon touched on the newly established Canada Water Agency and its role in strengthening the country’s freshwater management and stewardship, along with the government’s $10-million investment to fight aquatic invasive species.

He noted that Canada is home to nearly 20 percent of the world’s freshwater reserves.

Carole Saad, owner of Chic + Swell Event Designers, LouLou Lounge Furniture Rentals and Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala emcee Mathieu Fleury at the signature fundraiser for the Ottawa Riverkeeper, held at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Liberal cabinet minister Evan Solomon, Jeff Westeinde, partner at THEIA Partners, and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala held at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jason Clark, national director of climate change advocacy for presenting sponsor Insurance Bureau of Canada, speaking at a small reception held before the main gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Colleen Westeinde was the highest bidder on a new standup paddleboard from Level Six, and was aiming to win the dinner for six at Arlo, but was willing to let her son, Johan Westeinde, outbid her with his $2,600 offer.

Sold for $4,500 was a two-night stay at Ciel et Bois, a modern chalet retreat that accommodates up to 16 guests.

The point of charity auctions isn’t to score the best deals, Tim Saunders said later. “I think it’s important to bid and support these charities and help them raise more money.

“When people attend these philanthropic events, it should be to give what they can. We’re happy support the cause and feel lucky that we get to go to Fogo Island again.”

He added that it’s also an ideal time to champion Canadian destinations and support domestic travel.

Tim, a retired finance executive, now volunteers on the board of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.

Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid bangs his gala to signify the end of a sale during the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held in Jacques Cartier Park on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Ottawa Riverkeeper board member David Runnalls, treasurer Jason Jacques, board chair Colleen Westeinde, David Coletto (CEO and founding partner of Abacus Data), vice chair Margot Sunter (COO of GGFL LLP) and board secretary Colleen Mooney, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala held at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau. Photo by Caroline Phillips

First Avenue Investment Counsel president Leah Boyd and Jesse Mills (portfolio manager, family office practice) at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held in support of the Ottawa Riverkeeper. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Welch LLP managing partner Jim McConnery, WEALTH WCPD vice president of marketing and communications Jeff Todd, Patrícia Santos (Atomic Lavender Social Media Management), and Kristi Dean at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper Laura Reinsborough, CEO of the Ottawa Riverkeeper organization, holds the ceremonial cheque presented by RBC regional president Devinder Gill during the Chair’s Reception. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Johann Westeinde was out supporting the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala with his girlfriend Eva Sheppard Perkins, dad Jeff Westeinde, grandmother Shirley Westeinde, aunt Julie Westeinde and mom Colleen Westeinde, who’s chair of the Ottawa Riverkeeper and co-chair of its $5-million The Big River Give campaign. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Michael McKenzie is served some bubbly by his partner, aerial server Rebecca Ng, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline

Newly re-elected Hull-Aylmer MP Greg Fergus delivered remarks at the Chair’s Reception held before the main event at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Albert Heller and Lisa Wallace were guests of Marilyn Wilson and Reba Wilson, whose Marilyn Wilson DREAM PROPERTIES ® Christie’s International Real Estate was the sustainability sponsor of the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Yasmin Khaliq, clinical pharmacist with Bruyère Health, and angel investor and advisor Nadine Martel at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Jacques Cartier Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Giselle Bergeron-Raganold, Duane Francis, portfolio manager of Capital Wealth Partners, Julie Francis and Bruce Raganold, director of business development for Welch LLP at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Yves Laberge, vice president and general manager of Star Motors of Ottawa, and his wife, Lynn Laberge, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, which featured mermaids as part of its “swimming beneath the Borealis” theme. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Thyme & Again owner Sheila Whyte with her friends, Heather Bradley, Kate Faughnan, Anna Rumin and Ashbury College head Norman Southward, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper board member Jason Jacques, left, and auctioneer Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid — seen hanging out at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala — also work together in the Officer of the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Peter Wall, volunteer fundraiser with The Big River Give, alongside campaign co-chair and Ottawa Riverkeeper Board Emeritus Geoff Green, and Minister Evan Solomon, long-time supporter of the Ottawa Riverkeeper, at the organization’s gala, held Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Lee Rose, manager of community engagement at TD, and Matthew Ottaviani, executive director at The Good Companions, seen with the Big Smoke Brass band in the background at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Claudia Chowaniec, Francine Belleau and Birgitte Alting-Mees at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held at Jacques Cartier Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Drew McMillan, president of Ages Group of Companies, and Stacey McMillan, senior manager with KPMG, were first-time Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala attendees. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Live auctioneer Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

National Capital Commission CEO Tobi Nussbaum, left, in conversation with Scott Demark, partner at Theia Partners/president and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held at Jacques Cartier Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Johan Westeinde, software engineer at CANImmunize, outbid his mom during the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala on a dinner at Arlo Wine & Restaurant. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Susan St. Amand, president and CEO of The Sirius Group, was one of the many supporters who participated in the cash-call padde raise. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Evan Solomon, new minister of artificial intelligence and digital technology, spoke about his government’s commitment to protection of the water at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala, held Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Julie Westeinde was among the many attendees to hit the dance floor to the high-energy music of the Big Smoke Brass band. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Julie Westeinde on the dancefloor with Lara Van Loon, who was Ottawa’s first Riverkeeper. Photo by Caroline Phillips

After sunset, attendees were seen mingling and connecting during the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Lara Van Loon celebrates on the dance floor with former environment minister Catherine McKenna and Ottawa Riverkeeper Laura Reinsborough at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips