November can sometimes feel caught between seasons, suspended between fall’s vibrant colours and winter’s steady snow, far removed from the spring blossoms and sunshine of summer.

But Christie Lake Kids changed that Thursday, bringing all four seasons to life at its Four Seasons Soirée, an evening full of positive energy and inspiring stories.

The evening was held at Ashbury College, a co-ed independent school in Rockcliffe Park. It was presented by strategic communications firm Syntax Strategic, represented by its COO, former TV journalist Jennifer Madigan, who also serves on the board of United Way East Ontario.

The gala raised over $150,000 for CLK, a nonprofit best known for the sleep-away camp that it’s been operating for more than 100 years near Perth, giving kids from low-income families the chance to experience the magic of summer camp in a safe and supportive environment.

The organization also offers leadership training and activities for children in 14 of Ottawa’s priority neighbourhoods through its STAR (Skills Through Arts and Recreation) Program. From hockey to basketball to cooking to visual arts and dance, the program offers a wide range of activities designed to build confidence and skills.

From left, Jennifer Madigan, chief operating officer of presenting sponsor Syntax Strategic, and Adrienne Vienneau, executive director of Christie Lake Kids (CLK), at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in support of CLK. Photo by Caroline Phillips

CTV Your Morning Ottawa co-anchor Will Aiello hosted the event, proving he gets why extracurricular programs in a kid’s life matter. “I was able to have experiences that stay with me today and really shape who I am,” he said of the hockey and lacrosse teams he played on and the musicals he performed in, including the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease (he drew the line at singing at the gala, joking he was there to help raise money, not clear the room).

Aiello’s connection to the soirée was through Reza Mashkoori, who manages corporate sponsorships for CLK. He also co-owns the CrossFit NCR gym where Aiello works out. “We met at his gym, and he let me know about the work that Christie Lake was doing.”

From left, Reza Mashkoori, manager of corporate sponsorships for CLK (and supporter of the Movember moustache-growing fundraiser), with gala emcee Will Aiello, co-anchor of CTV Your Morning Ottawa, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Prominent business leaders in attendance included Scott Parkes, recently named CEO of Taggart Group of Companies. He was formerly on the CLK board and, for many years, chaired the gala. His family and extended family’s Taggart Parkes Foundation continues to sponsor the event. His wife, Tracy Rait-Parkes, was among the attendees to really lean into the four seasons theme. She chose autumn attire, complete with fall foliage accents in her hair.

Altis Recruitment co-founder and owner Kathryn Tremblay attended with members of her team. Her company is being honoured, along with other recipients, next Wednesday at the annual AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards for its long-time support of CLK. It had a lasting impact on her late husband and former business partner Toni Guimarães when he was growing up as a camper and counsellor.

Supporters also include two of this year’s recent WBN Businesswoman of the Year Award winners: Carley Schelck, CEO of catering and event management company Urban Element, which did all the food, and Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. In addition, there was Jeremy Racicot, general manager of Merkley Supply; lawyers Patrick Twagirayezu (Emond Harnden) and Phedely Ariste (Gowling WLG); and Samantha Sigler (The Properties Group). Ottawa MP Yasir Naqvi and city councillor Marty Carr (Alta Vista) also showed up.

Youth engagement was high, featuring a hip-hop performance by a trio of girls, followed by an interactive session where guests were invited to learn such moves as ‘raise the roof’ from Phil Nguyen. He also works as an oncology nurse at The Ottawa Hospital.

Oncology nurse Phil Nguyen led participants in a mini hip-hop class during the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jeremy Racicot, general manager at Merkley Supply, and his wife, Rebecca Merkley, assistant professor at Carleton University, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, guest Bryan Detchou, senior director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, with Patrick Twagirayezu, lawyer at Emond Harnden and member of the TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board, and Phedely Ariste, associate at Gowling WLG, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jessica Evans, Sam Sigler (The Properties Group), Katrina Stubbs and Jessica Garten at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jennifer Madigan, COO of presenting sponsor Syntax Strategic, delivered brief remarks at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The most touching moments came listening to 16-year-old guest speakers Snylene Demostherne and Nevaeh Bleary share how much CLK has meant to them as campers, participants of the STAR program and, now, as young leaders in training. They were joined on stage by Amy MacDonald, director of city programs.

One of Snylene’s favourite memories was winning best camper in 2019. “I had such an adrenaline rush,” said the student of Notre Dame High School.  “Everyone was so proud of me, and I felt proud of myself.

“Honestly, it was just a memorable moment. I still have the trophy, so I look back at it and smile every time.”

From left, CLK youth Snylene Demostherne and Nevaeh Bleary on stage with Amy MacDonald and host Will Aiello at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Snylene, who’s been involved with CLK for 10 years, described how the organization has helped her in so many ways. “Christie Lake has taught me to love myself no matter what I’ve been through, what I’m going through,” she said. “They’ve always been there … to tell me that I’m worth it and that I should keep my head held high regardless of the circumstances. And to persevere.”

She also credited the organization with helping guide her through so much of her personal growth. “I really don’t know where I’d be without Christie Lake Kids.”

The audience heard how the two teens have become really close friends as a result of their involvement with CLK. “Christie Lake Kids is a safe environment for me,” said Nevaeh, who described it as the one place where she can let her guard down.

Last year, Nevaeh participated in an intergenerational program in collaboration with Perley Health, where she and other CLK kids shared stories, played music and sang songs with seniors. “It was a really great experience,” said Nevaeh, who formed a special bond with one piano-playing senior, who made a point of learning to play Let It Go from the film Frozen. During one of their last visits, the senior played the song on the piano while Nevaeh sang.

“It was such a special moment; I’ll always remember it,” the student of Holy Trinity High School said as heartfelt “awws” filled the room.

Later, Natalie Benson, who’s the director of fundraising for CLK, acknowledged that she got a little teary-eyed listening to the guest speakers. “They reminded me what our hard work is all for,” she told CiTC.

From left, Anum Saeed, Sophia Wojdak, Mackenzie Houston, Kate Cornick, Megan Shaw and Jennifer Madigan from Syntax Strategic, presenting sponsor of the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Tracy Rait-Parkes and Scott Parkes, CEO of Taggart Group of Companies, are long-time supporters of Christie Lake Kids and its annual gala, held this year on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at Ashbury College. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The Four Seasons Soirée showcased some of the skill-building programs offered for youth by Christie Lake Kids, including hip-hop dance. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Stephen Jessamine, Nicole Vanbergen, Kelly Walter, Sophia Fabiano, Kathryn Tremblay, Kirsty Howe, Cody Grandinetti and Nicole Preston — all with Altis Recruitment — at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, CLK youth Snylene Demostherne and Nevaeh Bleary talked about the impact Christie Lake Kids has had on their lives at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Natalie Benson, director of fundraising at Christie Lake Kids, with two long-time supporters, executive coach/mentor Chris Hughes, left, and Steve Monuk, co-owner of Ottawa Venues, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Adrienne Vienneau, executive director of Christie Lake Kids, and Ottawa MP Yasir Naqvi at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, first-time attendees Tammie Trellert (director of business development for Capital Wealth Partners), Matthew DiCintio, regional director of operations at MARANT Construction, and his business development manager, Rob Hewitt, alongside CLK’s manager of corporate sponsorships, Reza Mashkoori, and Emily Jones Joanisse, CEO and co-founder of Connected Canadians and an assistant professor at Carleton University, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Carley Schelck, CEO of Urban Element catering and event management company, and Soula Burrell, director of business development and membership at Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Hard Rock Casino and Hotel Ottawa’s Ian Reeve (director of table games), Nanette Dean (vice president of human resources), Tammy McMullen (vice president of marketing) and Christine Crump (president of Hard Rock Casino and Hotel Ottawa) at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, CLK youth Snylene Demostherne and Nevaeh Bleary talked about the impact Christie Lake Kids has had on their lives at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From Ashbury College, from left, Bryan MacKinnon, Chapman Uko, Padme Raina, Shannon Howlett and Nicole Hynes at the Four Seasons Soirée held at Ashbury College in support of Christie Lake Kids. Photo by Caroline Phillips

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, RBC, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law.

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