From left, Glamping Gala volunteer committee members Dr. Sam Hetz (LifespanMD), Shannon Holbrook (Morris and James Interiors), Sarah Grand (Engel & Völkers), Marcie Murray (Backbone Angels), Monica Singhal (Richcraft Homes), Jamie Petten (Morris and James Interiors), Kristen Cannon (Cavanagh Realty) and Christopher Schlesak (North & Navy, Cantina Gia) at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
BGC Ottawa’s Sunset on the Riviera raises big money for a basic need
There was warm sunshine, coastal chic attire, plenty to eat and drink, and just enough Mediterranean make-believe at Thursday night’s BGC Ottawa Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera to imagine you’d landed on the Côte d’Azur.
Minus the airfare. And the lost luggage.
“This is going to be a great night,” predicted BGC Ottawa CEO Adam Joiner as a sold-out crowd of more than 500 attendees began arriving to the gala, presented by Mark Motors Group.
The event was held on the Great Lawn outside the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse on Prince of Wales Drive. It’s one of BGC Ottawa’s biggest annual fundraisers, generating both much-needed revenue and broader awareness of its work with children and youth across the city.
“I’m super pumped about it,” Joiner said of the Glamping Gala, which is an elaborate outdoor production that takes days to pull together, with its multiple party tents, fancy lights, staging and behind-the-scenes logistics. Organizers didn’t have to worry about the weather this year. It was perfect. Not that a little rain has ever scared this crowd off. “People always have a good time, and we make it work no matter what.”
Not only was the gala a total crowd-pleaser — and clearly one of the summer’s more popular charity events — it ended up raising more than $660,000 for BGC Ottawa (formerly Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa). That includes $170,000 raised in less than five minutes during the all-important “big ask.”
The Sunset on the Riviera theme had no trouble finding its fashion ambassadors with Ryan Fox, Erica Fox and loyal Glamping Gala attendees Katie Hession, content creator and real estate agent at RE/MAX Boardwalk Realty, and television editor Guy Georgeson. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The live fundraising appeal focused on something most attendees didn’t have to think about that night: where their next meal was coming from. The proceeds are helping to provide children and youth with healthy meals and snacks throughout the year, both at BGC Ottawa’s Clubhouses and at Camp Smitty. The organization provides free after-school programs and services in leadership, recreation, education and creative arts to more than 4,500 young people annually.
Retired Taggart Group of Companies executive Ted Phillips gave the appeal a major boost with his $50,000 donation.
From left, Ted Phillips, a retired land development executive with Taggart Group of Companies who pledged $50,000 to BGC Ottawa; Crystal Ngo; Michelle Taggart, president of Tamarack Homes and Tartan Homes; and lawyer Alex Wilson at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Dr. Sam Hetz, co-founder of LifespanMD, and Marcie Murray, a founding partner of Backbone Angels, were co-chairs of this year’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera in support of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This year, BGC Ottawa board member Marcie Murray, formerly with Shopify and one of the founding partners of women-led Backbone Angels, and Dr. Sam Hetz, co-founder of longevity-focused clinic LifespanMD, shifted roles from committee members to gala co-chairs.
“It was a real team effort,” said Dr. Hetz of the committee, which also included North & Navy and Cantina Gia restaurateur Christopher Schlesak, who was in charge of food and beverage; Monica Singhal, executive vice president at Richcraft; Sarah Grand, realtor at Engel & Völkers; sisters Shannon Holbrook and Jamie Petten from boutique design house Morris and James; Kristen Cannon, general manager at Cavanagh Realty; and Aires Almeida, chief creative director of Habitat Seven and Operativ.
One of the perks of having Schlesak involved: the committee got to brainstorm at Cantina Gia without having to fight for a table at the popular Glebe restaurant.
Glamping Gala committee member Christopher Schlesak, president at North & Navy and Cantina Gia, with event planner Amanda Ruddy, owner of Amanda Julia Events, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
There was no shortage of community-minded business leaders in the crowd, from KOTT co-owner Melissa Kruyne, who’s co-chairing a major fundraising campaign for The Royal, to publicist Ginger Bertrand, who’s co-chairing the city’s largest philanthropic campaign ever for The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, to restaurateur and chef Joe Thottungal, who’s been named Volunteer Ottawa’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ottawa Senators defenceman Thomas Chabot was also there with Marion Pandreau. They’re soon expecting a new addition to the family.
Thottungal’s Coconut Lagoon was among several local restaurants and caterers serving food throughout the evening. There was also Beckta Dining & Wine, La Bottega Nicastro, Gitanes, My Catering Group, North & Navy, Town and Whalesbone Catering. Beverage partners included Campari, Charton Hobbs, City Seltzer, Dominion City Brewing Co., Dunrobin Distilleries, Stem Wine Group, and The Thirst Responder.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, represented by president Christine Crump, added a little play to the party with a games area that gave attendees an opportunity to win prizes.
“Everybody got dressed up on a school night,” Murray quipped as she officially welcomed guests on stage with her co-chair, Dr. Hetz.
Glamping Gala co-chairs Dr. Sam Hetz and Marcie Murray, who led a live fundraising appeal, spoke about the growing need for food support among the children and youth who rely on BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Inverness Homes owner Kyle MacHutchon, KOTT Inc. co-owner Melissa Kruyne, Amy Tomlinson, Tomlinson Group CEO Ron Tomlinson, Darya Genier and Paul Genier at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held at the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse on Prince of Wales Drive. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Shirley Kouri and Michael Mrak, dealer principal at presenting sponsor Mark Motors Group, in front of the Mark Motors’ decorated glamping tent at the BGC Ottawa Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Adam Joiner, CEO of BGC Ottawa, on stage at the Glamping Gala — one of the charitable organization’s biggest annual fundraisers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Pure Country 94 morning show co-host Ashley Greco; BGC Ottawa board member Jennifer Stewart, founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic; and Bree Jamieson-Holloway, chair of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, at the BGC Ottawa Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, with her vice-president of marketing, Tammy McMullen, in the gala’s gaming area, where guests could play for prizes. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ottawa Senators defenceman Thomas Chabot and his wife, Marion Pandreau, who are soon expecting a new addition to the family, at the BGC Ottawa Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Joiner spoke about the important role food plays at BGC Ottawa, from providing kids with healthy meals and helping them connect with one another to teaching them about nutrition, where food comes from and even how to grow it.
“And it’s an amazing thing when you see a young person come in and — I’m telling you, this happens — eat kale, not because they love kale, but because they grew it themselves, prepared it themselves and learned about the nutrition behind it.”
It was around this point Murray asked attendees to pledge $5,000 toward the $170,000 goal by raising their hand and, in return, being gifted a colourful scarf that looked ready for sunglasses, a convertible and a coastal road.
Immediately, up went the hands. Business leader and philanthropist John Sicard, who’s on the board of the Senators Community Foundation, bought one, later explaining to CiTC: “The Boys and Girls Club is responsible for preparing the future leaders of this city.”
Whether the $5,000 scarf will now be part of Sicard’s regular charity-gala rotation remains to be seen. “I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, they are my colours,” he joked.
Pina Sicard with John Sicard, sporting the colourful scarf he scored after answering the gala’s “big ask”, which raised $170,000 to help feed children and youth at BGC Ottawa’s Clubhouses and Camp Smitty throughout the year. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, BGC Ottawa CEO Adam Joiner, Senators Community Foundation president Jacqueline Belsito and Ted Wagstaff, president at North45 and part of the Ottawa Senators’ local minority ownership group, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held on the Great Lawn at the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, BGC Ottawa board vice chair Farhana Alarakhiya, chief data innovation officer at Aga Khan University, and BGC Ottawa board chair Robyn Osgood, CEO and partner at Vantage, at the Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera in support of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Dan MacMillan, wealth advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns; Jenny Chen, CEO of Catalais Consulting; Karen Donston; and Tom Donston, vice president and market leader at BMO Private Wealth, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Angela Singhal and her sister, Glamping Gala committee member Monica Singhal, both executive vice presidents at Richcraft Homes, at BGC Ottawa’s Sunset on the Riviera gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Maureen Cunningham, founder and lead strategic change coach at Up Until Now, and BGC Ottawa emeritus director Stephen Beckta, owner of Beckta and Gezellig restaurants, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
BGC Ottawa board member Jennifer Stewart, founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic, bought not one but two scarves, admitting she didn’t put up much resistance. “I’m a bleeding heart and I love kids,” she laughed.
She was also under the impression she was buying the very last one needed to help reach the goal. Not quite. There was still one scarf remaining. BGC Ottawa board chair Robyn Osgood, CEO and partner at Vantage, felt she could hardly leave it behind.
Watching from the audience was former BGC Ottawa board member and former Glamping Gala co-chair Michelle Taggart, president of Tamarack Homes and Tartan Homes. Seeing the evening come together so beautifully, she said, left her feeling like a “proud mom.”
Adam Joiner, CEO of BGC Ottawa, alongside gala co-chairs Dr. Sam Hetz and Marcie Murray, spoke about the growing need for food support among the children and youth who rely on BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe; Scott Phelan, deputy chief of staff in Premier Doug Ford’s office; and Scott Garrod, principal at Gifford Carr Insurance, at the Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera in support of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Drew McMillan, president of Ages Group of Companies; Stacey McMillan, corporate strategy partner at Modern Niagara; RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group realtor Nancy McCluskey; and Tim Hortons franchise owner Chris McCluskey at the Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera in support of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Adam Kane, director of client development at Gifford Carr; Chris Vivone, director of government relations at TC Energy; and former BGC Ottawa board member Michael Wilson, co-CEO of 1251 Capital Group, at the Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera in support of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
A sold-out crowd of more than 500 gathered on the Great Lawn outside BGC Ottawa’s Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse for one of the charitable organization’s signature fundraisers, Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Benjamin Merkley, president at Dustbane Products, and Dr. Véronique French Merkley were first-time attendees at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, BGC Ottawa CFO Tara Garcia, chief programs officer Medin Admasu, CEO Adam Joiner and chief advancement officer Liz Burgess at the charitable organization’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held on the Great Lawn of the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse on Prince of Wales Drive. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Jessey Bird, vice president of marketing and communications at United Way East Ontario, Rachael Wilson, president and CEO of United Way East Ontario, and Syntax Strategic COO Jennifer Madigan, board chair of United Way East Ontario, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The entertainment at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera included a roaming saxophonist. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Luxury realtors Marilyn Wilson and Reba Wilson from Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate brought a little Côte d’Azur style to BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Krista Kealey, vice president of communications and public consultation at Ottawa International Airport Authority; Veronica Farmer, chief marketing officer at Wesley Clover; and Tim Hortons franchise owner Lesley Holmes at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Glamping Gala co-chairs Dr. Sam Hetz and Marcie Murray spoke about the need for greater food support for BGC Ottawa children and youth before launching the evening’s live fundraising appeal. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Dave Nevins, president, property management, for CLV Group, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala with Oz Drewniak, president at CLV Group Developments; Amanda Gordon, chief talent officer at CLV Group; and Erin McEvoy, brand and communications manager at CLV Group, which has been a long-time supporter of BGC Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Jennifer Van Noort, chief development officer at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and Ginger Bertrand, who’s helping to lead the hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips.
Attendees were offered refreshing spritz cocktails upon their arrival to BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Paula Muldoon, director of major gifts and campaigns for BGC Ottawa, with Ottawa philanthropists Franklin Holtforster, left, and John Sicard at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Mathew Davis, president at Blower Xpress Services (BXS), in the Riviera Casino Lounge sponsored by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Ken Little, vice president of development at Scout Clean Energy; BGC Ottawa board member Jennifer Stewart, founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic; Bree Jamieson-Holloway, chair of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal; Pure Country radio co-host Ashley Greco; Syntax Strategic COO Jennifer Madigan; and Karen Bramhill, executive lead, strategy, leadership and culture at karmadharma, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Coconut Lagoon’s Joe Thottungal, Volunteer Ottawa’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was working away at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
David Gilbert, past president at consulting engineering firm Paterson Group, and his wife Erin Gilbert at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Steve Grandmont, CEO at Richcraft Homes, glances at the camera while in conversation with Michelle Taggart and Robyn Osgood at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Lindsay Firestone, vice president at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation; Jennifer Tackaberry, marketing strategist at Kitchissippi Times; Lianne Laing, president of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation; and Krista Kealey, vice president with Ottawa International Airport Authority, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Former BGC Ottawa board member and Backbone Angels founding partner Brittany Forsyth-Wilson with her husband, Scott Wilson, was one of the many who pledged $5,000 during the “Big Ask” at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Courtney Turk, president and interior decorator at Courtney Turk Interiors; Samantha Thompson and Mathew Davis, president at Blower Xpress Services (BXS); Brad Ezard, partner, mergers and acquisitions, at Confederation M&A; Kyle Turk, vice president of marketing at seoplus+ and founder of Meerkat Marketing; and Pat Nicastro, co-owner of La Bottega Fine Food Shop, at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Glamping Gala committee member Kristen Cannon, general manager at Cavanagh Realty; Shawna Newberry, chief marketing officer at Ottawa Rapid FC; and Glamping Gala co-chair Marcie Murray at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Holly Bair-Marshall, founder and principal of Third Wave Philanthropy, and Max Bair-Marshall at BGC Ottawa’s Glamping Gala: Sunset on the Riviera, held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
BGC Ottawa’s Great Lawn got the full glamping treatment, complete with glowing tents, disco balls and plenty of Riviera-inspired style. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WEALTH (WCPD), Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law, Westland Benefits and Ottawa Rapid FC.
hello@carolineinthecapital.ca
SHARE THIS STORY
Stay in the know
Get stories + event highlights from the capital delivered to your inbox.
