Black Tie Bingo knocks it out of park during World Series finale, raising $150K for Bruyère Health

Attendees of Black Tie Bingo, in support of Bruyère Health Foundation, seen nervously watching the ninth inning of the World Series at Infinity Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

Black Tie Bingo knocks it out of park during World Series finale, raising $150K for Bruyère Health

Published On: November 2, 2025By Caroline Phillips

It was hard to know what drew louder cheers Saturday night at Infinity Convention Centre — the lucky winners at the Black Tie Bingo charity gala or the Toronto Blue Jays scoring runs during the seventh and final game of the World Series.

The game was broadcast live on giant screens in the ballroom.

For all the exciting buzz in the room throughout the evening, the ultimate champ was Bruyère Health (and, sadly for us Canadians, the L.A. Dodgers).

The evening raised $150,000 — and counting.

Just over 500 people came together for the sold-out event presented by labour and employment law firm Emond Harnden. Returning to chair the gala committee was Bruyère Health Foundation board vice chair Joanne Kudakiewicz, community relations manager at Desjardins Financial Security. She was joined by her fellow board members, including chair Scott Brooker, a commercial real estate broker with Cushman & Wakefield.

The evening started off with a cocktail reception that featured live music, Dunrobin Distilleries espresso martinis and a champagne wall. There was plenty of sparkle in the room, but none quite as radiant as the models dressed as live golden roses. The decor was the work of seasoned pro Sharon Bosley House of Avant Garde Designs.

Black Tie Bingo gala chair and Bruyère Health Foundation board vice chair Joanne Kudakiewicz (Desjardins Financial Security) with Bruyère Health Foundation board chair Scott Brooker (Cushman & Wakefield) at Infinity Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 for the signature fundraiser for Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa lawyer and longtime Bruyère supporter Danny Fernandes donned his Toronto Blue Jays jersey for the Black Tie Bingo gala held for Bruyère Health Foundation at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Kayla Cacciotti won the prize of a Holland America Tropical Cruise for two, with airfare, at the Black Tie Bingo gala held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

From left, Black Tie Bingo committee member Karen Wood, owner of KoW Connected, with Erin Morley and Brian Morley, of construction, development and project management firm Morley Hoppner, at Black Tie Bingo held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Julie Westeinde seen in a moment of excitement during the Black Tie Bingo gala held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

The attendees’ commitment to the charity gala was nothing short of impressive, considering the potential for a historic moment in Canadian sports. “It’s amazing so many people showed up and so many people stuck it out,” Gavin Lumsden from Rogers TV commented to CiTC later in the evening.

The gala was especially meaningful to Lumsden, given the level of care Bruyère Health provided to his elderly mother after she broke both her hips several years ago. It didn’t bother him that the game was going on, and that he wasn’t able to solely focus on it. “I would rather be here supporting Bruyère for what they have done for our family.”

Attendees heard how Bruyère Health isn’t like other hospitals. “We’re the next step in care,” said president and CEO Guy Chartrand of its expertise in the areas of rehabilitation, palliative and long-term care. It’s also research based. Dr. Kumanan Wilson, the CEO and chief scientific officer of the Bruyère Health Research Institute, was in attendance that night.

Bruyère Health helps stroke survivors on their road to recovery, patients recovering from major falls or hip replacements, individuals managing multiple complex medical conditions and those receiving end-of-life care.

Bruyère — which is the largest specialized hospital of its kind in Canada — has plans to build a state-of-the-art facility near The Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus, creating an integrated campus of care on one site for the region.

From left, Bruyère Health chief of staff Dr. Shawn Marshall, Bruyère Health president and CEO Guy Chartrand and Dr. Kumanan Wilson, CEO and chief scientific officer of the Bruyère Health Research Institute, at Black Tie Bingo. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Mother, wife and gala committee volunteer Jo-Anne Saikaley Sparkes shared her powerful patient story. Oh, and she was okay with her husband, former tourism industry advisor Jonathon Harris, missing out on her big night. He was in Toronto for the baseball game, apparently with a perfect view of home plate. “I gave him a pass,” she said with a smile.

The crowd heard how a series of unusual typos she made while working at her computer turned out to be the first sign of a stroke. She ended up with her left side paralyzed. At the gala, she credited Bruyère Health for helping her find the perseverance she needed during her recovery.

“They taught me how to live again.”

Saikaley Sparkes also thanked the Bruyère Health team, from her doctor to her nurses, who treated her with dignity and compassion, to the occupational therapist who helped her adapt to her new reality, to her physiotherapist “who pushed me, encouraged me and celebrated every small win and every small step with the utmost respect”.

So inspired was Star Motors of Ottawa that it will donate a portion of all vehicle sales to Bruyère Health until the end of January, it was announced at the gala.

The Mercedes-Benz dealership, represented by vice president and general manager Yves Laberge, also donated one of the bingo prize packages: a getaway to Fairmont Château Montebello behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Star Motors of Ottawa vice president and general manager Yves Laberge and former Bruyère Health patient Jo-Anne Saikaley Sparkes posed for photos after it was announced that Star Motors would donate a portion of all vehicle sales to Bruyère Health until the end of January. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

CTV News Ottawa anchors Stefan Keyes and Patricia Boal co-hosted Black Tie Bingo in support of Bruyère Health, held at Infinity Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Bingo prize winner Consuela Di Primio waits nervously while the caller, Ryan Watson, confirms she has a winning card during Black Tie Bingo, held in support of Bruyère Health at Infinity Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

From left, Enzo Caruso and his wife, Lina Caruso of Star Motors of Ottawa, with the dealership’s general manager and vice president, Yves Laberge, and his wife, Lynn Laberge, at Infinity Convention Centre for the Black Tie Bingo gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Attendees of the Black Tie Bingo gala cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning of the final game of the World Series. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

Emond Harnden law firm, represented by its staff and lawyers, was the presenting sponsor of the Black Tie Bingo gala, held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Bingo prize winner Sara Cooper, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, watches closely as bingo caller Ryan Watson double-checks her winning card during the Black Tie Bingo Gala. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

Black Tie Bingo gala chair and Bruyère Health Foundation board vice chair Joanne Kudakiewicz (Desjardins Financial Security) and fellow board member Shirley Westeinde, surrounded by stylish flower models at the fundraiser for Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Yorkville Asset Management portfolio manager Derek Brenzil, left, and Jeff Todd, vice president of communications and marketing for WCPD Group of Companies, were the bingo callers for the final prize of a vacation to Grand Isle Resort and Spa in Exuma, Bahamas during the Black Tie Bingo gala for Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

From left, Bruyère Health board member Elliott Bourgeois, senior manager of the private client group at First Avenue Investment Counsel, with his wife, Lindsay Bullock, and their guests, Thomas Fuller Construction president Sam Fuller and his wife, Elisa Fuller, at Black Tie Bingo in support of Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Black Tie Bingo gala committee member Diane Brunet and Frank Nieuwkoop (owners of Valecraft), at the signature fundraiser for Bruyère Health Foundation, held at Infinity Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, from left, Nanette Dean (VP of human resources), Tammy McMullen (VP of marketing), facilities manager Erin McGlade and director of table games Ian Reeves, at Black Tie Bingo in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Other prizes included a necklace from La Maison d’Or, an Expedia Cruises Westboro and Kanata travel voucher, a Hyde Bar takeover cocktail party from the Eighteen Hospitality Group, a luxury stay and entertainment experience at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, a seven-day Holland America Tropical Cruise for two, and the grand prize of a luxury one-week vacation in a deluxe oceanfront villa at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa in Exuma, Bahamas. It was donated by Peter Nicholson of Foundation WCPD, with airfare from Yorkville Asset Management.

The winner of the Bahama trip was Jessica Tranquilli Doherty, who was there that night with her partner, chartered accountant Rolland Vaive from sponsor Vaive & Associates. One of its associates, Rob Moffatt, is the board treasurer for Bruyère Health Foundation. “In all the years that we’ve come here, nobody at our table has ever won at Bingo before,” Tranquilli Doherty said excitedly.

The evening was emceed by CTV Ottawa News anchors Stefan Keys and Patricia Boal, who warmed up the crowd nicely with an audience participation game of heads or tails. Attendees guessed which way a flipped coin would land by placing their hands on either their heads or bums. The game eventually came down to two finalists: Adam Asiri from Star Motors and Desjardins Financial Security managing director David Feldberg. While they were willing to split the Zolas restaurant gift card, only one winner was allowed — and Feldberg claimed the prize.

Ryan Watson, best known on the charity gala circuit as the high-energy emcee and live auctioneer from Raising the Bid, took on the role of bingo caller for the evening, keeping everyone engaged and entertained throughout the seven rounds.

Bingo caller Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid with Jessica Tranquilli Doherty, who won the grand prize of a trip to Grand Isle Resort & Spa in Exuma, Bahamas, with airfare, valued at $11,000, Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

After the bingo wrapped up, galagoers headed to the lounge to watch the ninth inning, which eventually stretched into 11 innings, ending with a 5-4 score. Long-time Bruyère supporter Danny Fernandes hopes the gala–World Series combination becomes a new tradition. “Can we do Black Tie Bingo like this every year?” joked the Ottawa lawyer, who was wearing his Bo Bichette Blue Jays jersey.

The Black Tie Bingo organizing committee also included Todd Beech (KRP Properties), Diane Brunet (Valecraft), Loretta Layton (AbbVie Corporation), Louise Morin (100 Women Who Care), Kelly Rhodenizer (Colonnade BridgePort), Rosemary Vaughan (Tea & Toast), Christel Alexis and Anick Sabourin (Bruyère Health Foundation), and Karen Wood and Whitney Zelmer (KoW Connected).

Bruyère Health Foundation board member Rob Moffatt (Vaive & Associates) and Black Tie Bingo gala committee member Louise Morin at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Dessert sponsor Duane Francis (Capital Wealth Partners/Mandeville Private Client) with his wife, Julie, and his director of business development, Tammie Trellert, at Black Tie Bingo, held at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Attendees of Black Tie Bingo were entertained by live music during the cocktail reception. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Black Tie Bingo committee members Anick Sabourin (Bruyère Health Foundation), Kelly Rhodenizer (Colonnade Bridgeport and Bruyère Health Foundation board member), Todd Beech (KRP Properties and Bruyère Health Foundation board member) and Josée Quenneville (Bruyère Health Foundation) at Black Tie Bingo, held at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Adam Asiri, left, from Star Motors of Ottawa fist bumps David Feldberg from Desjardins Financial Security after the two are the remaining contestants in an audience participation game of heads or tails during the Black Tie Bingo gala for Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

From left, Leah Mowers, Tina Frail, Claire Greenberg, Henrietta Southam and Rima Mattar, guests of the Eighteen Hospitality Group, at the Black Tie Bingo gala held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Former Bruyère Health patient Jo-Anne Saikaley Sparkes took part in an audience-wide game of heads or tails, during the Black Tie Bingo gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa lawyer Lawrence Greenspon, left, was a guest of David Feldberg, managing director of Desjardins Financial Security, during the Black Tie Bingo gala held at Infinity Convention Centre support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Pat Nicastro (La Bottega Fine Food Shop), Ashley Hopkins (Paradigm Commercial Group) and Black Tie Gala chair Joanne Kudakiewicz at the fundiraser for Bruyère Health at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The Star Motors of Ottawa team seen with VIP clients and Kim Curran (centre), interim president of Bruyère Health Foundation, at Black Tie Bingo in support of Bruyère. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Scott Williams from the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association spoke about why his organization is proud to stand with Bruyère Health during the Black Tie Bingo Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Emily Gray, an associate at Raymond James, and Jason Hunt, portfolio manager, private client group, at First Avenue Investment Counsel, at the Black Tie Bingo gala held in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Attendees, including MJ Naim-Brown, gala committee member Diane Brunet (Valecraft) and Donna-Lee MacLean at the Black Tie Bingo gala held for Bruyère Health Foundation at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

Attendees, including Nik Lemieux (centre), of Mirabel Management, followed the Toronto Blue Jays final game in the World Series during the Black Tie Bingo gala held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

Bruyère Health Foundation board chair Scott Brooker was seen dabbing away at the Black Tie Bingo gala held at Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Kallie Roger, Bruyère Health board member Brad Ezard (partner, mergers and acquisitions, at Confederation M&A) and Jesika Baranyai, marketing associate at Yorkville Asset Management, at Black Tie Bingo held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Bruyère Health president and CEO Guy Chartrand and Dr. Andrew Falconer, president and CEO of Queensway Carleton Hospital, at Black Tie Bingo held at Infinity Convention Centre in support of Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Bruyère Health donors Claude Chapdelaine, and Linda and Russell Grass with Kim Curran, interim president of Bruyère Health Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Sharon Bosley House, owner of Avant Garde Designs, with her mom, Gaetane Bosley, at Black Tie Bingo in support of Bruyère Health. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Attendees of Black Tie Bingo followed the final game of the World Series during the Black Tie Bingo gala for Bruyère Health. Photo by Union Eleven Photographers

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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