Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa offered up a delicious dose of breakfast therapy Wednesday, bringing its community-minded donors and business partners together for two hours of connection, inspiration, and a sense of shared purpose.

“There’s something special about gathering early in the morning, when the world’s just waking up — although it may be easier for some than others,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa executive director Susan Ingram said with a smile while welcoming guests to the Chop Steakhouse & Bar on West Hunt Club Road.

(An 8 a.m. start isn’t too bad — as far as community breakfasts go).

It was the second year that the restaurant’s general manager, Trenton Wilzer-Jones, offered to host the large breakfast buffet. It served up everything an early riser might dream of: eggs Benny, waffles, bacon, sausages, fruit, yoghurt and, of course, coffee.

Former BBBSO mentee Damian Polan, owner of Extreme Entertainment DJ Services, ensured all speeches were crystal clear, thanks to his top-notch audio equipment, while Sam Laprade, CFRE, host of Rogers TV’s An Hour to Give with Sam Laprade, emceed the formal program in her usual warm and caring way.

Jake Naylor, left, and Erin Helmer, both from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa, with Chop Steakhouse & Bar general manager Trenton Wilzer-Jones at a breakfast hosted by the restaurant for supporters of BBBSO. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Susan Ingram, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa, welcomed guests to a celebratory breakfast to thank supporters. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Joanne Kudakiewicz (Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network), Shirley Westeinde (Westeinde Properties), Ashley Hopkins (Paradigm Commercial Group of Companies) and Nolla Lauzon (Paradigm). Photo by Caroline Phillips

Sam Laprade emceed the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast held at CHOP Steakhouse & Bar on West Hunt Club Road. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa ambassador Tara Shannon, left, and BBBSO board member Carrie Irvine. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Event sponsor Damian Polan (third from left), owner of Extreme Entertainment, with his family at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Big Brother Big Sisters of Ottawa board member Yasser Ghazi (Meridian) and Jesika Arseneau (TAG HR) at the BBBSO breakfast held at CHOP Steakhouse & Bar. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Celebrate Breakfast was about thanking guests for their support while highlighting the power of mentorship in shaping young lives. BBBSO marks 55 years this year.

As Ingram pointed out, success rarely happens without there being someone who believes in you, offering guidance, and instilling the confidence to take the next step. “And that’s exactly what BBBS Ottawa does.”

In fact, 98 per cent of young people who participate in BBBSO programs report having more confidence, she shared. Over the past year, the organization has delivered 91,000 hours of mentorship, yet there are still young people waiting for a mentor.

The room heard from John Brooman, president and CEO of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, which has raised millions over the years for more than 80 local charities. BBBSO and its in-school mentoring program was one the proud beneficiaries last year.

Brooman spoke briefly about the role that mentorship played in his own youth, and how he continues to seek guidance and advice from others today. “It’s an ongoing journey,” said Brooman. “I’m the old guy here with the grey hair but, at the end of the day, I’ll always have mentors, through and through.”

Karen Wood (KoW Connected) with John Brooman and Shelley Freake (Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival). Photo by Caroline Phillips

Two volunteers from the in-school mentoring program shared how rewarding the experience has been for them. Tamara Taub gives up her lunch hour at work once a week to visit a local school, where she spends time with a nine-year-old girl. Thanks to Taub’s visits, Thursdays have become the girl’s favourite day of the week.

“I’ll be honest, you don’t have to do a lot to make an impact,” said Taub, who is a full-time working professional, wife, and mom. “You have to be there; you have to show up. You have to have something to do together, and you have to listen. You just have to be there.”

Heather Brousseau spoke about her evolution as a volunteer, which began with virtual involvement four years ago, during the pandemic. “When I first met my mentee, they were so full of energy I didn’t know what to do, and an hour seemed a long time,” said Brousseau, expressing gratitude for the guidance and support she received.

It wasn’t long until she settled into a very comfortable relationship with her mentee, who’s now in middle school. The experience has been gratifying, said Brousseau, who’s of the belief that most people can make room in their lives to volunteer.

“Replace your hour of ‘doomscrolling’ with mentoring,” she said. “So many individuals have time but they let it fly away.”

Among the attendees was Tobin Kardish, director of marketing and product development at eQ Homes. It’s the title sponsor of BBBSO’s annual golf tournament. Seen were former BBBSO board chair Mark Zekulin (Invert Inc., Happy Roots Foundation) and current board members (vice chair) Michelle Alfieri from Deloitte, Yasser Ghazi from Meridian Credit Union, Matt Haddad, who works in sales for Senators Sports & Entertainment, Phillip Shaer, general counsel at Invert, and Carrie Irvine, founder and CEO of Carrie Irvine Communications. Also spotted were BBBSO ambassador and performing artist Tara Shannon, from the Ottawa Festival Network, and Michelle Groulx — formerly of the local BIA world. She’s now part of the construction industry as president and general manager of Phoenix Glass & Aluminum.

The audience was also treated to a short video featuring business and community leaders Shirley Westeinde with her daughter, Julie Westeinde; Brock Murray, co-founder and COO of seoplus+; and Sam Laprade.

Eric Saumure, principal at Zenbooks, and Lois Graveline, founder and CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Erin Meisner (Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network), Colin Campbell, Jake Taylor (BBBSO), Tobin Kardish (eQ Homes) and Robin Malhotra (Dow Honda) at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Lynn Ladd (OTUS Financial Solutions), Michelle Groulx (Phoenix Glass & Aluminum) and Karla Briones (Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada) at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Tamara Taub spoke about why she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa’s in-school mentoring program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa board vice chair Michelle Alfieri (Deloitte) with BBBSO director Erin Helmer and BBBSO supporter and business development leader Ted Carty. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa board member Matt Haddad, account director at Senators Sports & Entertainment, and Iain MacLeod at the BBBSO breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Derek Cosgrove, left, and Jacob Cummer, both from seaoplus+, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa board member Phillip Shaer at the BBBSO breakfast held at CHOP Steakhouse & Bar. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Heather Brousseau spoke about how easy it is to volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa’s in-school mentoring program. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Ramsay Ferguson and Tom Bastien (Innovation Realty Ltd.) at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Jarrod Goldsmith, president of the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, is flanked by vocal coach and singer Chantal Hackett (left) and singer-songwriter Erica Brighthill at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa breakfast. Photo by Caroline Phillips