The Cornerstone Housing for Women Purple Tie Gala was able to return to an in-person event Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Ottawa Art Gallery. After two years of a virtual format, the organizers were excited to be back together to raise essential funds for the emergency shelter and housing residences.
“This night is so important to raise funds for women experiencing homelessness specifically; just last week we had to turn away 40 women at our emergency shelter and there was nowhere for them to go,” said Amber Bramer, director of development and communications with Cornerstone Housing for Women.
Cornerstone Housing for Women helps more than 230 women every day, and nearly 600 women each year. The Cornerstone team helps transform women’s lives from a time of crisis to a place of hope, safe housing and a time of healing. Donations can always be made at www.cornerstonewomen.ca.
From left: Designer Frank Sukhoo of Sukhoo Sukhoo Couture;
Angie Semple, director education and artistry with Dior; Ottawa milliner Madeleine Cormier of Chapeaux de Madeleine; and Robert Gaumond, manager with Natural Resources
Canada 2 Billion Tree Program.
From left: Mercy Onuoha, officer co-ordinator with Cornerstone Housing for Women; Kate Jackson, director of finance and administration with Cornerstone Housing for Women; and Chantal Cadieux, overnight manager at the
Cornerstone Housing for Women Shelter.
Amber Bramer, director of development and communications with Cornerstone Housing for Women, had a little fun in the MDRN Activations photo booth at the special event held
at the OAG Saturday night.
Wendy Muckle, executive director of Ottawa Inner City Health, spoke about her experience and time in the position. Muckle
will be stepping down from the role soon.
First Nations elder Irene Compton, manager of cultural programing with Minwaashin Lodge, opened the event with a
land dedication and a presentation of the eagle song.
Joseph Cull, a supporter of Cornerstone Housing for Women and MC for the evening, made a glamorous walk to the stage
to kick off the evening’s festivities.
PJ Hobbs, director general of community ministries with the
Anglican Diocese Ottawa, and his wife, Diane Kroeker.
Angelique Francis, an Ottawa-based singer and songwriter,
entertained the crowd.
Mark Holzman, vice-chair with the Cornerstone board,
with his wife, Debbie Holzman.
Four artists were doing live paintings during the event
Saturday night.
Gavin Lumsden, executive producer at Rogers TV, and
Christine Mckinty.
Guests were dancing and having fun all night long.