Next-gen leaders connect at Redblacks Summer Rush to gear up students for success
As much as we love familiar faces, having the same conversations with the same people can start to feel a little — er — claustrophobic after a while.
The real reward lies in stepping out of your comfort zone to meet someone new, which is something the 400 attendees at Wednesday night’s sold-out REDBLACKS Summer Rush were clearly up for. You know the old saying: a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.
Billed as the city’s largest networking event, the evening also raised thousands of dollars for (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group) Foundation’s Backpack Program, helping to fill 140 school bags with basic supplies for students in need. The newly launched campaign has an end goal of 275 backpacks this school year.
The third annual event was co-chaired by a group of rising leaders: Lauren Epp, formerly with OSEG and now working in event management at the University of Ottawa; Ottawa Interlock Repair owner Jonathan Gilman; seoplus+ co-founder and COO Brock Murray; and TD direct investing regional manager Talia Silvestri.
The evening was emceed by Melissa Lamb, who — as one of the early-rising hosts of CTV Morning Live — joked that she was up past her bedtime to help a good cause. Players from the Ottawa Redblacks and its cheerleading and dance team also turned out to show their support and to participate.
Ottawa dentist and community builder Dr. Nalin Bhargava came up with the idea for Summer Rush a few years back as a way of encouraging younger people to give back through volunteering. He kept hearing cynical claims about younger adults not stepping up. That’s simply not true, he opined.
“I’m just so happy to see this,” Bhargava told CiTC at the Redblacks Summer Rush, held at Infinity Convention Centre. The place was buzzing with the sounds of conversation and human connection. “I’m really impressed with the calibre, sense of community and the civic pride in Ottawa’s next generation. It can only mean good things for the city in the future.”
For full coverage: https://carolineinthecapital.ca/next-gen-leaders-connect-at-redblacks-summer-rush-to-gear-up-students-for-success/
Marketing & Advertising professional who's passionate about brands being unique, distinctive and memorable.
4dGreat seeing you Caroline, and as always, wonderful summary of the event on your site. See ya at the next event or Silvia Klein's Powerhaus 💪
Vice-President, Brand and Social Impact
4dCaroline, thanks for capturing an amazing evening of community and connection. The OSEG Foundation is incredibly grateful to the committee, sponsors and attendees for ensuring children and youth in our community return to school with the tools they need to succeed. Backpacks will be delivered next week!
Passionate about fundraising and making a difference in our community.
4dThank you for being one the OSEG Foundation's biggest champions, Caroline. Our community shines even brighter thanks to your support.❤️ 🖤
When you’re at the top - who reflects you back? | Master-Trainer, Life Capital | Strategic Growth Partner | Cross-sector Communicator | President, Rotary ICC Ukraine-Canada | #ZondaMode - Precision. Depth. Presence.
5dIn Ottawa, it’s often said that an event truly lands when Caroline Phillips writes about it. I was there - and somehow still missed you in the crowd. Thank you for making moments last longer and people shine brighter. 📸✨
Ottawa | Business Excellence Award Recipient | Growth Financing | 100 MWC Board
5dGreat chatting with you yesterday! Thanks for the photo! Love the article :) see you around!