Media Release

April 5, 2007

Festival champion Catherine O'Grady receives annual Investing in People Award

(Ottawa) – The Community Foundation of Ottawa is pleased to recognize Catherine O’Grady with its annual Investing in People Award for her unwavering dedication to making Ottawa a vibrant, creative city for residents and visitors alike. In her work as Executive Producer of the Ottawa Jazz Festival and Artistic Producer of the Ottawa International Children’s Festival, Catherine has been bringing world-renowned performers to local stages for more than ten years. Her commitment to quality programming of both music and children’s theatre has contributed significantly to the Ottawa arts scene and the development of a more knowledgeable audience base in the region. The jazz festival also provides an internationally-respected venue for the promotion and support of local musicians, creating opportunities that reach far beyond the annual ten-day festival. As a steering committee member of Ottawa’s Arts Investment Strategy, Catherine has also been instrumental in making arts issues a priority in municipal planning for the city’s future.

 

The Community Foundation of Ottawa’s Investing in People Award is presented each year to support those who have shown imagination and leadership in addressing issues and opportunities in our community. The recipients, having been identified by the Board of Governors, are invited to accept a $5,000 grant from the Foundation, for which they design the purposes. A list of past recipients follows.

The Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. It connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. It attracts and manages a growing endowment, the invested earnings of which provide grants to charitable organizations. The Foundation’s role is as neutral broker in support of all charitable causes that contribute to the community’s quality of life. With its growing profile, the Community Foundation of Ottawa has built an enviable reputation for astute financial management, high-quality donor services, strategic grantmaking and innovative partnerships.

 

Contact:
Iona Green

Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications

(613) 236-1616 X 232

Cell (613) 791-3128

igreen@cfo-fco.ca

Adrienne Coddett, teacher, basketball coach and leader in Ottawa’s black community, in recognition of her vital and innovative work with youth.

Carl Nicholson, Executive Director of the Catholic Immigration Centre, in recognition of his work towards building a more harmonious and welcoming community for immigrants and newcomers to the Ottawa area.

George Brown, Managing Director of the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, for his dedicated leadership in the establishment of Ottawa’s Asset-Based Community Development Network (ABCD) and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF).

David Currie, conductor of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and to the community.

Andrea Kroetch, youth volunteer, for her outstanding leadership initiatives in her community and her advocacy work on the City of Ottawa's Youth Cabinet and the Our Millennium Steering Committee.

Josh LaRocque, youth volunteer, in recognition of his pro-active initiatives to promote peace, support peer counselling and encourage kids to be active in sports.

Dr. Dan Offord, OC, to acknowledge his huge contribution to the lives of disadvantaged children through his work at Christie Lake Camp.

Barbara Carroll, Co-ordinator of the Debra Dynes Family House Committee, for her dedication to providing a better quality of life for adults and children in their neighbourhood.

Julian Armour, Artistic and Executive Director of the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, for his outstanding leadership and vision in brining chamber music to young audiences.

Sue Taylor, Carlington Community Chaplaincy, for her dedication to building capacity and self-sufficiency through empowerment in Bellevue Manor.

Barry Rueger, CKCU-FM Community Radio, for his contribution and commitment to community development through community radio.

Barbara O'Connor, Hospice of All Saints, in support of her dedication to providing respite care for people and their families as they deal with terminal illness.

Jennifer Cayley, Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities, in recognition of her dedication to nurturing arts in education.

Harriet Amani, Rainbow Women's Centre, for her innovative approach to community economic development.

Shiningwater Diabo, Aboriginal Women's Support Centre, for her work in nourishing aboriginal women by enhancing native culture and spirituality.

Sister Betty Ann Kinsella, Ottawa-Carleton Youville Centre, for her contribution to nurturing and educating young single mothers.

Carol Sissons, community volunteer, for her skills in building on community strength in a diversified neighbourhood.

Constable Claude Turgeon, Ottawa Police Youth Centre, for his outstanding leadership in working with youth at risk.

Nancy Douglas, elementary school principal, for her exceptional work in addressing child poverty within the school system.