$29,000 of Dreams Worth Living raised by Algonquin PR students!
After an incredible journey that started back in the fall with 60 students in the Algonquin College Public Relations program breaking into 10 teams to champion a potential charity as a beneficiary, the Dreams Worth Living campaign for LiveWorkPlay wrapped up last night at the Heart and Crown in the Byward Market.
The eleven (yes, 11!) events along the way were anything but boring, and demonstrated remarkable originality and teamwork, and drew attendance from a variety of LiveWorkPlay staff, volunteers, and members. Heather McAdam and Janet Balcome committed to supporting the majority of the events, ensuring we had passionate supporters with direct experience available to mingle, and on frequent occasions, make a speech!
Alex Darling and Rebecca Coxon were the primary support from the staff team, with co-leaders Keenan Wellar and Julie Kingstone making appearances at the Dreaming Under The Stars gala and Spill The Tea (yes, a tea party!).
At last night’s wrap-up, Janet once again took to the microphone (see the text of her speech below) and she was joined by Rebecca and Alex to participate in the “big reveal” as ACPR program coordinator Stephen Heckbert had a bit of fun with everyone, switching up the numbers before the true and rather astounding figure of $29,000 was celebrated.
Alongside the LiveWorkPlay trio that’s Kate Valentine and Seamus Sullivan, members of the original “Make A Buzz” team that successfully championed LiveWorkPlay as the cause of the year, reacting with pure joy at the reveal.
If you are thinking the “Make A Buzz” theme sounds familiar, there is good reason for it. It was in common use more than a decade ago including in public service announcements on the former A-Channel television station. But more than likely it rings a bell because it’s the name of the new LiveWorkPlay annual community recognition event, Make A Buzz Ottawa. Part of the evening will include much-deserved formal recognition of this remarkable APCR campaign. The event is more than 50% sold out already, so please hurry: tickets on sale now!
Here is the text of the speech Janet gave at the closing event.
Thank you so much for this amazing Dreams Worth Living campaign and of
course for this incredible fundraising result.
Our co-leaders Julie Kingstone and Keenan Wellar wanted to be here to
thank you in person, but unfortunately they are in Toronto this week for
meetings and a conference where you can be certain they are going to be
talking about the example set by the Algonquin College Public Relations
students and faculty!
Along with dozens of our members, volunteers, and staff like Rebecca and Alex who are here tonight, I have also had the opportunity to attend several of the Dreams Worth Living events and to hopefully meet almost all of you along the way. We will never forget your enthusiasm and welcoming attitude. We look forward to recognizing the campaign and the entire ACPR program at our Make A Buzz Ottawa celebration on May 12.
On behalf of everyone at LiveWorkPlay thank you for all you have done and we hope that you will explore opportunities to stay involved. We wish you great success in your future as business and social leaders of our community.