Remembering the LiveWorkPlay 30th Anniversary Celebration, Make A Buzz Ottawa, 9 May 2025
With a sold out crowd of more than 250 celebrants, we enjoyed a four course meal, the musical stylings of Dueling Pianos, and of course 30 years of memories! Whether you were in attendance or unable to join us, we hope you will enjoy these visual memories! The images and videos below follow the same timeline as the live event.
Above: first on the agenda was a special edition of The LiveWorkPlay News, celebrating 30 years of LiveWorkPlay in two segments. The first is from 1995-2015.
Above: next up was The LiveWorkPlay News coverage of 2015-2025.
Above: we did a recap of annual Community Partner and Inclusive Employer awards from the Open House event on April 10. Click here for the video!
Below: we couldn’t name them all, and probably forgot to mention a few, but we did our best to celebrate the many important partners and funders of the past 30 years, and we celebrated all of the representatives who were able to join us in the room.
Above: video greetings from Wendy Mitchell and Vaughn McKinney. Below: funders and networks who had reprsentatives in the room.
Below: celebrating the ETF and the FESG!
Above: Don Gallant (RWA), Nathalee Leblanc and Amanda Barresi (WCG), Shannon Bruce (United Way Eastern Ontario)
Above: Marcel St-Jean (CLO), Jennnifer Riley (ODEN), Kelly McGahey (United Way Eastern Ontario), Kelsey Ross (RWA)
Above: Anna Nelson (LiveWorkPlay Director of Employment Supports), Andrew Bearss (ETF), Nasra Yusuf (Levy TD Place)
Above: Geoff McDiarmid, Mary Gusella (FESG volunteer chair), Mike Andrews, Anna Nelson (LiveWorkPlay), Jennifer Soucy (former LiveWorkPlay, Daniel Spagnolo, Michelle Kovacevic, Daniel Carleton, Doug McConnachie, Rachel Boutin. Please click here for the speaking notes that explains the roles related to each of them!
Above: RWA was presented with a Community Inclusion Award!
Above: Anna Nelson, Don Gallant, Shawn Pegg, Kelsey Ross (RWA).
Above: Chris Jones was awarded the My Own Home bursary and was celebrated as the 60th individual supported by LiveWorkPlay to move ot a home of his own!
Above: Barry Wellar and Chris Jones
Above: Mark McCormick received a special individual Community Inclusion Award! Below: Mark and Chris!
Above: we revisited the annual volunteer awards from April 10 (click here for the live video)
Below: we celebrated volunteers and staff from the past 30 years, including video segments from Cyndi Edwards/Colin Trethewey and George Kranitis.
Above: Cyndi Edwards/Colin Trethewey and George Kranitis. Below: staff recognition.
Below: most importantly, we celebrated families and members!
Below: one of the most important LiveWorkPlay rituals, the annual presentation of the Rob More Good Life Award and the ceremonial cup!
Above: Rob More Good Life award recipient Chris Jones with Jen Broad from LiveWorkPlay
Below: Dueling Pianos was about to take the stage when Anthony, Grace, and Daniel called a halt to the proceedings for a special presentation!
Above: Keenan Wellar and Julie Kingstone received a heartwarming tribute for their 30 years of service!
We wrapped up this amazing 30th anniversary celebration on the dance floor! Here is a photo of those who kept on dancing until the last song! Thank you Dave Kalil, Todd Huckabone, and Tyler Kealey, the Dueling Pianos!