Widely known for politics and the Senators (the other kind), Ottawa should really be on the map for being a leader of the pack in something else. Galas! There isn’t a week in a Ottawa that a Gala is not being celebrated somewhere and we wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
Why?
Because aside from the fabulous party, the endless fun and the treasure of memories, galas actually serve a greater purpose. Beyond the glitter and glamour is a remarkable benevolent spirit. A band of brothers (and sisters of course) wanting to make a difference, wanting to give back to a community that also gave them so much.
That band of brothers in this case is a dedicated group of young professionals – private, public and university sectors – who is committed to helping those most in need by supporting initiatives that help build a brighter future for today’s generation and tomorrow’s future leaders.
With over $700,000 raised for local charities since its inception in 1993, Ottawa Gala is set to accomplish another round of funding through this annual gala in the hopes of continuing its work with the Ottawa School Breakfast Program operated by the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE). Last year, over 1000 young professionals came to support the Ottawa Gala, which allowed the program to feed 11,000 local children in 148 schools a nutritious meal everyday.
This year, mark your social calendar for this year’s Ottawa Gala:
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2014
Time: From 8:00 p.m. onwards
Location: Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
Tickets: Visit www.ottawagala.ca
Co-Presidents Fahim Rahman and Angela Kemp have seen the direct positive impacts that these small programs can have in the community. With a growing team of enthusiastic and dedicated young professionals, they are committed to continuing this legacy to help out so many more in the community.
THE @20YS UNOFFICIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE TO OTTAWA GALA 2014
That being said, it’s time to give you guys the down and the dirty insider tips to this year’s fabulous party – the Ottawa Gala 2014! This is more than a Style Guide. This my friends is your guide to surviving what will become one of the best days of your life! Without further ado as we know you’ve got a party to get to, here’s our TOP 5 Survival Guide Tips for the Night with Spies and Dolls:
PRE-GAME DAY PREPARATION
Galas are a marathon, not a sprint. Like a disciplined athlete, you must prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Go and have a work out, get your OM on at Yoga class, schedule that mani and pedi, get pampered at a spa (Renu Spa Ottawa comes highly recommended!) and most importantly, keep yourself properly hydrated. It not only boost your complexion but it also keep your body in top shape for the party all night long.
Photos courtesy of the Ottawa Gala and Mark Raicevic Photography.
And just when you think you’re ready, go back and give yourself some pep talk. Emotions are high, adrenaline pumping all night, you want to have the endurance and tenacity to not slump to the corner sofa watching the others dance the night away. After all, this is a high stake all night event, take all the necessary measures to ensure that you not only survive but flourish at the end of the night.
KILLER OUTFIT SELECTION
“Martini; shaken, not stirred”, and “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”
Think danger, mystery, sophistication, deception and allure. While confidence and execution to making this year’s theme work, a killer outfit will certainly make sure you’re dead on. Taking note from 007 himself, a bespoke suit with standout details and impeccable tailoring is a must for the spies. As for the dolls, if you can put something on that makes you feel instantly sexy, cunning and viperous, then you’re right on the money.
From Vesper Lynd, Kissy Suzuki, Cigar Girl, Jinx, Honey Rider and Octopussy (A milestone! First time that’s ever written on this blog!) and all the other Bond (Girls) Dolls who came before you, whichever outfit (check out Ottawa’s CANTAS owned by the lovely Semiha Cantas, Vincent and Envied Boutique or see Rent Frock Repeat for their fabulous selection) it is you end up choosing, own it.
SKYFALL Images via.
PREPARE FOR THE #SELFIE INVASION
As soon as the gala gets on its way, know that y0ur Facebook wall and your twitter feed will get filled up with OMG cannot be missed party details and exciting sartorial post after another. Take appropriate action, charge your phone, bring a back-up mobile power device and better yet, bring an extra phone because trust us, you do not want to be caught with a low battery cellphone in time to take that #Selfie that would induce the dreaded FOMO amongst your friends.
GO AHEAD MAKE THAT INTRODUCTION
Short of saying “Bond, James Bond.” anything goes at the Ottawa Gala. Go network like your life depends on it. The bigger gem that one can take away from these galas are the connection and the relationship that can serve you, personally or professionally, in the future.
At the very least, you can another Twitter follower! Not bad for increasing your Kred.
Photos courtesy of the Ottawa Gala and Mark Raicevic Photography.
SERIOUSLY, LET LOOSE AND HAVE SOME FUN
This is one brilliant gala to really have fun and be in the moment. There are plenty of entertainment, red carpet photo ops, dancing and mingling so do get in on the action, put your best heel forward and take that hundredth #Selfie of the night!
Don’t worry if you don’t get it all right. The most important thing is to be with your cohorts and have fun!
If you’ve got your gala tickets, go read Twenty York Street’s Unofficial Survival Guide again. Rinse and Repeat. If not, don’t miss out. Run, don’t walk and contact Ottawa Gala stat. Visit www.ottawagala.ca for more details.
This is not a drill. This is the real deal!
Going? Good! Don’t forget to post your #OttawaGala #Selfie in Instagram and Tweet us @20YS!
