On a golden August evening, with the sun setting over the serene Rideau River, more than just flowers were blooming in Steve and Jayne Lowell’s backyard; hope, connection and a shared vision for the future of health care in Ottawa took centre stage.
Hosted in partnership with She Shops Local and Manotick Natural Market, the Lowells opened their riverside garden Wednesday, Aug. 6, to host a special evening, a gathering rooted in community, conversation and purpose. Guests included doctors, entrepreneurs, change-makers and members of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, all coming together not to raise funds but to raise awareness for the $500 million Campaign to Create Tomorrow, a transformative vision for a new hospital campus and leading-edge research at The Ottawa Hospital.
Guests were moved by personal stories, including Steve Lowell’s tribute to the care that extended his father’s life by 46 years, and heartfelt remarks from Dr. Pradeep Merchant and campaign co-chair Ginger Bertrand, who emphasized the impact of every conversation and contribution.
With the river glistening in the background and the gardens in full bloom, the setting offered more than beauty — it became a space for meaningful conversation. “You never know what dollar will save a life,” said Bertrand. “Whether you give time, ideas, connections or resources — every act moves us forward.”
Attendees left not just inspired, but empowered — reminded that the future of health care in Ottawa depends on shared stories, community support and the belief that every act, big or small, matters.
To learn more about the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, visit ohfoundation.ca/campaign-to-create-tomorrow.
Steve and Jayne Lowell hosted the garden party to raise awareness for The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow, a cause deeply personal to them.
Jennifer Van Noort, vice-president of philanthropy at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, represented four generations of her family’s commitment to the hospital. Dr. Pradeep Merchant, site chief of neonatology, joined the Lowells to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.
Event sponsors Darpan Ahluwalia of Manotick Natural Market and Catherine Landry of She Shops Local.
Guests enjoyed delicious bites from Heist Manotick, Angelina’s and other local culinary gems.
Bruce Fanjoy, MP for Carleton, attended the event.
Mary De Toro, chair of the Ottawa branch of the Monarchist League of Canada, wore a stunning fascinator to the garden party.
Guests not only enjoyed sitting by the Rideau River but also had the chance to cruise along the Manotick banks on pontoon boat tours.
Luca Giampaolo of Angelina’s cooked up delicious pasta in the Lowell’s kitchen during the event.
Lee Ann Lacroix, owner of Lee Ann Lacroix & Associates, and Carolyn Botting, a staff sergeant with the Ottawa Police Service.
Angie Sakla Seymour, owner of Angie’s Models & Talent International, and Sid Cratzbarg, known as The Aristocrat of Scent.
Joel Fawcett served up fresh wood-fired pizzas from Beachcomber Café.
Jennifer Van Noort, vice-president of philanthropy at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, emphasized the scale of the effort ahead: “Our responsibility is to raise $500 million. To date, this community has raised $356 million. What it means is that we actually get to refer to this as the last leg of the campaign.”
“Creating tomorrow is for our next generation,” said Dr. Pradeep Merchant, site chief, division of neonatology at The Ottawa Hospital.
Maggie Maier had a friend take her photograph among the spectacular lush gardens.
An unforgettable summer evening by the Rideau River, where community, conversation and commitment came together to celebrate hope and the future of health care in Ottawa.
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To see more photos of Social Scene events, visit ottawacitizen.com/category/sponsored/social-scene.
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