A roaring good time: Lumière Gala at Brookstreet Hotel raises $120K for Queensway Carleton Hospital

Lumière got its start as a magnificent bash created by legendary tech entrepreneur Terry Matthews to celebrate the 2003 grand opening of his Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. We’re happy to tell you that, 20 years later, it hasn’t lost that playful spirit or wondrous magic that made it such a great party to begin with.

The gala returned last night for its first time since 2019, with RBC Royal Bank as presenting sponsor. The evening netted more than $120,000 for this year’s beneficiary, the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation. It also featured a Roaring Twenties theme in honour of the 20th anniversary.

There were signs Lumière was going to be unique and different long before reaching the hotel lobby. A pair of antique cars parked right outside the hotel surely tipped people off. 

OBJ360 (Sponsored)

Women UNlimited creates collective action and collective impact

I never thought in my lifetime that I would witness something so powerful, heartwarming and inspiring. It’s called Women UNlimited – UNICEF Canada’s women-circled giving collective. The model is simple

Read More

World Junior Championships set to boost Ottawa’s economy and global reputation

The World Junior Championships will kick off in Ottawa in December, bringing tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city, as well as a chance for local

Read More

A smooth ride up the escalator brought everyone to a ballroom filled with glamorous guests in sparkly dresses, suspenders and feathered accessories. Velvet-voiced vocalist Rebecca Noelle and her jazz ensemble performed throughout the night while a quartet of dancers dazzled and charmed the crowd with their intricate footwork, precise rhythm and tireless energy. Capping off the evening was a fireworks display.

Brookstreet held the event in partnership with Wesley Clover Foundation. It’s the philanthropic arm of Matthews’ Ottawa-based investment management and holding company, Wesley Clover International. 

The hotel, resort and conference centre is located in the heart of the Kanata North tech hub, the largest of its kind in Canada.

The Lumière Charity Gala has raised more than $1.5 million for local charities over the years. “It’s great that it’s back,” Matthews told guests at a pre-gala reception held for top sponsors. 

He spoke alongside Nyle Kelly, general manager of Brookstreet Hotel and of its golf club, The Marshes, telling him: “It’s also great to know that we’re working together to plan a 28-floor tower and, in the future, that’s where we’ll be holding this event.”

Matthews imagined hosting Lumière on the top floor of their eventual high-rise apartment building, with its giant swimming pool, large restaurant and views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills. “Wouldn’t that be just wonderful?” continued Matthews. “I can definitely picture it.”

For Kelly, the Lumière Charity Gala represents two decades of hospitality excellence. He joined Brookstreet in 2003, when the hotel first opened, and worked his way up to GM.

“Our team really thrives in preparing this event,” Kelly told OBJ.social. “We hang our hat on this one. It defines us as a business, as an organization, as a hospitality provider.”

Brookstreet’s culinary team was able to show off its talents that night. There were 11 yummy food stations in total (including dessert), with each one offering wine, spirits and beer pairings. 

Kelly credited Carole Saad, who’s the cat’s pajamas of the Ottawa event planning business, with the gala’s “beyond spectacular” details. Partygoers could try their luck at the casino tables, learn their future with a tarot card reading, and take part in a private whiskey tasting (it was held off to the side, in a room that felt like a hidden speakeasy bar).

The old Charlie Chaplin films playing on a large screen were also a nice touch.

Ryan Watson from Raising the Bid brought his unparalleled energy to the gala, serving as emcee and live auctioneer. A trip for four to Matthews’ five-star Celtic Manor and world-class golf courses in Wales sold for $7,000. Other items included a dinner for 10 at the Indian high commissioner’s residence, Ottawa Senators suite packages and a two-night stay at a five-star hotel, The Pierre, in New York City.

Nobody was more “thrilled and proud” to be part of the night than QCH Foundation president and CEO Shannon Gorman.

“The Queensway Carleton Hospital is not the biggest hospital by far but we punch well above our weight,” said Gorman of the more than 500,000 people that the hospital serves annually.

Attendees included QCH president and CEO Dr. Andrew Falconer and the chair of the hospital board, Atul Aggarwal, president and CEO of Marcan Pharmaceuticals. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was seen in conversation with Matthews  while arriving to the gala with Kanata North Coun. Cathy Curry.

Spotted from the QCH Foundation board were vice chair Janet Yale; past chair Ronald Richardson, a corporate director with Calian Group; and Chad Schella, associate vice president of government relations at CIBC.

RBC regional president Marjolaine Hudon was double-booked that night but was able to attend the private sponsors’ reception with Matthews earlier. Brief remarks were later given during the formal program by Ray Rashed, director of banking for RBC’s tech banking and innovation arm, RBCx.

From sponsor Brazeau Seller Law were law partners Ron Prehogan and Harold Feder. Also seen were Paul Chiarelli, president and COO of Wesley Clover International. Senior vice president Peter Bennett was there with his team from Accora Village, which is a rental community privately owned and operated by businessman Dan Greenberg‘s Ferguslea Properties Ltd.  

caroline@obj.ca