Gallery: Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) 2026 Spark Soirée
Senators Community Foundation board members Anna and Olivia Melnyk, Jack Larabie of Jack Larabie Distribution and his wife Sheila Larabie. Photo by Jordan Harris
The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) hosted its 2026 Spark Soirée on May 6th at the Infinity Convention Centre, bringing together community members, sponsors, and supporters for a memorable evening in support of ONFE’s School Breakfast Program.
Emceed by Sam Laprade, CFRE and Jamie Scott, the evening featured heartfelt remarks from ONFE supporters Bill Ayyad (TAAG), Neil Schwartz (ONFE Board member/Mann Lawyers/Escape Manor), and Rachelle Shea (Walker Real Estate Group), as well as Ottawa Police Services Superintendent Mazen Dikah. Guests enjoyed an elevated breakfast for dinner, silent and live auctions, the first-ever Spark Your Knowledge quiz, and a special matching donation moment with the Senators Community Foundation.
The event was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor TAAG, alongside a dedicated committee and valued sponsors whose contributions directly benefit students across Ottawa.
The 2026 Spark Soirée raised an incredible $100,000 – funds that will ensure thousands of Ottawa students start every school day with a nutritious meal through ONFE’s School Breakfast Program. Donations can still be made at www.sparksoiree.ca.
Guests mingle during the cocktail reception for ONFE’s 2026 Spark Soirée at the Infinity Convention Centre. Photo by Jordan HarrisSam Laprade (long-time host of An Hour to Give at Rogers TV), Heather Norris (ONFE President and CEO), Jamie Scott (University of Ottawa Telfer School of Management student). Photo by Jordan HarrisOrKidstra returned this year for their performance during the cocktail reception. Photo by Jordan HarrisBill Ayyad, Chief Operating Officer at TAAG, representing the presenting sponsor of the gala. Photo by Jordan HarrisSam Laprade, CFRE emceed the event with bilingual co-emcee Jamie Scott. Photo by Jordan HarrisOttawa Police Service Superintendent Mazen Dikah spoke about the importance of the School Breakfast Program in the community. Photo by Jordan HarrisDalia Feldberg (Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network), Anna and Olivia Melnyk (Senators Community Foundation), Haley Miller (University of Toronto law student). Photo by Jordan HarrisSoula Burrell (Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association) enthusiastically participated in the live auction. Photo by Jordan HarrisJacqueline Belsito (President, Senators Community Foundation) joined emcee Sam Laprade on stage to present an additional $100,000 donation at ONFE’s 2026 Spark Soirée. Photo by Jordan Harris
