Co-MC Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco (CBC/Radio-Canada) with honorary chair Margaret Dickenson and Co-MC and Joseph Cull attend the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
The YMCA of the National Capital Region hosted its Y Embassy Chef Showcase, raising more than $55,000 in support of community programs serving individuals and families across the region.
Proceeds from the event were directed toward services including newcomer support, language assessment, summer camps, transitional and supportive housing, and employment programs.
The evening featured dishes and beverages prepared by chefs representing countries from around the world, highlighting themes of cultural diversity, inclusion, and friendly competition. Organizers said funds raised would support programs relied upon by children and families in the community.
Margaret Dickenson served as honorary chair. The internationally recognized cookbook author, columnist, and television host has received numerous awards for her publications and was named Alumna of Honour by the University of Guelph in 2011.
Chris O’Gorman (Cornerstone Housing for Women), Joseph Cull (YMCA volunteer and co-MC) and Amber Bramer (Cornerstone Housing for Women) attend the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.(L-R) Ann Freel (Cartier Place Suite Hotel), Sheila Brady, Pat Black, Sandra Berringer, Sharon McGarry (Hulse, Playfair & McGarry) and Marianne Long (YMCA) attend the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Judges Chef Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon/Thali), David Godsoe (e18hteen), Margaret Dickenson (Margaret’s Sense of Occasion), Justin Champagne-Lagarde (Perch) and Sandra MacInnis (Solutions Food Service) attend the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Co-MCs Joseph Cull and Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco kept the crowd laughing, during the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Marsha Coore Lobban (High Commissioner for Jamaica), Chef Tyrone Nigel Jackson and Francine Allen attend the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Gianni De Francesco and Keren Hawkins (YMCA board member) listen to the speakers during the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Tawakalit Afolabi speaks about her experience receiving support from the YMCA during the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.The Indonesia team received the People’s Choice and Best Dressed Booth awards at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Teams from Germany and Indonesia tie for Best Beverage at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Teams from Ethiopia and the Philippines tie for the Judges’ Choice award at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJKamengo Cultural Troupe had everyone dancing, clapping and singing “Hakuna Matata” with their incredibly energized performance at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Trevor McAlmont (YMCA CEO), Marianne Long (YMCA) and Margaret Dickenson (honorary chair) present a cheque for $59,600 raised in support of YMCA programs during the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
