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 recently 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 such as 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 the funds raised would support programs relied upon by children and families in the community.
Internationally recognized cookbook author, columnist, and television host Margaret Dickenson served as honourary chair.
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 Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon/Thali), David Godsoe (e18hteen), Margaret Dickenson (Margaret’s Sense of Occasion), Justin Champagne-Lagarde (Perch), and Sandra MacInnis (The Solution Foodservice Group) 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 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 tied 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 tied for the Judges’ Choice award at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJThe Kamengo Cultural Troupe had everyone dancing, clapping, and singing “Hakuna Matata” with an energetic performance at the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Trevor McAlmont (YMCA President & CEO), Marianne Long (YMCA) and Margaret Dickenson (honourary chair) present a cheque for $59,600 in support of YMCA programs during the Y Embassy Chef Showcase at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, April 15, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
