From the moment guests stepped into the gallery, they were welcomed by a warm and buzzing atmosphere, filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Peach bellinis flowed, setting the tone for a stylish and cozy winter soirée. The spread from Good Eats was nothing short of incredible—beautifully prepared bites that kept everyone mingling and coming back for more.

One of the biggest hits of the night? Our Networking Bingo! Designed to spark new connections in a fun and easy way, each guest received a bingo card with prompts like “Find someone who has blue eyes” or “Meet someone who has lived in another country.” It wasn’t long before the whole room was buzzing with introductions and laughter as people teamed up to get their cards filled. This game turned strangers into friends and had everyone fully engaged.

And then, the giveaways! The energy in the room reached a whole new level as we announced our amazing prizes. Watching the excitement build with each draw was pure joy—who doesn’t love a little friendly competition when there are fabulous prizes on the line? Whether people won or not, the enthusiasm was contagious, and it added an extra spark to an already electric evening.

Another special touch? The generosity of the Orange Art Gallery owners, who offered our guests an exclusive 15% discount on all the incredible local art displayed that night. Many took advantage of the opportunity to bring home a piece of Ottawa’s creative scene, while others simply enjoyed browsing the beautiful works that surrounded us.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without showcasing some of Ottawa’s talented local businesses. We featured incredible vendors for a Sip & Shop, highlighting Rose Garden Jewellery, Emri Home, and Forget B Knot. Guests had the chance to explore beautifully crafted jewelry, elegant home décor, and unique handmade goods, making the evening even more special with the opportunity to shop local while celebrating together.

As the night went on, the conversations deepened, connections grew stronger, and the room felt more and more like a gathering of old friends. Georgia and Jess even walked away with coordinating jewelry, a spontaneous and perfect symbol of the synchronicity that filled the space.

Reflecting on that night, we’re filled with gratitude—not just for the success of the event, but for the people who showed up and made it what it was. We are all about celebrating our city, but what truly makes Ottawa special is the people who live, work, and dream here. Seeing so many wonderful faces, all in one room, sharing in this vision with us, was the best reminder of why we do what we do.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and made this launch an unforgettable moment. We can’t wait for more celebrations, more local love, and more ways to bring Ottawa’s best into the spotlight.