Ottawa, November 22, 2019: The Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal presented the BEST NOT-FOR-PROFIT award to LiveWorkPlay at the prestigious 2019 Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) gala amidst a gathering of hundreds of VIPs and leaders from business, public sector, and non-profit organizations (hosted at the Westin Ottawa).
With a limit of three representatives on the stage, Co-Leaders Julie Kingstone and Keenan Wellar were joined by Michelle O’Doherty of the Board of Directors to accept the award, with another 27 members of the LiveWorkPlay community cheering them on from nearby tables within the room, and hundreds more celebrating online.
“We’re here 30 strong and with a huge online audience because LiveWorkPlay supporters understand the extraordinary journey of our charitable organization” says Keenan. “We started in 1995 as an idea on a notepad, and grew to be an influencer of social change that supports some 200 individuals with intellectual disabilities and autistic persons each year, and works with more than 150 local businesses to deliver incredible outcomes related to employment, housing, and social inclusion.”
An impromptu reaction to the crowd!
Although the award category is “not-for-profit” the nomination process included the same questions and information requests (such as financial data and impact analysis) that must be provided by for-profit businesses.
“LiveWorkPlay has received other awards honouring our achievements in promoting inclusion, but this is a unique and special night because we appreciate being recognized also for our financial planning, human resources, and governance practices, and all of the work we do with communications and public relations too” said Julie.
Within the room also were countless representatives of businesses that are already partners with LiveWorkPlay, and every effort will be made to build new relationships with those who were introduced to the organization for the first time.
“The business leaders in the room who have already worked with us are the perfect ambassadors to help us build our community network” says Michelle. “I am confident that starting next week, introductions made here tonight will help us identify opportunities for jobs and other connections that will help improve the quality of life for those we support and their families. I want to thank all of the staff team, my board colleagues past and present, our volunteers, and partners in all sectors for helping us get to where we are today, and for being a part of an exciting future in 2020 and beyond.”
The BOBs are co-presented by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal.
“We are honoured to recognize LiveWorkPlay as the recipient for Best Non-for-Profit” says Sueling Ching, Interim President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade. “They demonstrate visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and play a vital role in making Ottawa the best place to live, work, study, play and invest. We are privileged to have them in the National Capital.”
“The BOBs celebrates untold success stories across our city” says Michael Curran, OBJ publisher. “Anyone attending the gala leaves much better informed about what’s happening across our local economy.”
On May 7, LiveWorkPlay will celebrate 25 years of helping the community welcome people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and individuals with a dual diagnosis to live, work, and play as valued citizens. This special anniversary edition of the annual Make A Buzz Ottawa event is expected to sell out even earlier than usual, so those interested in attending should aim to purchase tickets before the end of December.
Keenan Wellar 
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