The annual SnowBall returns on February 12 at the Ottawa Art Gallery with all proceeds supporting the purchase of snowsuits for underserved children in our community. This year’s event, SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve, promises unique and distinct experiences for the 400+ guests who will enjoy chef stations and bars, DJs, live music, auctions, beauty bars, and more.
According to their site, The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 snowsuits annually to children 15 years of age and younger from low-income families in Ottawa. Their long-standing relationships with Canadian suppliers and volume purchases give the organization the power to negotiate the best possible prices. The SnowBall makes their important work possible, with local chefs and organizations coming together to make a difference.
SnowBall features some of Ottawa’s top chefs including: Lizardo Becerra (Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine), Chanaka Amarakoon (Feast + Revel – Andaz Byward Market), Wesley Boodhram (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa), David Godsoe (Eighteen), Devin Marhue (Thyme & Again), Samantha Paquette (Heart & Crown), Billy Alexander (Mādahòkì Farm) and James Bratzberg (Norca & Jackson – Le Germain). Cocktails and zero-proof options are provided by beverage partners that include: Kichessipi Beer, Dunrobin Distilleries, Charlotte, Casa Dea Estate Winery and Split Tree.
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While the food is an important part of the event, the SnowBall and The Snowsuit Fund also benefit from the support of local companies. Just this week, Intega IT signed a three-year agreement to become the Presenting Sponsor of its annual SnowBall gala. This new sponsorship marks an increased commitment from Intega IT who have been providing cash and in-kind donations to The Snowsuit Fund for several years. Intega IT is among a growing list of new and returning corporate sponsors that help The Snowsuit Fund keep Ottawa children warm. “Our team is always committed to giving back and building a strong community. I just love this event and this charity we have been supporting for years. We’re thrilled that as presenting sponsor we are directly helping ensure that every Ottawa child has access to a warm snowsuit. A snowsuit is a simple yet effective way to leave a lasting positive impact on a child’s life,” said John Robinson, President and CEO of Intega IT.
Last year, Apt613 connected with participating chef David Godsoe to get a chef’s take on the event. This year, we reached co-chair Lise Clement by email to learn more about the 2025 edition of the SnowBall.
Apt613: What is your role with the SnowBall? How did you first get involved?
Lise Clement: I’m honored to be a board member for The SnowSuit Fund and co-chair of this year’s SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve with Lauren Parkes and Jon Sinden.
I first learned about The Snowsuit Fund nearly 20 years ago when I joined The Lansdowne Consulting Group and would volunteer annually with the Fund. I was honored to be invited to join the Board in 2017. Growing up in northern Ontario, I loved winter and the endless snow— but you can only truly enjoy it when you’re dressed for it. I’m proud to be part of a cause that helps ensure that no child in Ottawa is without a snowsuit to enjoy the magic of winter, no matter the weather.
What can attendees expect from the SnowBall this year? What are you most looking forward to?
Attendees can expect an all-inclusive and luxurious cocktail party. Within the beautiful space of the Ottawa Art Gallery, attendees can move between unique and distinct experiences each boasting sumptuous décor, local chef stations and bars, DJs and live music with dancing, auctions, an interactive photobooth and beauty bar, and other experiential surprises. Personally, I’m most looking forward to seeing the generosity of our community, as it truly snowballs during this event.
An exciting element of the SnowBall is the auction: can we get any sneak peeks at what will be up for auction this year?
The auction at the SnowBall is always a highlight! While I can’t reveal everything, we have some unique items and experiences lined up again this year that will be auctioned off. You do not need to attend to bid in the online auction. And the live auction is making an exciting return this year offering attendees the chance to bid on incredible experiences.
The SnowBall is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts each year. All proceeds support the purchase of Snowsuits for underserved children in our community. This year, the need is greater than ever, with snowsuit distributions reaching a record high in our 43 years of operation—reaffirming the importance of our mission and the depth of need in our community.—SnowBall co-chair Lise Clement
Can you talk about the importance of the SnowBall and The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa?
The SnowBall is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts each year. All proceeds support the purchase of Snowsuits for underserved children in our community. This year, the need is greater than ever, with snowsuit distributions reaching a record high in our 43 years of operation—reaffirming the importance of our mission and the depth of need in our community.
How else can readers support The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa?
Aside from attending the SnowBall, readers can support The Snowsuit Fund by donating directly, fundraising, or volunteering. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps ensure that no child in Ottawa has to face the winter without a snowsuit. Visit our website for more details: www.snowsuitfund.com.
Anything else Apt613 readers should know?
I’d encourage readers to attend the SnowBall if they’re able to. It’s an incredible evening of celebration and generosity for an important cause. Whether or not you can attend, supporting The Snowsuit Fund in any way is an investment in the future of our community’s children. For $50, you can provide warmth for a child this winter.
The SnowBall in support of The Snowsuit Fund takes place on February 12, 2025 at the Ottawa Art Gallery. Tickets to the all-inclusive multi-chef event are available online for $250 plus fees. All proceeds support the purchase of snowsuits for underserved children in our community. Donations to The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa can be made online. If you would like a snowsuit for a youth, you can book an appointment online.
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