OTTAWA—Jocelyn Lamont and her dream team committee, which included many volunteers, recently hosted "Cake, Candles, and Cocktails" a Birthday party for Roy Mlakar, and benefit for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs.
Mlakar was President and CEO of the Ottawa Senators for 13 years, and retired from the position on June 13, 2009.
Jocelyn Lamont, Executive Director of Candlelighters, said during the birthday party, "I am just so thrilled to have been able to kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) with such a fabulous event that honoured Roy Mlakar who has done so many wonderful things for Candlelighters, our kids, our parents and families, and to support our organization year after year. He has always been there for us and it means a lot that he graciously agreed to allow us the privilege of having this birthday party."
The event, held at the trendy Lago Bar and Grill, was a huge success, selling out for the first time, and raising approximately $20,000 for the charity. More importantly, the event helped to bring attention to Candlelighters, and demonstrated the need for fundraising, which helps to fund programs that improve the quality of life for kids living with cancer, as well as their families and friends who are also inevitably affected.
Emcee Jeff Mauler was there helping to raise awareness for this very important cause as he entertained the 200 people in attendance throughout the evening. Guests bid during the silent auction for cakes by "The girl with the most cake." The evening sparkled with an array of fantastic food by Lago Bar and Grill, who served such items as lobster corn dogs, yellow tomato gazpacho shooter with chipolte oil, Asian shrimp rolls, tandoori chicken brochettes with lime cilantro cream, and heirloom tomato tartlet with basil and parmesan in the main room at Lago. Singer Dominique Forest and her band dazzled guests with songs and music.
In a touching speech, Chris Phillips said, "Roy Mlakar has been such a part of the community. He has shown us (the Sens players) how to contribute and give back. We will miss him". Some notable guests included: The Honourable John Baird, Sal Iacono and wife Marisa, Chris and Erin Phillips, Jason and Jennifer Spezza, Brian Kilrea and his wife Judy, Max Keeping's guests were the CHEO champions Emily, Ryan, Eric, Director of the Ottawa Catholic School Board and 2009 United Way Ottawa Campaign Chair Jamie McCracken, Joan Highet Vice President United Way Ottawa, Emily Farrell from Scotiabank, Danielle Robinson of the Ottawa Senators Foundation, and many more guests.
The impact of childhood cancer has been devastating and long-reaching throughout our communities. With advances in science and technology, as well as an increasing awareness of this terrible disease, we can only hope that continued research and funding will one day lead to a cure. This year’s event has been proof positive that the fine people in our community are paying attention at a time when their contributions and support are needed more than ever. It is events like these that may lead to huge success stories and cures—so that one day, no one will have to worry about losing their kids.
Roy Mlakar ended the evening by saying "In my time here in Ottawa, I have been fortunate to enjoy seeing smiles on the faces of many kids and feeling the passion of those in the community. It's made Ottawa so special."
