All photos by SD Photography ~ Samantha Danis www.samanthadanis-photography.com
On Friday, April 4th, Youville Centre hosted Grown Ups Read Things They Wrote As Kids (GRTTWAK). An open-mic style event inspired by the original GRTTWAK which originally launched in Toronto, the evening offered a chance for guests to read things they wrote when they were a child or a teenager. What resulted from this unique event was an evening full of laughter, nostalgia, tasty refreshments and a chance to learn more about Youville Centre.
In addition, this first-time event raised $800 to directly support our young moms and children, and brought us some new friends and supporters.
Refreshments were generously provided by Spin Dessert Cafe and Bistro and Hogsback Brewing Company. Our gym was transformed to look more like the NAC Fourth Stage or a high school coffeehouse event thanks to a donation from Ottawa Special Events.
Tables were wrapped with brown paper, and guests were encouraged to use crayons and markers to decorate their table. It was a chance to be a kid again, and to share those hilarious moments from childhood and teenage life.
Diaries were read, as were school assignments, stories and poems. One of our guests even sang a song she wrote when she was young. We would like to thank each and every brave soul who stepped up to the mic to share their childhood musings.
As the beautiful photos shot by Samantha Danis show, the room was filled with laughter as we enjoyed walking down memory lane together.
The evening came to a close with a round of tours for interested guests who wanted to know more about the programs and services at Youville Centre. Guests enjoyed hearing stories about our courageous young moms, and learning about the myriad of services that are provided to them at the centre. The childcare rooms were a highlight, and although our babies were not there, our staff did a wonderful job of setting up the rooms to show guests the wonderful games, toys and learning tools available to our infants and toddlers.
We would like to thank Youville Centre’s Board of Directors, particularly event organizers Megan Wallace and Sarah Feldberg; Stephanie from Knock on Wood Communications & Events Inc.; all of the volunteers who helped to plan and execute this event; and to our sponsors: The Printing House, Ottawa Special Events, Spin Dessert Cafe and Bistro, Hogsback Brewing Company and SD Photography (Samantha Danis).
If you are interested in hosting your own third party event in support of Youville Centre, please contact us at communications@youvillecentre.org or (613) 231-5150 Ext. 128.
All photos by SD Photography ~ Samantha Danis www.samanthadanis-photography.com