The Mental Health Gala at Home
Event Information
About this event
Due to Covid-19, we are unable to hold our annual event here in Ottawa. We have decided to try a virtual gala in which our guests can purchase a package with proceeds donated to The Royal Ottawa and Do It For Darron.
Each package includes a three course dinner for 2, a bottle of wine, coupons to support small businesses in the area, masks, sanitizer, and other goodies donated by our amazing community. There will also be an online portion with a live DJ and motivational speakers.
Once you purchase the package, you will see a link at the bottom of your confirmation email (under "Additional Information"). Copy and paste this link into your browser to select meal options. Here is a sample of the meal:
Choice of Salad:
- Caprese Salad
- Fennel Salad
Choice of Main Course:
- Chicken Scallopini in a White Wine Mushroom Sauce
- Eggplant Parmigiana
- Braised Short Rib
* All 3 are served with Roasted Potatoes and Seasonal Sautéed Vegetables*
Choice of Dessert:
- Cannoli
- Tiramisu
Pick up at Sala San Marco (215 Preston St.) on May 29 between 12-5pm.
Organizer Amy Caruso
Organizer of The Mental Health Gala at Home
With a passion for philanthropy, Amy Caruso began The Mental Health Gala as a way of coping with her own personal struggles. Seeing friends and family around her dealing with all forms of mental illness pushed her to take this step in making a difference in the community.
In three short years, The Mental Health Gala has grown from a small friends and family event, to over 350 people at the latest gala in May 2019. It was named Ottawa's Best Black Tie Event at the 2020 Ottawa Awards in January. This special awareness campaign has been surpassing expectations, and to date, has raised an overall total of $108,500.
Amy has been recognized by The Royal as a community leader, has attended their Inspiration Awards and their Leaders in Mental Health Breakfast, and has had the honour of meeting the Richardson’s (Daron’s parents) on many occasions. In 2019, Amy received multiple awards within the city for her charitable work, and was announced one of 40 key persons who have made a tremendous impact through leadership with the Royal Ottawa Foundation, helping to transform the landscape of mental health in our community.
