An Evening With Frances Itani

Monday, November 28, 2005, 6 pm at the Canadian War Museum

Frances Itani is the prize-winning local author of Deafening (2003) and Poached Egg on Toast (2004). Click here to read more about Frances. Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., Followed by a sit-down dinner at 6:45 p.m. After an informal on-stage interview by a media personality, Frances will take questions from the audience.

Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli talks with author Frances Itani. Ted Itani in background.

[Left to Right] Scott Taylor, Andrew Cohen, Richard Gwyn, Frances Itani, and Pat MacAdam

Ottawa Public Library Foundation’s Literary Gala raises awareness and money for important library services

Ottawa (Nov. 28, 2005) - The 10th annual Literary Gala at the Canadian War Museum, featuring renowned Canadian author Frances Itani, raised approximately $30,470 for the Ottawa Public Library Foundation (OPLF). The funds will help support Library services and tools used for adaptive technology and outreach such as Daisy players, Braille books, Daisy CDs, and the Homebound Service which provides books for people of all ages who may be isolated due to health and mobility issues.

Hosted by the OPL Foundation and presented by TD Bank Financial Group, the Gala was quite a success with more than 320 supporters in attendance. Many business and community leaders, including Mayor Bob Chiarelli, Honorary Chair, were on hand to celebrate outstanding Canadian literature and to enjoy an evening of gourmet food along with a silent auction, author reading, interviews and book signings.

“This event illustrates the community’s significant support for our library system.” said Honorary Chair, Mayor Bob Chiarelli.

" For the past several years, the annual Literary Gala has been the centrepiece of the OPL Foundation's fundraising efforts,” said OPL Foundation Chair David Daubney. “The dinners have been fun, informative and financially successful. This year's gala featuring local author Frances Itani promises to continue that tradition. On behalf of the thousand of library users who will benefit from the proceeds of Literary Gala 2005, I would like to thank the dinner committee, other volunteers, sponsors and of course attendees whose generosity will help us strengthen the public library system in the Nation's Capital,” he added.

The 2005 Gala was organized by the OPL Foundation under the direction of Executive Director Mona Forrest, and with the support of numerous volunteers including well-known author Charlotte Gray.

"The Literary Gala raises funds for meaningful literacy programs and services," said City Councillor Rick Chiarelli, Library Board Chair. "The funds raised benefit the Library but target the user with special needs. We believe that Library services should be equal for each resident and the Ottawa Public Library Foundation helps us attain this goal."

Co-sponsors included: Canadian Musical Odyssey, Canadian Video Services Inc., Confersense Planners Inc., Emond Harnden, Mosaid Technology Inc., the Ottawa Citizen, the Phoenix Group of Companies, Real Decoy, TD Bank Financial Group, and Whitehots.

The Ottawa Public Library Foundation: www.foundationopl.ca

Contact: Al Roberts , Manager, Community Partnerships and Programming
Ottawa Public Library
580-2424 ext. 41240