DATE:	24 November 2014
TO/DEST:	Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board
FROM/EXP:	Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service
SUBJECT/OBJET:	2014 OTTAWA POLICE GALA UPDATE

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

BACKGROUND

On October 25, 2014, the fifth Annual Ottawa Police Gala was held at the Ottawa Convention Center with proceeds directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO). After all service invoices were paid, $100,000 was raised in support of the BGCO.

The Boys and Girls Club provides positive opportunities for 4500 youth in our community. The funds raised from this year’s Gala are to be directed to Charles King Scholarship Awards for post secondary education. Youth committed to reaching their full potential will benefit from continued education through college or university programs. The Charles King Scholarship awards will be administered through the Boys and Girls Club.

Approximately 400 Ottawa Police Service (OPS) members, community members, partners, and business leaders met at the Ottawa Convention Centre in the Trillium Ballroom for the fifth annual OPS Gala. The event celebrated policing in the Nation’s capital by sharing the rich traditions and history of the OPS and recognizing the value of community partnerships.

The OPS would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the event sponsors, with special thanks going to the four Platinum Sponsors - Telus, Adobe, Valley Associates and the Barley Mow. The continuing commitment and leadership demonstrated by the sponsors highlights the respect and support our community provides to both the OPS and the BGCO.

The OPS has initiated plans for the sixth annual Ottawa Police Gala at the Ottawa Convention Centre to take place on November 7, 2015.

CONSULTATION

Beginning in early December, the OPS will be accepting applications from organizations who wish to be considered as the designated charity for next year’s Gala. The applications are received through Charity Village and scored by a committee that includes leaders representing the Platinum sponsors. The final decision on which organization will be the beneficiary of funds raised through the sixth annual gala will be made public in early 2015.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The presentation of the proceeds from the 2014 Ottawa Police Gala to the Boys and Girls Club will take place at the Police Services Board meeting on November 24, 2014.

CONCLUSION

The 2014 Ottawa Police Gala was a success both in funds raised for the beneficiary and for attendees who enjoyed the event in downtown Ottawa with great views, great food and recognition of OPS members. The event also highlighted the Ottawa Police Pipes and Drums, Ceremonial Guard, and Chorus, as well as the OPS Venturer program members, Youth Advisory Committee members, and volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club and Target. We are pleased to announce that, having paid all invoices, a donation of $100,000 will be made to the Boys and Girls Club. With the success of the fifth annual gala included, the OPS has raised over $470,000 since 2010 to support local charities and those they help.

(Original signed by)

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police