Can you stand the heat?

Thank you to everyone who came out for Westboro Village’s first-ever Stew Showdown. With your support, we raised over $2,300 for the Westboro Region Food Bank.

Congratulations to Lexington Smokehouse & Bar for taking home the trophy from our judges and to Brassica for being crowned our People’s Choice winner!

A special thank you to our judges, Melanie Brulée, Sam Laprade and Jeff Leiper, for the challenging job of selecting just one winning stew. We appreciate their time.

A final congratulations to the winners of our competitors’ gift cards: Peter C., Elizabeth P., Paul D., Peter R., Debbie H. and Andrew D.

 

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you again in Westboro Village!

 

YOUR CHALLENGERS

 

The Judges

Melanie Brulée
Executive Director, Ottawa Music Industry Coalition

Melanie Brulée is a force within the Ottawa music scene. A renowned Franco-Ontarian artist, she’s graced stages across the globe, honing her craft and building a career that spans performance, touring, and various facets of the music industry. This experience provides her with invaluable insight into the needs and aspirations of artists and the intricacies of event production. But Melanie’s impact extends far beyond the spotlight.  Driven by a deep commitment to community, she founded a women-led collective of songwriters and has received awards for her implication in mental health awareness.

Now, as Executive Director of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), Melanie channels her passion and experience into fostering a vibrant and inclusive music ecosystem. She’s a connector, a collaborator, and an advocate, with a proven track record in organizing and executing successful events, including music showcases and award ceremonies.

Melanie’s leadership extends to key roles within the Ontario Music Cities Officers Network and the Algonquin College Music Industry Arts Advisory Committee, solidifying her commitment to advancing the music industry in Ottawa and beyond.

 

Sam Laprade
Host, An Hour to Give

Sam has 30 years of work in the non-profit sector, public relations, media relations and municipal politics. After graduating from Algonquin College with a PR Diploma, she was given an opportunity to work at CBC Radio and then at CBC Television and was immediately hooked. Through various positions, she has built a strong community network in the Ottawa area.

She says, “Raising funds for important causes that save lives and change lives is the most rewarding part of my work. The hospital, the humane society and a homeless shelter are all important causes that I have worked for through the years.”

Her work with Gryphon Fundraising, an donor-database auditing and consulting firm, has provided the opportunity for her to work with non-profits all over the world, including non-profits in Canada, the United States and Australia.

 

Jeff Leiper
Councillor – Ward 15 Kitchissippi

Jeff Leiper is a former community association activist working in Kitchissippi on a wide spectrum of issues and neighbourhood events. He was first elected in 2014, and has served as Chair of the Information Technology Sub-committee and vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee. He has also been a member of the Planning and Environment Committees as well as the Transit Commission. He worked closely with Mayor Watson to develop a music strategy for Ottawa, and continues his advocacy efforts on behalf of Ottawa’s arts and culture sectors. He is a vocal proponent of cycling in Ottawa.

Jeff studied at the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College, obtaining degrees in history and English, and a diploma in print journalism. He has worked as a trade journalist and analyst in the information and communications technology industry. He also served as a manager and executive at Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications regulator. Jeff lives with his partner Natalie in Hintonburg.