Imagine yourself a winner

Tickets to The Kindness of Strangers on Wednesday, May 30 are almost sold out — have you got yours yet? In addition to hearing an exciting lineup of speakers giving short, inspiring talks, the evening includes a silent auction featuring high-quality items donated by generous sponsors.

From extraordinary culinary experiences in the best restaurants in town to chalk painting workshops, from personal training sessions to time with a professional public speaking coach, we have a variety of items for you.

And remember  — both The Kindness of Strangers and the silent auction will support Refugee 613’s Podcasting Project for Financial Literacy.

Here’s the list of what’s available for bidding.

Dining at Fairouz                                                                       

Chef Walid El-Tawel and the talented team of Fairouz, one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants, will take you on a modern culinary journey through the Middle East in the chic atmosphere of Fairouz’s heritage building in Centertown. You and three guests of your choice will indulge in a multi-course sharing-style feast with full wine pairings, featuring fine local ingredients and the traditional herbs and spices of the Middle East. The only question is, who will you invite to join you? Value: $600

Chalk Paint workshop and paint pots by Malenka Originals               

Located in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighbourhood, Malenka Originals is a place to learn, share, and get inspired about upcycling furniture. Exclusive stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and other quality products for refinishing, Malenka offers regular workshops on Chalk Paint techniques and other topics designed to help you transform outdated furniture into contemporary, beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Value: $275

Two portrait sessions by Jérôme Photographer                                         

Create lasting memories with this 1-hour studio session with Jérôme Photographer, a specialist in black and white portraiture. You can choose to have a family portrait or a child portrait session and go home with an 8x8 black and white archival print of the day. You may also order additional prints at Jerome’s regular rates. Value:  $300

90-minute TED Talk Discovery coaching call by Real Impact Speaking  

Have you ever wanted to be the one on center stage – delivering your “idea worth spreading”? Imagine what a 90-minute TED Talk Discovery coaching call could do to get your TED dreams off the ground! Teri Kingston will walk you through a step-by-step discovery process to find your 1 big idea. Teri is a certified World Class Speaking Coach and TEDx Speaker coach and has worked with the Refugee 613 Speakers Bureau Program, training novice speakers to have the confidence to stand and deliver. Value: $297

Private mindfulness session by INNERSPACE MINDFULNESS          

INNERSPACE brings mass meditations to modern people and is made possible through collaborations with the community. Scheherzade Van Aarle also does private coaching sessions to help individuals uncover the connection between mindfulness and compassion – for self and for others and begin to make mindfulness a practice in their daily lives. Value $200

Dining at Beckta, Play and Gezellig           

Ottawa restaurateur Stephen Beckta and his team create outstanding dining experiences with warmth and style. They have donated three $50 gift certificates, one each to Beckta, Play and Gezellig, three of Ottawa’s premier fine dining restaurants. Choose to bid on just one, or bid on all three, it’s up to you! Value: $50 or $150.

Dining at Joey Lansdowne                                                               

Located in Ottawa’s historic Lansdowne Park, Joey Lansdowne offers a casual dining experience with a globally inspired menu, selection of award-winning wines and an array of hand-crafted cocktails. You and your guest are guaranteed to find something to please your palate! Value: $100

A huge thank you to all our silent auction donors!