Join the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), in partnership with Capital Prosperity Foundation, for the 2025 Spark Soirée, presented by TAAG – a night to celebrate ONFE’s 40th anniversary as a registered charity while making a lasting impact on the lives of Ottawa’s children and youth.
This milestone event, hosted by Sam Laprade and Jamie Scott, will celebrate four decades of community support while also raising funds for local children, including ONFE’s School Breakfast Program, which provides over 22,000 meals and snacks every school day to students across Ottawa in all four public school boards.
To mark this year’s special occasion, Canadian producer and television personality, Ben Mulroney, will be joining us as a guest speaker.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening while fueling kids and igniting learning!
Event Details:
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Venue: Infinity Convention Centre
Dress Code: Evening Chic / Formal
Guest Speaker, Ben Mulroney
Ben Mulroney is best known as the former co-host of CTV’s Your Morning and Etalk and host of Canadian Idol, which was the most watched English-language Canadian television show on record for the entirety of its six-season run.
Mulroney got his start as the Quebec City Correspondent for talktv’s The Chatroom before joining CTV’s Canada AM as their entertainment reporter. He then joined Etalk from its inception, where he interviewed thousands of stars and reported from hundreds of red carpets, including the Oscars, the Golden Globes, the Emmys, and the Juno Awards. Mulroney has also appeared as a contributor on the weekend edition of ABC News’ Good Morning America and joined Kelly Ripa as guest co-host twice on the popular daytime talk show, Live! With Kelly.
Today, Mulroney is a regular contributor with 640 Toronto and the host of Toronto This Weekend, where he delves into municipal, provincial, and federal politics, international events, sports, and culture. He also works closely with Aurora Strategy Global, a fast-growing public affairs government, and public relations firm, and is a strategic and communications advisor to several Canadian startups, including Trexity, HOVR, Midori-Bio, and TutorOcean. As an experienced event host, Mulroney works closely with several charitable organizations, including Cystic Fibrosis Canada and SickKids.
2025 Spark Soirée Emcees
Sam Laprade, CFRE
Sam loves to connect people! As an award-winning radio broadcaster and professional fundraiser Sam works closely with the community to give a voice to new ideas, tough topics, and philanthropy. Sam’s extensive experience, for over three decades, in media, fundraising and municipal politics has created an impressive network of community and business leaders.
Over a 34-year period Ms. Laprade has raised money for important charities in her community such as: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the Ottawa Humane Society, and the Ottawa Mission Foundation. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Combining her love of philanthropy and talents as a broadcaster, Sam created and hosts of “An Hour to Give” on Rogers tv Ottawa and Country 101.1. This television and radio show, in its sixth season, highlights non-profit organizations and philanthropy.
Sam was the host of The Sam Laprade Show from July 2021 until October 2023 on CityNews 101.1 Ottawa. This daily radio show was an opportunity to feature the stories that matter to the residents of Ottawa and the Valley. From breaking news to local, national, and global issues, Sam shared information with listeners in her unique style.
Ms. Laprade writes a monthly column for the Ottawa Business Journal entitled “Philanthropy in Ottawa”. Sam is an engaging, inspiring international speaker who takes audiences on a journey during her presentations. From emotional issues to stand-up comedy, she leaves them on their feet cheering.
Jamie Scott
Meet Jamie Scott, a 19-year-old passionate about consulting and business strategy while actively giving back to her community. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Jamie is currently refining her skills at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. She is involved as president of Place à la jeunesse, a JDC academic delegate, and a Telfer Peer mentor. In spring 2025, she will begin a summer internship at EY Ottawa in the People Consulting branch.
Jamie’s journey began at 16 when she joined the Business FOCUS program and co-founded Floraa, a business venture with her peers. This experience ignited her passion and introduced her to Junior Achievement (JA) Ottawa and the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), sparking her involvement in real-world business.
Her dedication has grown through partnerships with local businesses and charities, especially ONFE, where she’s focused on making a positive community impact. Jamie also had the honor of representing Eastern Ontario at the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, gaining invaluable insights. She looks forward to inspiring others while continuing her own journey.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn about Spark Soirée sponsorship opportunities click here or contact Mitch Miller, Director of Advancement at 343-809-3405 or mmiller@onfe-rope.ca.
Thank you to our 2025 Spark Soirée Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
