Several hundred people came out to the Shenkman Arts Centre on May 9 to celebrate mothers, the community and beautiful music performed by a group of gifted young singers at the Glow of Love Mother’s Day concert in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
The event was organized by the Labelle family, most notably Julianna Labelle, who is just 10 years old.
When Julianna, who is a gifted singer and has performed for years around Orléans and Ottawa, wanted to organize a fundraising event for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, a concert seemed the most obvious choice. So the family booked the Shenkman Arts Centre and Julianna invited seven of her friends to perform with her.
The result was a magical evening that actually began earlier that day with a vendors’ market in the Shenkman Arts Centre foyer where people could purchase items made by local suppliers and have their picture taken with the CHEO Bear.
Each singer performed on stage in the middle of over 1,000 candles formed into a large heart. Every performance reminded the audience why the event meant so much in “bringing families, community, and love together under one glow”.
The most popular attraction of the event, besides the concert itself, was “The Wall of Love” photo booth, where people could write messages, share memories, post photos or take pictures of themselves in front of a large heart.
Besides Julianna, the other performers included Romy Mounzer, Liana Molinaro, Jhune Ernesto, Sharlee, Chelsea Palmer, Stefan Keyes and Caroline Coderre all performing with the theme of “Making memories. Spreading love. Supporting CHEO” through the power of live music.
Other than ticket sales, the event also benefited from the support of sponsors like the Donnelly Automotive Group, McDonalds Orléans, and TFI Food Equipment Solutions as well as dozens of other companies and businesses which provided items for a giant gift basket.
By the time all of the proceeds have been counted the event will have raised over $1,500 for CHEO.
Glow of Love will be back next year even better so make sure to follow them on Facebook (A Glow of Love) and get your tickets early.
ORLEANS FARMERS’ MARKET with over 50 local vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road.
KARAOKE NIGHT from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.. Come as you are, sing what you love, and have a blast. Take your talent out of the shower or car, and bring it to our stage. Every voice belongs here. Judgement free.
GREATER ORLEANS GARAGE SALE from 8 a.m. across all Orléans. Download interactive map showing participating locations at 
GIVEAWAY WEEKEND – Treasure hunters, get ready! Giveaway Weekend is back in Ottawa. Place your gently used, unwanted items at the curb and let someone else give them a second life. Then, explore what your neighbours have put out because their trash may be your treasure!
