Hang in there Spring is just around the corner and to get you through the end of Winter, here's few entertainment ideas to check out:

Ottawa Fashion Week
February 13 - 19th
www.ottawafashionweek.ca

Tower of Wishes: an Evening in Paris, Thursday, March 1st 2012, 6:30pm Sala San Marco. The Event Management class of Algonquin College, in conjunction with the Children’s Wish Foundation is pleased to present a Gala fundraising dinner entitled Tower of Wishes…an evening in Paris. On March 1st 2012, the ballroom at Sala San Marco will be magically transformed into a nighttime scene from the streets of Paris. Views of the Eiffel Tower and city streets will be enhanced by classical melodies, all setting the mood for the elegance of a French-inspired dining experience. The evening will conclude with a silent auction featuring dozens of wonderful items donated by local businesses. It will be an evening to remember as we stimulate your senses, stir your emotions and satisfy your appetite all in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation.
For tickets contact: towerofwishes@gmail.com

“You Wish” A night of classic Burlesque theatre Saturday, March 3, 2012, 6:30pm-11:00pm, My Condo Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen On the evening of May 3, 2012 at My Condo, there will be an evening of sass and sultry class MC'd by DJ Race from HOT 89.9FM. Entertainment includes a fashion showcase, local musical performances, and the headlining classic burlesque troupe, CAPITAL TEASE. Special treats to tickle all of your senses will surround you. Come indulge in everything! From our Burlesquify-Me booth, to posing for our photographers, to games of Surposie, to bachelor auctions, to a silent auction full of goodies, and so many more surprises! ALL proceeds will go to The Children's Wish Foundation, so come out and have fun supporting a GREAT cause. Tassle and tease, darlings!
www.youwishburlesque.com

Queens of Pop, March 4th 2012. Pre-show makeovers start at 7, doors open at 8 and the Airband Competition starts at 9. Location: My Condo (34 Clarence St, Ottawa). "Queens of Pop" is a night to unleash your inner diva! Guests can enjoy professional makeovers, silent auction, Wii Dance Challenge, karaoke, and the highlight of the night: The Queens of Pop Ultimate Airband Competition. Airband Teams will raise funds for the Children's Wish Foundation and 100% of the proceeds from this night go to this wonderful organization. If you are interested in entering a team into this competition, come out on Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 pm at Soma Health and Fitness for open auditions (see website for more information). From Madonna to Lady Gaga, from Britney to Beyonce, from Spice Girls to the Pussycat Dolls– the female inspiration is endless. If you love to sing, dance or perform, this is your opportunity to showcase whatever talents you have and enjoy the show!
For tickets contact: queensofpop@gmail.com

A Night in New York Sunday, March 4th, The Centurion Center. A Night in New York” is a charity fundraising gala presented by Algonquin College Event Management students in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation. This black-tie event will take place amidst the glamorous, glitzy and classy setting of New York City on Sunday, March 4th, 2012 at the newly renovated Centurion Conference and Events Center in Ottawa. Strut out on the red carpet as paparazzi snapshots memories of a night you’ll never forget. The guests will be entertained by local musicians, dancers, artists and much more. Hosted by Ottawa’s own Cosmo Grant from Chez 106, the gala will showcase wonderful silent auction items, raffles and prizes. Join us from 5:00pm-11:00pm for an evening of great food, music and dancing. “The city that never sleeps” is up waiting for you!
www.nightinnewyork.ca

Wild, Wild Wish Thursday, March 8, 2011 at 7:30pm. @ The Crazyhorse Stonegrill, Saloon & Steakhouse. Wild Wild Wish is an exciting country themed fundraising event to be held at the Crazyhorse Stonegrill, Saloon & Steakhouse in Kanata on March 8th 2012. Live performance by local country band “Cherry Suede” will be sure to get people “boot scootin“ on the dance floor. Hosted by DJ Noah and his ground crew from radio station Live 88.5, we’ve got everything from Ottawa’s Biggest Bragging Belt Buckle competition to cactus cramming programming such as silent auction, loonie toss and caricaturist that will rattle your spurs and knock your hats clean off. All proceeds will go to The Children’s Wish Foundation. Come out and enjoy the night with us!
For tickets contact: crow0041@algonquinlive.com

Making Wishes Fly Friday, March 9th, 2012, Making Making Wishes Fly is a Pan Am themed event aimed at capturing the glamour of air travel in the 1960s. Taking place at My Condo in the Byward Market on Friday, March 9th, 2012 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm, guests will be immediately transported back in time. Upon arrival, attendees will have their boarding passes checked by a stewardess at the entrance who will then direct them inside to the coat check. Once settled inside, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a “passport” and travel throughout the venue playing various carnival games assigned to specific countries (Cuba, the U.K. and Russia, just to name a few) in order to get their passport stamped. Toward the end of the event all of the passports will be collected and entered into our raffle for a chance to win fabulous prizes! Sixties music will also be played by a live band throughout the evening for guests who prefer to dance or simply take in the atmosphere while bidding at our silent auction.
For tickets contact: makingwishesfly@gmail.com

Dance for a Wish Friday, March 9th 6 pm, Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, Algonquin College's event management students are hosting an exclusive urban hip-hop showcase where Ottawa's best dance crews will take the stage and guarantee you a jaw-dropping experience. Hosted by KISS FM's Jenny From The Block with support from Beatboxer AAA, expect nothing less than an evening of entertainment that you won't forget. As a non-profit event, all proceeds will go to the Children's Wish Foundation.
www.dance4awish.com

Diva for a Night Friday, March 9, The Centurion Centre. Diva for a Night is a sassy take on a classic female tradition. This “Ladies Night” benefit for the Children’s Wish foundation will feature luxurious spa activities, fabulous entertainment and exciting activities. The primping and polishing will prepare guests for the bachelor auction, where they can bid for a partner to help them dance their cares away! A cash bar, delicious treats and a spectacular silent auction will help Divas of all backgrounds unwind and catch up with their best gals, and leave them feeling sassy and spoiled.
www.divaforanight.webStarts.com

Wish Me Back to the Movies Sunday, March 11, Mayfair Theatre Orleans. Algonquin College Event Management program in partnership with the Children's Wish Foundation and the Mayfair Theatre Orleans are bringing you back to the future! We are reviving Steven Spielberg’s “Back to the Future” on the big screen in 35 mm. So synchronize your watches to Sunday, March 11th 2012 at 1pm EST and get ready for a journey in the DeLorean: we are sending you to 1955! Here you can expect Flux Capacitor cupcakes, Doc Brown’s concoctions, Marty McFly’s milkshakes, and Prom night pictures. Blast on over to our silent auction, dress up in 80’s garments, and be sure to give Biff your lunch money because... proceeds go to the Children’s Wish Foundation. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
www.facebook.com/events/325378294161045/

The Speakeasy: An Evening in the Roaring 20s Thursday, March 15th, Velvet Room. The Speakeasy will transport you back to Roaring 20’s, offering a glimpse of the forbidden allure and glamorous, seductive style of a forgone era. The venue’s atmosphere will present an unassuming facade and an indulgent interior using a strategic mélange of decor and programming. Rumour has it that the programming will include a jazz band, some dancers, some card games, a chance to spend all your winnings at a silent auction, a walking buffet of canapés and sinful desserts fit for the Ritz, and of course plenty of Fabulous Flappers and Dapper Dan’s. But speak easy won’t you, we wouldn’t want the coppers to raid....
www.thespeakeasywishevent.ca

One Night in Vegas Friday, March 16, Sala San Marco. We are bringing the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas to Ottawa with One Night in Vegas; all proceeds will go to the Children's Wish Foundation. Indulge in your wildest fantasies of visiting Vegas by experiencing a glitzy Showgirls act and Ottawa’s own Jonny Vegas and an exquisite gourmet three-course meal. Fun extras include an interactive photobooth and a lively DJ. To make it an even more memorable evening, guests will have the opportunity to donate to the cause through a silent auction, a raffle, and a Wish Wheel.
www.onenightinvegas2012.com

The Great Canadian Faceoff Friday, March 23, 2012 Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar. Come join us for a thrilling night of hockey and entertainment put on by students of the Algonquin College Event Management program to benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation. Enjoy an action packed game between the Ottawa Senators and their rivals the Montreal Canadiens. Come dressed in your hockey best and enjoy a silent auction, raffle, trivia hosted by Liam Maguire and other fantastic games. Get pumped up for the playoffs, show your hockey pride and win some incredible prizes!
www.facebook.com/thegreatcanadianfaceoff

A Gleeful Wish Monday March 26, A.Y, Jackson Secondary School. Are you a fan of the hit television show Glee? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? If so we have the perfect event for you. Join us for a night full of Glee-themed fun. Ottawa high school glee clubs will compete to be Ottawa’s favourite Glee Club. There will be slushies, treats, games and photo ops to fill your night with fun! We invite you to open yourself up to joy and join us at A Gleeful Wish where 100% of the proceeds raised will go to The Children’s Wish Foundation!
www.agleefulwish.webs.com

"I Wish I Had a Clue" Thursday March 29th, Restaurant International, Algonquin College. On Thursday, March 29th, come figure out whodunnit, while we sweep you away into a night of mystery and intrigue. We will stimulate your senses with a gourmet, 4 course meal, in an exciting and thrilling environment. Get a reading from our Tarot Card reader and visit our Silent Auction table all while you and your friends play detective for the evening to deduce who poisoned whom. You could go home with prizes and auction items but will definitely leave with a sense of goodwill, knowing you've helped the Children's Wish Foundation grant a child a wish, all while having fun!
www.iwishihadaclue.com

Alice in WISH-Land Benefit Dinner Thursday, March 29, 2012 Doors open at 6:30 pm/Dinner at 7:30 pm, Centurion Center. Tumble down the rabbit hole into an evening of dinner, dancing and giving back. Rekindle the wonder on March 29th, 2012 at the beautiful Centurion Center. Dance to the Dueling Pianos, win a gourmet, sculpted cake at our raffle, taste some delicious tea from DAVID's TEA or take home one of our amazing silent auction prizes. No costumes needed but dress to impress with fun formal wear and creative cocktail dresses. Don’t be late for this very important date.
www.aliceinwishland.com

The Juno Awards
April 1
www.junoawards.ca

Reliving Old Hollywood
April 14
www.relivingoldhollywood.com

We hope you enjoy these special events brought to you by FA NIENTE!

WHAT?

The November 15 event will feature World Renowned Master of Wine Tim Hanni. Robert Mondavi says:
“What Tim Hanni is proposing … represents a quantum leap forward for expanding the enjoyment of wine and food. (His) message is easy to grasp, empowering and useful to anyone who is the least bit curious about wine.”
-Robert Mondavi

This Rollicking, Myth-busting Wine & Food Tasting and presentation will help you understand Why You Like What You Like. Discover the source of your PERSONAL passions and preferences! Based on years of high-level research and distilled down into a simple set of principles, you will learn how to consistently find the wines YOU will love the most and how to get the most pleasure from wine on YOUR terms.

The evening will include a walkabout Wine and Food tasting and master class lead by Tim Hanni. The tasting will feature 4 wines, gourmet food elements from Restaurant International, and Tim’s world renowned presentation and research.

WHEN?
Tuesday November 15, 2011 from 18:30 to 21:00.

WHERE?
Algonquin College, Woodroffe Campus
H-100 Hospitality Building
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa

Another Exciting Fa Niente Perk!

Enjoy the Ottawa Senators at Fa Niente Rates!

In case the embedded link above for the Sens tickets does not work, here it is again: http://ev9.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/EVExecMacro?linkID=ottawa&evm=prmo&RSRC=&RDAT=&caller=PR .

Be sure to enter our code: SENGRPRGN to take advantage of this Fa Niente Perk!

The Wedding Planner starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey has a great scene where they are watching an outdoor movie in Central Park. It's a classic. Now you can enjoy the same thing on the beach in Ottawa. Bob FM and Dairy Queen have partnered to produce the event. It's an annual series, so if you can't make this Friday's screening of Plane's Trains and Automobiles, mark your calendar for next summer's Movies on the Beach series.

This Friday's movie starts at dusk at Mooney's Bay, visit http://www.939bobfm.com for more info.

Hosted by the Ambassador of Italy, His Excellency Andrea Meloni & Mrs. Meloni, Opera Lyra Ottawa's annual Garden Party offers an evening of grand opera arias, superb food and wine, and a stunning fashion show, all in the elegant gardens of the Ambassador's private residence.

Featuring the vocal talents of:

• Jonathan Estabrooks, baritone
• Inga Williams, soprano
• Armine Kassabian, mezzo-soprano, &
• Graham Thomson, tenor

A perfect event for a warm summer evening!
June 22, 2011
6:00 p.m.
Italian Ambassador's Residence
1475 ch. d'Aylmer Road,
Gatineau, Québec

Call 613-233-9200 ext. 221 for more information and to reserve your tickets
or visit: http://www.operalyra.ca/events/garden-party.php

Tickets are $75, including a $30 tax receipt.

Space is limited to 300 guests -
so purchase your tickets today to ensure you don't miss out!


Fashion show and models provided by:

Here's another great Perk brought to you by Fa Niente!

Grande Première Fashion Show by the Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion!

Fa Niente has snagged a limited number of exclusive tickets for the Grande Première 2011 Show by the Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion. With priority seating, these tickets guarantee you a great view of the runway and you will be sitting right behind the stars! The fashion show is on June 11, 2011 at the Hilton Lac Leamy at 7:30 pm.

These exclusive tickets are only $40, to reserve yours please e-mail or call Ruth at 613-228-0064.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS PERK BROUGHT TO YOU BY FA NIENTE, OTTAWA’S ONLY LUXURY SOCIAL CLUB

EVER WANTED TO BE ON A TALK SHOW? HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!

Now you can be the star you have always wanted to be as we create our very own talk show! The evening will start with cocktails and a personal tour of the professional recording studio whose team has worked with famous people like Beyonce’s husband, Jay-Z, as well as Gene Simmons and Kiss, The Junk Brothers, Kanye West and Fergie.

After the tour you will join a small and exclusive group as the professional director, producer and sound engineer guide us through the production and recording of a real live talk show. You can take part in a number of fun roles like:

EVERYONE GETS TO BE ON CAMERA, EVEN IF YOU PLAY A TECHNICAL ROLE!Don’t worry about knowing anything at all about how to put together a talk show, the team at Liverpool Court Studios will coach us through everything! Just come and be ready to laugh!

This is an exclusive Fa Niente event that will sell out quickly, buy your tickets today! You will even get a copy of the production that you can use to amuse friends and family!

WHERE?
This event will be held at Liverpool Court Studios, Ottawa’s most famous recording studio. Liverpool Court Studios is located at: 1 - 1570 Liverpool Court, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4L2.

WHEN?
Saturday, May 28, 2011, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

WHO?
This event is for anyone interested in enjoying a new experience and Fa Niente Members. Tickets are limited and will go very quickly. Buy your ticket today at www.EventTickets.Faniente.ca .

WHAT TO WEAR
What to wear will depend on the role you get. We will give you some ideas after you purchase your ticket and the roles have been handed out.

HOW MUCH?

$90.00 for non-members and $75.00 for Fa Niente Members. Your ticket includes cocktails, snacks, a personal tour of Liverpool Court Studios, and a whole night of laughter and fun as we produce our very own LIVE TV TALK SHOW! You will even get a personal copy of the production to amuse your friends and family.

1. Where do you live: Ottawa, Ontario

2. Your name: Christine Leblanc

3. Occupation: Freelance Photographer.

4. Back Story: I have been experimenting with photography since the age of 12, when my father gave me my first 35mm camera. He taught me all I know, as well as being self-taught through trial and error, books and suggestions from other photographers. One day years ago, I received a Nikon F55D as a Christmas gift and I haven't stopped since. Granted, though I started really young, I had actually put my creative hat away for many years. Suddenly, I found my "niche" and the rest, as they say, is history. That "niche" is photographing nature. Mostly, odd angles and close-ups of flowers and plants. I have expanded my photography interests in recent years to fashion, decor, models, and most recently, I have a couple of my own creations in the works that are far different from what I usually create.

5. What’s your connection to Fa Niente: Well, I was working as a writer/event photographer for a local Ottawa newspaper and the Fa Niente "Masquerade" event was the assignment I covered. Mary and Clinton were so pleased with how I conducted myself and the results of the evening, they offered me a position as Fa Niente's Event Photographer. I was stunned, happy and couldn't wait for the next event. I accepted of course and that was that. We have worked together since on several Fa Niente events and I have loved every one of them. They are fun, different and if you want to be pampered, their events are worth attending!

6. In 10 years from now you will be: Ten years from now is too far away to think about. The old cliche of living for the moment is true for me. Granted, I am not so good at it sometimes.

7. Favourite cultural or social activity: I don't have one. There are so many things I enjoy doing with friends, family and on my own, it's hard to narrow it down. I will say, living my life outside is what really makes me happy and anything to do with my son.

8. Favourite restaurant: I don't really have one. I don't eat out too often. I cook at home. It just makes sense to me.

9. Your go-to Web site is: Facebook and my email.

10. What’s on your nightstand: A picture of my son Jesse, a lamp and one of my favorite books. "Love Letters of Great Men".

11. Next trip you’re planning and why: It's to Rome in about two years' time. I intend to try and live a dream. Travelling the world on a budget and writing and photographing my experiences along the way. Rome is my first stop.

12. Sand or snow, coffee or tea, sweet or savory? I definitely prefer sand. If I could, I would live without shoes. I suppose it's about feeling "grounded". I need that jolt of coffee in the morning. Sweet is definitely better than savory.

13. Five things you can’t live without: My son Jesse to comfort my heart. My camera to capture "life" as I know it. Music to soothe my soul. A pen & paper to "xpress" my thoughts and love in all its glory.

14. What were you doing last night at 8pm: I was watching TV. A show called "American Pickers"...I really enjoy it. It reminds me of an activity my dad and I do sometimes.

15. Who was the last person you called/texted and what for: I texted my son, though I got no response. Arrgh! The last person I called was my dad.

16. The last person we interviewed,our intern Jennifer Saunders, asked: “If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?” The lead role as me would be Julia Roberts. I think “what you see is what you get" with her as an actress and that's who I am.

17. We would like you to come up with a question for the next person we interview. My question is if you could experience one wild, adrenaline pumping activity/job for a day what would it be?

Join Save the Children Canada’s Ottawa Volunteer Branch for a three-course meal with Sommelier, Historian, Writer and Journalist, Rod Phillips. Taking place at the acclaimed Ottawa restaurant Canvas Resto-Bar, spend the evening enjoying the best in food, drinks, friends, and ambiance. Cocktails will be served at 5:30pm, and dinner at 6:30pm. For additional information click here.

Tickets: Only $115 per plate for everyone in Fa Niente

For tickets and additional information contact Pamela Ferenbach by telephone at 613-513-8046.

Ottawa Fashion Week 2011 Springs into Style!

From March 18th - 20th, 2011 Ottawa will thrill to the stomp of stilettos as hairdressers, make-up artists, stylists, models, and the fashion community come together at the magnificent National Gallery of Canada for three days of much sought-after runway shows! It's the fifth and biggest edition of Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW), with more than 25 great designers from across Canada and abroad introducing their Fall/Winter 2011 collections to media, industry professionals, potential buyers and the general public.

Attendees will get a sneak peek at some of the hottest Fall/Winter 2011 trends to come, see gazelle-like models strutting down the catwalk, and will have the chance to mingle with Ottawa's fashion-loving community!!

And if that isn’t enough, to make it even more enticing we've managed to secure 20 All Access “VIP” passes at the discounted rate of $60/ticket! As a VIP guest, your ticket will include an invitation to OFW’s exclusive Media Launch Party on Thursday, March 17th, priority seating at all of the shows March 18th – 20th and a gift bag filled with goodies!

How do you get one of these exclusive Fa Niente VIP passes? Send an e-mail ASAP to mary@faniente.ca indicating the number of passes you’d like to buy. These passes are limited and will go fast. The deadline to let Mary know is Sunday March 13th! E-mail her quickly!

Hope to see many of you there!

For more information about Ottawa Fashion Week, check the Web site: www.OttawaFashionWeek.ca.