Cheers to Making a Difference!

OTTAWA, May 20 /CNW Telbec/ - This evening more than 200 people enjoyed scrumptious gourmet meals and fine wines all in the name of 'higher education.' In its 15th year, the Champions For Children event called Salut! pairs good food and wine tasting with fundraising for bursaries that will allow youth in care of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa to attend Algonquin College.

Held in the College's Restaurant International, the event highlights the Foundation's Dare to Dream Bursary program which has helped over 500 youth and bestowed more than 1.2 Million dollars toward their education.

"This opportunity has allowed me to keep moving forward. There has been this weight on my shoulders over the years that have included the financial difficulties that come hand in hand with post-secondary education and being a crown ward aging out of the system," said one bursary recipient during the evening. "I am now truly able to seize the opportunity to achieve my dreams and for this I am so grateful," she continued.

The evening included gourmet food prepared by students enrolled in Algonquin's Hospitality and Tourism program, fine Canadian wines served by students of the Sommelier program, and a wine tasting hosted by Vic Harradine, Director of Partnerships and Outreach for Algonquin's Sommelier Certificate Program.

For more information on the event and the Dare to Dream Bursary Program visit Championsforchildrenfoundation.ca.

For further information: France Clost, Communications Officer, The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa, [phone] ext. 2033, [phone]