The 25th anniversary of the capital’s curated Taste in the Glebe took place Wednesday night, raising $45,000 to support community needs and programing. Over 40 Ottawa and area restaurants, brewers and distillers showcased a variety of flavours and taste sensations to 400 guests at the Glebe Community Centre. “I love coming here because there are so many of my customers come here. It’s kind of fun to introduce them to something they might not see in the shop,” said butcher and owner of Glebe Meat Market, Stephane Sauve, who’s been returning for the event for two decades. The networking event is an opportunity for residents and restaurants in the community to come together and donate for a good cause, said Sarah Routliffe, executive director at Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group. “It’s kind of fun to introduce them to something they might not see in the shop,” said Sauve. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe honoured former mayor Jim Watson during the event, noting his efforts in starting the fundraiser 25 years ago. “When we see community leaders coming together and organizing events like this and buying tickets, it’s really wonderful and shows what a kind and caring community Ottawa is,” Sutcliffe said. Resident Debbie Bellinger who raised a family in the Glebe, which she calls the best community in the capital, says the sold-out event was all about helping others. “We are not focused on ourselves. We are focused on each other very much. I’ve seen the outreach. I’ve seen people donating to new families (and) new Canadians,” Bellinger said. “It produces a good result for the association. (It) lets them do more in a time when we can’t do enough.” David Graff, another resident, says getting to come together for a good cause is “heartwarming,’ citing the cold temperatures and snowy conditions. This year, the funding will go towards refurbishing the community centre’s youth facilities. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Shaun Vardon
