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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

OTIS GRANT: Joining forces to make a difference

posted by Kevin Mio at 13h17

It started off as an evening that would showcase the latest works of one of the country’s most prominent sport portrait and landscape artist.
The unveiling of Tony Harris’s most recent paintings quickly turned into a dinner that would see two prominent Montreal personalities honoured in the name of charity. The proceeds from the evening will go towards supporting two Montreal charities doing great community work on the West Island and helping families in need around the island on Montreal.
The paintings were commissioned by businessman Doug Bellevue because of his love and admiration for the work of the artist.
Sales of the portrait of legendary musician Oliver Jones and those of former world boxing champion Otis Grant will benefit the West Island Palliative Care Residence and the Otis Grant & Friends Foundation, respectively, as well as the Grant Brothers amateur boxing program.
When questioned about the evening, the thing Bellevue really admired about the way it all came together is the variety of people that got involved to make this event happen.
Bellevue said: “You have a piano player, a boxer, a businessman, two community organizations, sponsors and an artist willing to give up his print rights in order to support both charities. That was truly impressive.”
The assortment of people from all walks of life that jumped on board with this project was quite inspiring. However, if you look a little closer, you will see it is not a surprise these people got involved in this community initiative.
Take the artist, for example. Tony Harris of Gallery Chase Creations is the artist that painted the portrait of Roger Neilson, one of the great NHL hockey coaches of our time, in aide of Roger’s House, a palliative-care residence in Ottawa and supported by the Ottawa Senators foundation.
Harris says he enjoys helping palliative-care residences and charities that help children, especially since having children of his own really opened his eyes. “It’s the sort of thing that makes you want to jump in with both feet,” Harris said.
Jones, Grant, Bellevue and others have already been involved with charitable work and all played a significant role in the Diamond and Ice Gala, which was a major fundraiser for the West Island Palliative Care Residence earlier in the year.
Speaking with Teresa Dellar from the West Island Palliative Care Residence as to why they got involve, she states: “It’s great when we can partner up to help people in the community because we share common goals.”
Dellar also let it be known that “honouring two great people who have given so much to the community is a way for the community to say thanks for all the work they have done and, at the same time, raising funds for two great causes close to their hearts is a wonderful thing.”
I’ve always known and continue to be a true believer in the statement: “Together, we do make a difference in our community.”
Come join us at 40Westt Steakhouse on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 5:00 p.m. for cocktails, fine dining, and performances by Dawn Tyler Watson and Oliver Jones. Tickets for the dinner and drawing of six limited edition prints are $115.00 and are available by calling Andrea Gordon at 514-693-1718.