Harvest: A Feast of Fall, one of Ottawa’s premier culinary fundraising events, returns for its fifth year with an unforgettable evening celebrating the flavours of the season — all in support of Youturn Youth Support Services.
This year’s event, taking place Wednesday, September 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., carries even deeper meaning.
Ottawa’s efforts to support vulnerable youth come at a pivotal moment. In 2025, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe committed to ending youth homelessness in Ottawa by 2030, a pledge now embedded in the City’s 10‑Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The urgency is clear: nearly half of adults experiencing chronic homelessness were first homeless before age 16. Organizations like Youturn Youth Support Services play a critical role in changing that trajectory.
Harvest offers a fantastic night out for a vital cause. Guests will mingle throughout the beautiful third‑floor event space and balconies of the Ottawa Art Gallery while enjoying an exceptional tasting experience featuring inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients from area farmers and producers — a true celebration of the fall harvest.
Beverage offerings from local producers Casa-Dea Winery, Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, Ananda Elixirs, Bar Ocelli, Ember, and Stream Water will complement the chef‑prepared bites.
The chef lineup is stacked with some of the region’s most celebrated culinary talent:
Jason Laurin – Essence Catering • Ben Baird – Pelican Seafood Market & Grill • Gina Chhatwal – Masalad Trail • Justin Champagne-Lagarde – Perch • Josh Gillard & Laurie Viau Gillard – Amuse Kitchen & Ashlar Event Space • Michael Radford – Whalesbone Group • Warren Sutherland – By Blossom Catering • Alex Bimm – Le Poisson Bleu • James Gallant – Gather (Perth) • Heist Manotick • Angelina Manotick • Joe Thottungal – Coconut Lagoon • Nakul Gulati – Ek Bar • Cameron McGihon – Bar Lupulus • Resa Solomon-St. Lewis – Baccanalle • Tu Le – Parlour • Raghav Chaudhary – Aiana
Why Harvest Matters
“Harvest is more than an incredible culinary experience; it is a powerful demonstration of what our community can accomplish when people come together in support of young people,” says Marisa Moher, Executive Director of Youturn Youth Support Services.
Youturn is not a shelter providing beds — its scope reaches far beyond. The organization delivers homelessness‑prevention and stabilization services, including 24‑hour on‑call support to at‑risk youth across Eastern Ontario, particularly those involved in the justice system, child welfare, street‑level violence, or human trafficking. Their work includes counselling, education, clinical treatment, and practical support for youth and their families.
Recent program data shows that 73% of Youturn clients decreased their risk for criminal involvement, and 91% left the program at a reduced risk of reoffending — measurable proof that early intervention works.
Harvest directly supports this mission, helping Youturn continue providing the individualized, round‑the‑clock services that empower youth to build stability, resilience, and brighter futures.
Tickets & Support
Tickets are $125 and include unlimited food and beverage tastings throughout the evening. They are available at harvestottawa.ca.
