Last Wednesday’s Maison Libère‑Elles charity dinner felt like the kind of night that reminds you why small community events can have such a big impact. Held once again at Les Fougères in Chelsea, Quebec, the evening brought together longtime supporters, new faces, and a spirit of generosity that pushed this year’s total to over $38,000. With that, the event’s 24‑year fundraising tally now sits just shy of half a million dollars—an extraordinary achievement for a dinner that began as a modest gathering of friends determined to help women rebuild their lives after violence.
One of the most heartfelt moments came when dinner founder Rob Orange stood to thank Charlie Part and Jennifer Warren‑Part, the gracious husband‑and‑wife team behind Les Fougères. The couple opened the restaurant in 1993 and have supported the dinner every single year since its inception. Their commitment has become part of the event’s identity—a blend of hospitality, artistry, and quiet generosity that has helped sustain Maison Libère‑Elles for nearly a quarter century.
Les Fougères itself is a special place. Known for its thoughtful, ingredient‑driven cooking and its deep connection to the Gatineau Hills, the restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the region’s most soulful culinary destinations. Charlie and Jennifer’s philosophy—food rooted in nature, prepared with care, and shared with community—was felt in every course that arrived at the tables.
The evening opened with a lively reception and silent auction featuring many contributions from local businesses that made the evening a huge success. The Fairmont Château Laurier, Marriott Ottawa, and Andaz Ottawa all contributed hotel stays that sparked friendly bidding wars. Mattress companies Silk & Snow and Endy donated full mattresses—all of which sold almost instantly, adding a major boost to the fundraising total. And in a tradition that regulars look forward to, Camp Fortune once again offered season ski passes that disappeared as quickly as they were announced.
Much of the night’s smooth flow was thanks to Marley Orange, whose organizational instincts and personal touch kept the event warm, welcoming, and beautifully paced.
After dinner, the room shifted from elegant to electric when The Barrow Gang, one of Ottawa’s favourite roots‑rockabilly and folk groups, launched into an acoustic set that had guests dancing between the tables. The band not only donated their performance but also contributed more than $1,000 of their own. They set out a guitar case and a hat, inviting guests to toss in a few extra dollars—and the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
By the end of the night, the room felt lighter, brighter, and deeply connected — the kind of atmosphere that only happens when good food, good music, and good intentions meet in the same place.
For Maison Libère‑Elles, the funds raised will translate directly into support for women seeking safety, independence, and a fresh start. For the community, it was a reminder of what can happen when people come together with purpose.
And for Les Fougères — the restaurant that has quietly anchored this dinner for 24 years by donating the entire meal so that every dollar raised goes directly to Maison Libère‑Elles — the night marked another chapter in a long tradition of generosity, hospitality, and the belief that food can bring people together in ways that genuinely matter.
Photos: Courtesy Beryl Menezes and La Maison Libère-Elles
