19th Annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser Raises $140,000 For GCTC And Charity Partner Tungasuvvingat Inuit

With one preview and three gala performances under their belts, the cast of the 19th Annual GCTC/CCLA Lawyer Play have cause to celebrate. With combined gross revenue from sponsorships and ticket sales, this year's Lawyer Play - The Rule of Three by Agatha Christie - exceeded all of its fundraising targets, raising $140,000 in funds to support GCTC and this year's charity partner, Tungasuvvingat Inuit.

The cast of 23 legal professionals proved to be adept at delving into themes of murder, theft, and deception, to the delight of everyone in attendance. With delicious catering provided by Thyme & Again, Coconut Lagoon, and Meat Press; drink samples by Kichessipi Brewing Co., North of 7, Andrew Peller Ltd., Kinsip House of Fine Spirits, and Top Shelf Distillery, audiences were treated to three unforgettable gala evenings.

"This year's Lawyer Play was a huge success," says Hugh Neilson, GCTC's Managing Director. "We are so grateful for how committed the volunteers were. Every year this event, in part, raises money for GCTC so that we are able to continue developing local artists, providing the best quality theatre for our audiences, and ensuring we can continue to provide the impactful, homegrown, professional theatre Ottawa deserves and that we are known for."

Lending their notable names to the fundraiser were some heavy-hitters in the Ottawa community that appeared on stage in small cameo roles. MP's such as Hunter Tootoo and Mona Fortier, legal community pillars such as Madam Justice Heather Williams, Jacques Emond & Lynn Harnden of Emond Harnden, and CBC personality Rita Celli all made a big splash during the run.

As the 2018 charity partner, "Tungasuvvingat Inuit greatly appreciates the support from the CCLA, the GCTC and all the valued sponsors who contributed to the success of the Lawyer Play," says Executive Director Jason Leblanc. "The generous proceeds from the event will support Justice work including our restorative justice committee and gladue report writing. One of many under resourced areas of need is access to interpreting services for justice clients. This will be one of the areas in which these funds can make direct and real change in peoples lives. We look forward to working with the new partners and supporters we have found through this event."

About GCTC

GCTC celebrates its 44th season in 2018-19. Its mission is to foster, produce and promote excellent theatre that provokes examination of Canadian life and our place in the world. GCTC is committed to the production of new Canadian work and artist development. We continue to commission and workshop new plays by emerging and established playwrights. We mentor emerging companies and artists through residencies and in-kind support.

About CCLA

As a not-for-profit association, the CCLA is Ottawa and Eastern Ontario's leading association for the professional legal community and the second largest law association in the Province. Their mission is to promote justice and advance the interests of their members. To achieve this objective, among other things, they provide quality, affordable continuing professional development programs, guidance and leadership in the challenges facing the profession, and access to quality legal research and library services.