Inclusion Awards – Everyone Belongs

2016 Inclusion Award Winners

Posted on October 13, 2016October 7, 2016 By Communications Team

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Award of Excellence – Arts and Culture	Alexander Gorski
Award of Excellence – Career and Community	Joey Duong
Award of Excellence – Career and Community	Kieran Corrigan
Outstanding Self-Advocate Award	Kais Mussa
Inclusive Education Award	Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Inclusive Employer Award	Gibson Energy Inc.
Inclusive Community Award	Inside Out Theatre
Volunteer Spirit Award	James Walters
Special Achievement Award	Darrell Howard
Leadership Award	Neemi Kassam
Team Spirit Award	Client Services Coordinators
Agency Spirit Award	Shannon Mills
everyone belongs™ Award	Jessica Boulter

Thank you for the work that you do to make Calgary a more inclusive city!

Awards.

Highlights from the 2016 Inclusion Awards

Posted on October 13, 2016October 13, 2016 By Communications Team

On September 22nd, the DDRC celebrated the 21st annual Inclusion Awards! The event was a huge success with approximately 400 people in attendance. Throughout the evening, we recognized 13 deserving individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to making Calgary a city where everyone belongs™.

The theme for 2016 was “by the sea,” and everyone looked ready to set sail after donning some of the fun costumes at our photo booth. If you had a shot taken at the photo booth, you can e-mail us for information on how to download your free picture.

We would like to provide a heartfelt thanks to:

Kristy Reimer Photography for capturing the evening;
Lori Gibbs for bringing the event to life as our host;
The Nova Scotiables for getting everyone’s toes tapping;
Celtic Roots Highland Dancers for the delightful performance;
The Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre and all of their wonderful staff for making sure everything ran smoothly;
Our generous donors and sponsors;
Our selfless volunteers; and
All of our guests, nominees, and award winners.

Here are some moments from the evening:

A representative of Gibson Energy looks at the nomination plaques. — A representative of Gibson Energy admires the nomination plaques.

A crowd gathers around the silent auction tables.

Lori Gibbs, host, starts the evening off.

Employees reaching their 5th year at the DDRC receive a gift from CEO Helen.

Tom Shindruk of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Foundation board addresses the audience.

A teacher from Dr. Gordan Higgins School (winner) with Sabrina (presenter).

Representatives of Inside Out Theatre (winner) with Michelle (presenter).

Leonka (presenter) and Darrell Howard (winner).

Martin (presenter) with former and current members of the Client Services Coordinator team (winner).

Community Access Manager Neemi speaks after winning an award.

PACE Team Leader Shannon accepts an award.

Host Lori Gibbs and Shaneef briefly reenact a scene from Titanic.

Community Resource Worker Jessica makes her way to the stage after being called for the everyone belongs award.

We appreciate each and every one of you. The Inclusion Awards couldn’t have happened without all of your support!

Inclusion Awards FAQ 2016

Posted on August 31, 2016September 1, 2016 By Communications Team

The 21st annual Inclusion Awards ceremony is only three weeks away! In order to ensure that the evening runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. Feel free to ask any other event-related questions in the comments box at the end!

Invitation for the 21st annual Inclusion Awards.

When is the event?

The 21st annual Inclusion Awards will be held on Thursday, September 22.

What time does it start?

Guests are invited to arrive any time after 5:30 to enjoy our live entertainment. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m.; for this reason, we ask that you arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

How long is the event?

The event runs an average of two and a half to three hours.

What should I wear?

The dress-code for this event is business-casual. Please, no jeans.

What is the theme this year?

This year’s theme is “By the Sea.” Think Atlantic Canada!

Will there be food?

Yes! Guests are treated to a delicious three course meal.

What if I have an allergy?

If you have a food allergy, please notify us as soon as possible via e-mail.

Will there be alcohol?

Yes. There will be a cash bar if you desire a beverage with alcohol. Water, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided free of charge.

Are kids allowed?

The event is open to guests of all ages, provided that they have reserved a ticket online.

I was nominated for an award. Do I have to do anything special?

We ask that all nominees (and their guests) choose a seat in the first three rows, to ensure quick access to the stage if they are chosen as an award winner.

Will there be a photo booth again this year?

Yes! We are pleased to provide a fun seaside-themed photo booth for the event! There will also be a 50/50 draw, silent auction, and door prizes.

How do I get to the Glenmore Inn?

The Glenmore Inn is easily accessible by car at 2720 Glenmore Trail SE. If you will be arriving by transit, routes 73 and 302 will also bring you to the hotel. Click here to see the Glenmore Inn on Google Maps.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events in September

Posted on July 21, 2016 By Communications Team

We know you’re enjoying the summer, but we’re looking forward to September. Why? Because of two excellent reasons: Our 4th annual everyone belongs™ Movie in the Park, and our 21st annual Inclusion Awards!

Our annual Movie in the Park at the RPCA Hall.

On Friday, September 9, you’re invited to the everyone belongs™ Movie in the Park! This free, family-friendly event will be hosted at the Rutland Park Community Association, in the field beside the skating rink. Each year, we feature a short film from the Picture This… Film Festival, and then a full-length favourite that the whole family will be sure to love.

Guests get to dress up at our Inclusion Awards photo booth.

On Thursday, September 22 you’re also invited to our Inclusion Awards gala at the Glenmore Inn! In addition to honouring Calgarians who have gone above and beyond in promoting community inclusion and advocacy, this free event features an evening of entertainment, a silent auction, a delicious dinner, and more.

Keep your eyes on our Facebook page for more details on both of these events as the dates get closer!

Inclusion Award Nominations are OPEN!

Posted on April 26, 2016 By Communications Team

It’s that time of year again! Nominations are officially open for the 2016 Inclusion Awards!

2015Inclusion_0016 Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting or advocating for community inclusion? Recognize them with an Inclusion Award nomination! Established in 1996, the Inclusion Awards (formerly the Awards of Distinction) celebrate the contributions of individuals, organizations and businesses that go above and beyond in promoting the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community in real and meaningful ways. The Awards continue to grow in size and prestige every year. Our 20th Inclusion Awards at the Glenmore Inn saw almost 400 guests come together to celebrate inclusive communities.

Interested in nominating someone? Visit our website for more information.

The 20th Annual Inclusion Awards!

Posted on September 30, 2015February 23, 2016 By Communications Team

On September 24th, the DDRC celebrated the 20th annual Inclusion Awards! The event was a huge success with approximately 400 people in attendance. Throughout the evening, we recognized 13 deserving individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to making Calgary a city where everyone belongs™.

The theme for 2015 was the 1920s, and everyone “put on the ritz” by donning some of the fun costumes at our photo booth. If you had a shot taken at the photo booth, you can e-mail us for information on how to download your free picture.

We would like to provide a heartfelt thanks to:

Kristy Reimer Photography for capturing the evening
Lori Gibbs for bringing the event to life as our host
The Bow Djangos for jazzing things up
The Sugar Sweets for their smooth dance moves
The Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre, and all of their wonderful staff for making sure everything ran smoothly
Our generous donors and sponsors
Our selfless volunteers
All of our guests, nominees, and award winners

We appreciate each and every one of you. The Inclusion Awards couldn’t have happened without all of your support!

It’s never too early to save the date – mark your calendars for the 21st annual Inclusion Awards on September 22nd, 2016. We’ll see everyone there!