What Is Urbana?
URBANA became a fundraising event in March 2005 from the inspiration of three young citizens of Ottawa looking to improve the quality of life for individuals at risk of becoming homeless. Akash Sinha, Founder of Dharma Developments was launching his new land development company and wanted to have a big party to celebrate. He and a budding photographer and friend, Matt Hopkins put together the concept of URBANA, an exhibit of edgy and thought-provoking black and white photographs of city streets in Ottawa. These images, they concurrently agreed, had the capability of bringing much needed attention to the issue of homelessness in Ottawa.
Enter Alex Munter, a former city councillor for Kanata and personal friend of Akash. Upon his retirement from municipal politics, he created the Alex Munter Charitable Foundation to direct the surplus funds from his election campaigns. His foundation's mandate is to support the prevention of homelessness. Both Alex and Akash shared a common vision: to give people in Ottawa a roof overhead and a safe place to call home.
With Matt's gifted photography skills, Akash's knack for putting the fun in fundraising, and Alex's talent for gathering support on our city's current issues, the inaugural URBANA was a sold out show! Over $20,000 was raised with all proceeds going to the Alex Munter Charitable Foundation which supports local programs that help people find and keep affordable housing.
The gracious support from our community has encouraged Dharma Developments to host URBANA annually. URBANA is an opportunity for positive change that will create a healthier city in which we are all citizens. We can succeed only if we move forward together.
Urbana
Thurs, April 24, 2008
6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $85
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