Kicking off Timeraiser Winnipeg!

It's a celebration. I find my perfect attire, beige business mini dress, and the least comfortable pair of pumps and head to the event that has been highly anticipated by all its volunteers. The 2nd annual Timeraiser Winnipeg is just a few weeks away but tonight we are honouring our artists and non-profit organizations for being part of Timeraiser 2012's success.

Being that this was the first year that I am part of this event, I hardly knew what to expect walking in to Pop Soda's. The venue, a trendy coffeehouse on Portage Avenue, was very appropriate for the audience we were hosting.

There's always a certain degree of awkwardness when you attend such an event, especially when there isn't really a task assigned. My role so far in organizing the event was more media related and this event was to honour our artists; therefore, the media was not advised. As such, we stand there, not knowing what to do when suddenly we were called over to join this sweet couple sitting at a table just a few feet away.

Quick introductions were done, and then there was no shortage of conversation. They talked of their travels, we discussed hobbies. Bill was a lover of old cars, he's bought and restored an old mustang, I was intrigued. We touched on the subject of antiques and my love for them, at which point they described to me the contents of their home. Oh, how I would love to see it.

The time seemed to have gotten away from us, by the end of the evening we failed to realize that we have been dismissed from our duties, or lack thereof, as organizers. What was predicted as an evening of standing awkwardly by the wine table trying to make small talk with passersby, turned out to be a fantastic evening talking with artist Desiree Loutit and her partner Bill.

I enjoyed meeting them, laughing with them, and look forward to seeing them at the Timeraiser event on May 25.

You can look at her piece on the Timeraiser Winnipeg website, the name of the piece is Red Cloud-Oglala" by Desiree Loutit.