For years, Terry McLaughlin thought his oyster-eating championship trophy would be his crowning glory — until he raced his way to three straight wins at the Spurs & Sparkles fundraiser for the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation.
He and his equally competitive friend Terry Marcotte are now hoping to extend their winning streak at this year’s charity gala, happening Wednesday, August 13 at Wesley Clover Parks. The returning presenting sponsor is RBC.
Together with their show jumping athlete, the Terrys will compete for the fastest time in the Get Up and Gallop. It’s a fun-filled, three-part race that’s become a featured part of the unique and action-packed gala. Their team’s expert rider will complete the equestrian portion, while Terry Marcotte tackles the sports challenge and Terry McLaughlin takes the wheel for the golf cart obstacle race.
Watching with a mix of support and apprehension will be his wife, Catherine McLaughlin, who’s also co-chair of the event with Karen Sparks, the executive director of Wesley Clover Parks.
“If he wins again this year, I’m going to die of embarrassment,” Catherine acknowledged.
She was quick to set the record straight about her involvement in the Get Up and Gallop race that her husband’s team always seems to win. “I have nothing to do with the course design,” she insists. “I recuse myself from any of that. There’s this perception that my husband has insider information, but really, he’s just wildly competitive.”
Terry, president of Terlin Construction, proudly keeps his team’s winning trophy from the Get Up and Gallop race at his desk, right beside a much smaller and less impressive oyster-eating trophy awarded to him in 1997 for devouring 13 oysters in 12 seconds at the former Big Daddy’s restaurant on Elgin Street.
Win or lose, Terry remains deeply committed to supporting Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, both through his participation and through Terlin’s sponsorship. QCH is the trusted hospital his family turns to for its outstanding care. “We really feel connected to it,” said Terry. “It’s a hospital that’s close to our hearts.”
New this year is a Captain’s Reception sponsored by Terlin Construction. It’s taking place at Brookstreet Hotel on Monday, August 11. Teams will draw at random to find out which show jumper they’ll be paired with.
The McLaughlins’ 21-year-old daughter Charlotte — who’s an equestrian student athlete and building science major — was part of his team during its inaugural win. Unfortunately, she’s since had to miss Spurs & Sparkles to return early to Auburn University in Alabama.
Terry McLaughlin said he’ll be happy with whichever equestrian rides for his team. The only “non-negotiable” team member is Terry Marcotte. He’s been friends for years with the author, musician, and retired sports director at CTV Ottawa.
Catherine is also tight with her co-chair, Karen Sparks. “We work really well together,” she said. “Karen handles the event’s behind-the-scenes logistics while I get to focus on the fun creative planning.”
A little-known fact: the event name was inspired, in part, by Sparks’ nickname — Sparkles. “Karen is a powerhouse,” said Catherine of a woman she really respects. “And our common goal is to raise as much money as we can for QCH.”
Also helping with the planning is an “incredible” committee, Catherine added.
Wesley Clover Parks is a multi-season outdoor recreation and equestrian venue located on 500 acres within Ottawa’s protected Greenbelt. “It’s considered the ‘Spruce Meadows’ of Ontario,” said Catherine, referring to the premier outdoor show-jumping complex in Calgary.
Spurs & Sparkles runs from 5 pm to 11 pm at 401 Corkstown Road. Tickets are on sale at $185 each, with all proceeds helping to support top priorities at Queensway Carleton Hospital. Suggested attire is cocktail chic with a splash of sparkles.
For more information, see qchfoundation.ca/sparkles