from CTV News Ottawa

​

Tens of thousands of dollars were raised and around 50 special people were honoured at the first-ever Amazing People Gala Saturday night.

​

The event, co-created and hosted by CTV Ottawa’s Kimothy Walker, further showcased the lives of those profiled in the award-winning Amazing People series since the spring of 2011.

​

Two of them were singled out for Amazing Person of the Year by a panel of judges: clean water crusader Ryan Hreljac for 2011 and Kimberley Fawcett, who lost her leg and baby in a car crash, for 2012.

Two viewer’s choice awards went to former CFRA host Greg Hebert (2011) and adoption advocate Peggy Taillon (2012).

​

"One thing that they all share is this ability to inspire others," Walker said.

The fundraising goal for the evening, presented by CTV Ottawa, was to raise enough to help local charity SchoolBOX build a school in Nicaragua.

​

However, the $50,000 raised was enough for two schools.

​

"A lot of kids in Nicaragua don’t go past Grade 5,” said organizer Eric Collard. “They don't make school a priority."

CTV Ottawa’s Amazing People series airs Thursdays on the News at 6.