RBC Bluesfest delivers: Renowned music festival partners with Gabriel Pizza to support music education

RBC Bluesfestorganizers today announced the official launch of an RBC Bluesfest Pizza, thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Ottawa’s own Gabriel Pizza. RBC Bluesfest's executive director Mark Monahan arrived at Festival Plaza in front of Ottawa City Hall, just before noon today, to initiate the fundraising promotion with the first formal delivery of the pizza to City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. Known not only for great pizza but also for their generous fundraising efforts in the Ottawa region, the pizza gurus at Gabriel have created a unique taste-sensation for pizza lovers and music fans alike. The pizza is being introduced during the lead-up to the festival in order to raise funds for Blues in the Schools (BITS)—the music program RBC Bluesfest presents annually in Ottawa-area schools. The RBC Bluesfest Pizza will also be available on-site for the duration of the festival. “We designed the pizza to fit the festival’s all-inclusive approach to programming,” says Gabriel Pizza’s marketing and operations director, Cory Boast. “The ingredients include something for everybody, just like the RBC Bluesfest line-up!”  Indeed, the taste seems to be informed by the south and includes a musical twist—a ‘BBQ-base note’ along with grilled chicken tossed in 'Franks Red Hot' sauce, mushrooms that the Funk Hunters have been looking for, red onions that’ll have you cryin' the blues, plus bacon and cheese and that's always FUN. Aside from enjoying a delicious pizza, Gabriel customers at their 30 locations throughout the Ottawa region will be contributing to a great cause—music education for Ottawa students.  Gabriel Pizza Franchise Corporation will donate a generous portion from the sale of each RBC Bluesfest Pizza to the BITS program. “We’ve done this sort of thing before,” adds Boast. “With our CHEO Pizza, we’ve managed to fundraise more than $50,000 for the operating rooms at CHEO, via the Doc & Woody CHEO Fund. We’re also involved in fundraising efforts for the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, and the Do it for Daron organization.” This is all in addition to the Gabriel Pizza Franchise Corporation’s support for endless community events, such as HOPE Beach Volleyball, the 65 Roses Foundation and of course, now, Blues in the Schools. “We’re delighted to welcome Gabriel Pizza to our festival family and grateful for their support,” says RBC Bluesfest executive director, Mark Monahan. Considering all the good they’ve done in the region, it’s no wonder their founder, Mike Hanna, was given a ‘City Builder’ Award. I’m looking forward to working with Mike and his team this year, and hopefully in the years ahead.”