Thank you to Deanne McCallum from Rogers TV for her support, patience and excitement to showcase all the amazing nominees! Check out the video and see who else in your community is Living Green!
Our 3rd Annual Gala in the Woods – A Night to Remember!
On September 20, 2025, our 3rd Annual Gala in the Woods was an unforgettable evening of community, creativity, and celebration—made possible by our incredible guests, generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers.
Guests were treated to a locally inspired menu by Chef Melanie Robinson (Eclectic Café), with artisan bread and desserts from Homestead Artisan Bakery. The night was brought to life with music—Brett Caswell leading a campfire singalong and DJ Casey keeping the energy high. Memories were beautifully captured by photographers Andre Beneteau and Jennifer Klementti, while the stunning décor and table centerpieces, designed by the talented Jane Klementti, created a magical setting. Chris from Vespra Hills provided a bit of fun with a 3 hole golf course that was enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers alike.
The evening also featured a lively fashion show by Tara White of Embody Clothing & Accessories—with models from the South Simcoe Rebel Rollers. Not only did they light up the runway, they also pitched in behind the scenes as bartenders, servers, and all-around superheroes of the night. We can’t say enough about this inspiring group of women—catch one of their roller derby games if you can!
AWAKE is creating beautiful, affordable, and sustainable cemetery solutions and took home the Green Business of the Year Award and Homestead Artisan Bakery took home the Green Improvement Award for their initiatives to prioritize sustainable sourcing, zero waste initiatives, and implementing energy and resource efficiencies.
The Art & Experience Auction was a crowd favorite! The talented artists of the Barrie Art Club once again amazed guests with their creativity and skill, while our generous supporters contributed an incredible variety of unique experiences. From inspiring artwork to one-of-a-kind opportunities, the auction delivered more than a few “wow” moments—and kept the bidding lively all night long.
We would be remis if we didn’t thank our amazing emcee for the evening- Will Nash from Busch Systems. Check out Talkin’ Trash with Will Nash on YouTube to gain insight and get inspired! Thanks Will!!
But the Gala is more than a fundraiser—it’s an experience. It’s about:
Raising vital funds to support our mission
Building community around shared values
Creating partnerships through connection and networking
Showcasing local talent and businesses
Demonstrating sustainability by hosting a low-waste, upscale event
✨ Mark your calendars—Gala 2026 is not to be missed! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another magical night in the woods.
Environmental Practices, Social Impact, Innovation, Business Leadership, Education and Awareness
Nominations Have Closed
Living Green Barrie is excited to announce that the 2025 Green Business Awards nominations are now open! These awards are a fun and inspiring way to recognize local businesses making a difference for our environment. Launched in 2023, these awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of businesses that are stepping up and leading the way toward a greener, more sustainable community.
Nominating a business (or even yourself) is super easy. We’ve made the process straightforward because we want everyone to feel confident and excited about participating. Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or just someone who’s been inspired by a local business’s green efforts, we’d love to hear from you! Winners will be celebrated at our annual Gala in the Woods, an event that’s all about enjoying nature, supporting sustainability, and raising funds for local climate action.
CONGRATULATIONS
Award Winners
2023, 2024, 2025
