A SIZZLING SUMMER SEND-OFF
Is it my imagination, or did this social season fly by quicker than Ariana Grande’s engagement? Not done yet, though. Today we share still more magnificent mentionables. What a fun- and fund-raising ville we are. BEAUTIFUL BENEFIT EVE: The annual Canadian Red Cross fundraising event was its usual spring supreme, enthralling over 500 high-profile guests in May with a Dick Walsh-produced soiree at Alexandra Pier titled A Humanitarian Port of Call. The exceedingly elegant eve, with catering by Dansereau and entertainment by Paul Chacra, enjoyed support from the towering likes of co-chairs Darryl White, CEO of BMO Financial Group, and Eric R. La Flèche, president/ CEO of Metro, as well as honorary committee members Jeffrey Orr, president/CEO of Power Financial Corporation, and Norman Hébert, president/CEO of Groupe Park Avenue, all of whom were instrumental in attaining the formidable $1,376,000 tally. JGH FAMILY-STYLE FÊTE: Masterfully co-ordinated by Annette Goldman and Stephanie Roza, the 2018 Jewish General Hospital Gala at Marché Bonsecours was as beguiling as ever. It honoured the Azrieli Family and Foundation for their countless contributions to community and humanity locally and around the world, bettering tens of thousands of lives. Several members of the clan were present for the honours, including Stephanie, son Rafi and daughters Danna, Naomi and Sharon (a gifted singer who dedicated a medley to her late father, David). While the eve topped the million-dollar mark for the hospital, thanks to supporters and sponsors including lead partner Richard Pilosof (RP Investment Advisors), it was generously matched by the foundation, the proceeds of which will establish the Azrieli-LDI Director’s Research Fund.
A GRAND SUCCESS: As always, the annual Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal benefit gala was a titanic hit, enchanting 500-plus swish guests who descended upon IGA Stadium in their black-tie finery. Boasting a Hymne à l’amour theme, the dance-filled soiree was presented under the honorary co-presidency of Claude Gagnon, president, operations, BMO Financial Group, Quebec, and Édéenne, high jeweller and president of Maison Édéenne, and featured four choreographic creations inspired by the songs of the Little Sparrow herself, legendary Édith Piaf. The glam evening raised over $600,000, much to the delight of company top brass like board chair Constance V. Pathy, artistic director Ivan Cavallari and executive director Alain Dancyger.
SUMMA SPECTACULAR: The annual benefit for Olympiques spéciaux Québec embraced a new format this season with its Summa event at New City Gas. It was meant to honour the daily achievements of member athletes even beyond the sphere of sports, highlighting the peaks people can reach when given opportunities to succeed. As patrons watched artists with intellectual disabilities like Lisa Walsh and La bande à Elvis rock the room, it was clear the mission was accomplished. Thanks to major partners like IOGO (honorary president was Ultima Foods president Martin Parent), half a million was raised for OSQ, a non-profit that enriches the lives of 8,000 athletes across Quebec. Special thanks to devoted governors Patrick Boivin (president/CEO of the Alouettes) and Benoit Clouatre (KPMG) for shining the light on this singular night.
REAL RESULTS: Every two years, the Montreal Real Estate Foundation for Kids (Fondation immobilière de Montréal pour les jeunes) hosts its beloved Grand Bal FIMJ. This year’s edition at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth had a Florescence theme and was as glittering as ever, presented under the honorary presidency of Danielle Lavoie, senior vice-president at Cadillac Fairview. The evening united over 650 influentials from the real estate industry and Montreal business community and raised an inspiring $275,000, for a total of over $4.3 million — funds integral to helping disadvantaged youth, as well as sick children or children living with disabilities in the greater Montreal area.
WIGGLE WOWS AGAIN: For those wondering whether Wiggle 2018, the 24th annual wearable art runway show, would outdo the buzz-worthy 2017 edition, wonder no more. The outstanding show — celebrating all things “wig ” wow, and featuring riveting live performances — also serves as venue Never Apart’s major annual fundraising event and was even more jaw-droppingly awesome this year, attracting gaggles of attendees who didn’t know where to look, dance, perform or “wig ”-gle first.
Hosted once again by leading actress and trans activist Candis Cayne, the entertaining soirée (founded by Never Apart exec director Michael Venus) raised important funds for the nonprofit cultural centre, established by tech CEO Dax Dasilva, with a view to initiating social change and spiritual awareness through cultural programming with global reach and impact.
250 YEARS OF GREATNESS:
A very happy quarter-millennium birthday to the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue! The first Jewish congregation in Canada marked the milestone with a magnificent spring gala expertly chaired by businessman Ron Mashaal and community leader Arlene Abitan. Attended by 500-plus notable guests, the benefit eve was awash in magic moments, including a congratulatory video from PM Justin Trudeau himself, and myriad momentous addresses, including many fêting treasured honourees Rabbi Howard Joseph (rabbi of the synagogue for close to 40 years) and wife, the equally fab Dr. Norma Joseph, for their long-standing, outstanding service and commitment to both the congregation and community at large.
BEST OF BLACK AND WHITE:
For 650 connoisseurs of gastronomy and fine wines, the annual Black and White Dance Party for the Thoracic Surgery Research Foundation at Le Madison Reception Hall delivered. How could it not, with the likes of the Gentile Brothers, Paul Chacra and Marco Ferri Entertainment on board? Even better: the fave fête generated $253,500. Distinguished guests including honorary president Nadine Renaud-Tinker, president, RBC Quebec, and foundation president/CHUM thoracic surgery chief Dr. Pasquale Ferraro were thrilled.
LOVE, LILAC STYLE:
It was a packed house in May when almost 300 passionate patrons turned out for Shield of Athena’s love-filled Lilac Event membership campaign kickoff at the Palace Reception Hall. The night was inspired by an amazing lilac painting by Serbian honorary consul Marina Zissis, was chaired seamlessly by Mercedes-Benz Laval president/co-owner Carole Leblanc, and was enjoyable throughout, receiving rave reviews from top-tier guests like honorary chairs, doctors Stavroula Christopoulos and Andreas Nikolis. Most critical, however, were the ample funds and commitments made toward the opening of a new Second Step shelter, an instrumental resource for victims of family violence.
TRIBUTE TIME:
Two hundred dedicated supporters descended upon the Gelber Conference Centre in June for the very special Ometz Tribute Evening in Honour of Dr. Mitch Shiller, chaired by Sandy Martz and Michael Cape. The popular pediatrician became the first president of Ometz in 2008. (Named for the Hebrew word for courage, the non-profit is committed to providing thousands of courageous people in need annually with life-enhancing employment, immigration, school and social services.) Since taking up the reins, the doctor with heart and brains to spare has affected many lives — an exemplary leader indeed. More than $90,000 was raised for the new Dr. Mitch Shiller Tribute Fund, supporting Ometz programming for at-risk children and youth.
TREVOR IS TOPS:
Finally, we round out this summer sendoff with a nod to the Trevor Williams Kids Foundation’s annual fundraising gala at Baton Rouge Steakhouse and Bar (de la Montagne location). The vibrant eve — featuring Michelle Sweeney and her band, DJ Freefly, a stacked silent auction, cocktail dînatoire and awesome event-rocking Get Socially Photo/GIF Booths — raised invaluable monies for the brilliant organization, which makes such a difference in countless young lives.
That’s a wrap, Noties. Hope you enjoyed the fête farewell. Already counting the days till fall.