HOMMAGE TO TSUNAMI RECOVERY RAISES $1.5 MILLION
Though I’ve been on the beat for seven years now, I never take the privilege of penning this column for granted. Sure, glitz and glam are fabulous and a girl who likes shoes as much as I do gets an undeniable kick out of the great fashion oft showcased at high-profile benefit events. But what really gets me every time is the power of the people, those fellow Montrealers who go the distance for others. Speaking of whom (the difference-makers) the recent 2012 Gala Fundraising Event of the Quebec Division of the Canadian Red Cross was awash in more than its fair share as more than 500 conscientious patrons turned out in their cocktail best to support the largest humanitarian organization in the world. For your Saturday pleasure, the magical evening’s memorable highlights (accompanied by one heckuva fun pack o’ pix!):
The theme: Since its inception eight years ago, the organizers of the special benefit soirée have made it a point to celebrate the international presence of the Red Cross and its 187 national societies. Accordingly, this year’s edition paid homage to the Japanese people who so bravely continue recovery efforts following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated their homeland on March 11, 2011.
The feast: While ambience, entertainment and menu were all infused with the majesty of Japan, the fivecourse meal prepared by the masters at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, in collaboration with gifted guest chef Kimio Nguyen deserves special mention. Of particular note, the black cod in a mouth-watering miso sauce. Yum!
The moments: Thanks to the amazing entertainment, great mix of peeps, themed decor and delectable eats, there were many, but the one that will stay in our collective memories for a while was the official bestowal of the Red Cross’ highest honour, the Order of the Red Cross, on Quebec’s first lady – Michèle Dionne – devoted ball founder, honourary event president and most importantly – tireless hands-on volunteer. “It is with deep humility that I receive this great honour tonight,” she said. “My commitment is that of an ardent volunteer who strongly believes in the work of the Canadian Red Cross.” (Yes, her husband, Premier Jean Charest, was abeam with pride, proof that behind every great woman…)
The peeps: The success of the largest single fundraising event for the Canadian arm of the Red Cross would never have been possible without the commitment of difference-making guests, including enthusiastic event president Martine Turcotte, Bell Canada vicechairperson, (Quebec); her biggest boss – Bell Canada president/ceo George Cope (who made the trip to Montreal in honour of the ball with wife Tami); Ronald Nicol, Bell Canada vice-president client services (business affairs) and wife Lucie Caron; Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay, accompanied by ever- elegant Suzanne Tailleur; J. Armand Bombardier foundation director Nicole Beaudoin and husband Louis Laporte; National Bank tops Louis Vachon and wife Chantal Carrier; BDO Dunwoody LLP senior adviser Pierre Shedleur, on scene with wife Jeannine Codaire; Christine Filion and sig other Robert Blais, Mouvement Desjardins vice-president; Japanese ambassador to Canada Kaoru Ishikawa and wife Masako (both of whom applauded the artful references to the beauty and richness of Japanese culture); Hydro-québec vice president Daniel Richard and Chantal Guimont; Via Rail Canada president/ceo Marc Laliberté in the company of Nicole Bonneau; Micheline Martin, RBC Royal Bank president (Quebec headquarters) and husband André Martin; political analyst Liza Frulla and husband André Moreau; Canadiens chief Geoff Molson with wife Kate; Micheline Brazeau and husband, Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand; and Claridge president/ceo Pierre Boivin with wife Lucie.
The tally: A more than impressive $1.2 million dollars. “I am very pleased to see that, once again this year, our gala fundraiser has met with great success,” said Michel Léveillé, general manager of the Canadian Red Cross, Quebec Division. Bravo!