It was party perfection in Black & White
A colossal congrats is in order for the super-team responsible for the recent 12th annual Black & White Dance Party (BWDP), benefiting the Thoracic Surgery Research Foundation of Montreal. The team was spearheaded by bionic board member Sue Dabrowski, with invaluable support from fellow board members Sophie Quevillon, Sal Mariani and foundation vice-president Eduardo Minicozzi, as well as foundation fundraising and partnership co-ordinator Anne Riby.
Held, in accordance with BWDP tradition, at the elegant and spacious Le Madison Reception Hall, the spring fave wowed from start to finish with an array of amusements that still have guests buzzing days later.
Just what was so impressionmaking?
For starters, THE FOOD, which initiated its palate-dazzle at 6 p.m. with an international cocktail buffet, where mouthwatering lures like mountains of fresh lobster, charcuterie and, of course, a steady supply of top-tier vodka, Italian wines and bubbly set the gorgeously gluttonous tone of the night. That was soon followed by an equally impressive multi-course dinner featuring an exquisite ricotta and mushroom ravioli appetizer, hit-the-spot main of veal chop Milanaise and, rounding out the flavours, platters of sumptuous Saputo cheeses for dessert.
Though tummies were more than gratified early on (clearly!), Italian hospitality reigned supreme as the night progressed. The “evening table” was unveiled at 11:15, at which point space was made for homemade pizzas “sur place,” shish taouk, smoked meat and an utterly spectacular variety of decadent desserts, including an entire cheesecake station. And yes, the flow of wine was infinite, too, thanks to the generosity of special donors Jacques Guénette (DLGL) and Italvine. THE DANCE: With legendary music masters like Paul Chacra’s 1945 band and DJ Marco Ferri in the hall, there was no need to fret over excessive caloric intake, for dance-floor work-offs — and workouts — were just as inspired. THE PEEPS: A good crowd inevitably adds much to the flavour and fab of an event, even one as gastronomically inclined as this one. Topping the BWDP guest list were such VIPeeps as honorary event president Mirella Saputo (president of the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation, on scene with husband Lino Saputo Sr.), who made a beautiful speech about the importance of giving back to the community; fellow family members including Amelia and Lino Saputo Jr., chairperson of Saputo, Carmie and Joey Saputo, president of the Montreal Impact, and Groupe Petra founder Giuseppe Borsellino, attending with wife Elina. Also present were foundation president and CHUM Thoracic Surgery Division chief Dr. Pasquale Ferraro, with spouse Claudette; Italian consul general Dr. Marco Riccardo Rusconi; Quebec Liberal Party member Filomena Rotiroti and husband David Murray; Alfonso Minicozzi, namesake of the Alfonso Minicozzi and Family Chair in Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, with wife Silvana; Fransyl president Jean-Claude Morrissette and wife Francine; RBC Wealth Management vice-chair Tony Loffreda with wife Angelina; Metro Richelieu president/ CEO Eric La Flèche, accompanied by wife Michèle Plourde; Telus executive vice-president Monique Mercier with husband, playwright Shaul Ezer; Jolina Capital vice-president Joe Marsilii and wife Nancy; Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation executive director Claude Pinard, with wife Afroditi; and beloved MC Joe Cacchione. THE DIFFERENCE: Finally, there is no greater heart-warmer than an event that makes real differences in precious lives, which is exactly what the Thoracic Surgery Research Foundation does. And now many more Montrealers will benefit from exemplary research and care in the area of thoracic surgery, thanks to the $305,000 generated by this party, which tops off an incredible $1.5 million donation to the foundation announced by Mirella and Lino Saputo Sr. at the event (bringing the 2017 total to a mind-bogglingly high $1.8 million dollars).
Montrealers, you rock.