MULRONEY AND CHUM FEEL THE LOVE
You could feel the magic in the air — palpable and promising — as 220 of the top business leaders and decision-makers in the country recently made their way into the stunning Ritz-Carlton Montreal for a transformative tribute evening to former prime minister Brian Mulroney that still has guests gushing with praise, awe and emotion days later.
What was the hype about? Oh, everything …
First off, the quality of the soirée itself, masterfully hosted by Mulroney sons Mark and Ben, was top-notch across the board. Set against the backdrop of the famed Oval Room, with flawless table appointments and signature haute Ritz ambience, the menu was equally inspired. In fact (fun foodie fact), the flavourful multi-course extravaganza was designed exclusively for the tribute festivities by acclaimed chef Alain Passard, owner of the three-Michelin-star Paris restaurant L’Arpège, and prepared with love and meticulous attention to epicurean detail in collaboration with another respected culinary talent, Johnny Porte, executive chef of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.
Second, the tributes to the legendary former PM were poignant and powerful, underscoring his many accomplishments and contributions to society, even incorporating two moving songs played by granddaughter Elizabeth Theodora Lapham — daughter of Caroline Mulroney — in honour of her adored grandfather.
“The success of this evening demonstrates the deep respect that the business community in Montreal and the rest of the country has for Brian Mulroney, a man who has made history in Canada,” said Marc Tremblay, chairman of the Fondation du CHUM’s board of directors.
Speaking of the esteemed CHUM foundation, thanks to the extraordinary support of patrons, including honorary presidents of the evening and generous event partners, an astoundingly impressive $3.6 million-plus stood as the final tally for the foundation — funds integral to the CHUM’s continued pursuit of its mission of excellence.
Treasured honorary presidents included organizing committee chair Mark Mulroney, Alain Bouchard, Stephen Bronfman, Paul G. Desmarais Jr., Pierre Lassonde, Pierre Karl Péladeau, Calin Rovinescu and Michael Sabia, while generous event partners were primary sponsor Scotiabank as well as Air Canada, Couche-Tard, Alvin Segal Family Foundation, National Bank, BMO Financial Group, Bombardier, Cadillac Fairview, CIBC, Claridge, CN, Dream, GardaWorld, Bruce Kent Group, IBM, Ivanhoé Cambridge, La Capitale, Provigo, Norton Rose Fulbright, Omers, Peerless Clothing, Power Corp, Québecor, RBC Royal Bank, Stingray, StorageVault, TD Securities, TFI International and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Fittingly, the foundation plans to name its hepatobiliary and pancreatic care unit in honour of Mulroney, who had nothing but praise and eternal gratitude for the unit where he received impeccable, life-saving treatment in 2005.
“I’m always quite emotional when I remember those moments,” he began. “It was a Thursday night; my loved ones were brought to my bedside . ... I thought my hour had come. (But) thanks to the CHUM experts, and more specifically to Dr. André Roy, an emergency surgery saved my life. I wanted to give back to the CHUM to thank those I will never forget.”
Not surprisingly, the team at the CHUM holds him — and the amazing fundraising initiative he spearheaded with family for the institution he loves — in equally high regard.
“The support and mobilization of the business community is essential to the pursuit of our mission of care, education, research and innovation for the service of the population,” said proud CHUM president and CEO Dr. Fabrice Brunet.
“I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney,” he added, “whose name is now and will forever be associated with our institution.”
Clearly, it was a magical Montreal moment that highlighted thebes tin us .# Humanity As It Should Be