Sugar Ball | Young McCord Philanthropist Gala Hits the Sweet Spot at Le 9e
A Dazzling Night at The 9th: Flashback on the 2024 Sugar Ball
On the Friday evening of May 3rd, the Young McCord Philanthropists and their guests ascended to Le 9e — the reopened 9th floor of the old Montreal Eaton Centre — to partake in the McCord Stewart Museum‘s 12th edition of the Sugar Ball. This year, the event raised nearly $900,000, a testament to the generous spirit of the attendees and the dedication of the organizing committee, including the esteemed co-chairs Jiad Ghoussoub and Zoé Faust-Trahan.
Also serving as a precursor to the McCord Stewart Museum’s upcoming exhibition Portraits and Fashion — Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders; the event’s decor and programming was meticulously orchestrated by renowned artistic director Dick Walsh and promised an unforgettable blend of glamour and gourmandise, and it certainly delivered as elegant guests walked on the red carpet in their black-tie attire and cocktail dresses.
As the doors of the Grand Hall opened at 6:30 p.m., VIP guests were welcomed with a massive two-sided wall of different candies!
This networking cocktail for up-and-coming professionals set the tone for an evening that was as much about fostering connections, as it was about celebration, over drinks and gourmet bites from some of Montreal’s top cafés, restaurants and food markets.
Transitioning from the intimate cocktail setting, the atmosphere palpably shifted at 9 p.m. as the Grand Hall filled with the rhythmic beats of DJs Forrest and Del Arte.
The open bar continued to flow generously, complementing an array of dessert stations.
Sweet treats were abundant, ranging from decadent buffets by local favorites like Bernie Beigne and Mignon churros & Nougat, ensuring that the evening was as delicious as it was lively.
The beauty touch-up booth was a delightful addition, refreshing the glamorous looks of the attendees throughout the night.
As the night progressed, the dance floor remained the focal point of energy and enthusiasm. It was a space where everyone let loose, while surprise performances planned by Dick Walsh – which featured a piano player, a ballerina, a burlesque queen, fashion show models, salsa dancers, and even cowboy hustlers! – embodied the event’s spirit of excitement and celebration.
The DJs expertly mixed tracks that kept the crowd energized until the wee hours of the night, creating a pulsating end to an electrifying night.
As attendees departed Le 9e, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Not only had they partaken in a night of exquisite entertainment, but they had also contributed significantly to the museum’s ability to educate and inspire over 10,000 children and youths across Montreal.
On second thought, the 2024 Sugar Ball — an initiative of the Young McCord Philanthropists — wasn’t just a party; it set a new standard for the future of museum philanthropy in Montreal. It underscored the vibrancy of the city’s young professionals and their unwavering commitment to nurturing the arts and culture scene. As we look ahead, one thing remains clear: the Sugar Ball continues to be a highlight of Montreal’s social calendar, promising even greater sweetness in the years to come.
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