Cocktail Signature SP 2024 Shines Bright Blue at Maison Principale
On Thursday, November 14, the majestic Maison Principale in Montreal’s Saint-Henri borough transformed into a hub of compassion and sophistication, hosting the Cocktail Signature SP 2024.
This philanthropic evening, organized by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Canada – Quebec Division, brought together Montréal’s business community to support a critical cause: building a world free from multiple sclerosis. Under the theme “Blue and Blues,” guests immersed themselves in an evening of networking, gastronomy, and philanthropy, ultimately raising an astounding $259,465—far surpassing the $175,000 target.
A Celebration of Community and Support
As the sun set over Montréal, the Maison Principale came alive with the elegant hue of blue, symbolizing solidarity with the MS community. Guests, dressed to impress in professional attire accented with blue, were welcomed into a warm and inviting space.
Co-hosted by Marie-Claude Berger Paquin and Stéphanie Gascon, the evening kicked off with mingling over meticulously crafted hors d’oeuvres and wine, courtesy of the SAQ, setting the tone for a night of shared purpose.
Diego Mena Martínez, General Director of MS Canada – Quebec Division, set the stage with heartfelt opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the community’s unwavering support. He reminded attendees of the urgency of the mission: with 12 Canadians diagnosed daily, MS continues to impact thousands of lives.
Engaging Programming Highlights
The evening’s highlight was the keynote speech by renowned MS researcher Dr. Jack Antel, whose insights into advancements in MS research captivated the audience. Dr. Antel emphasized the importance of community-driven funding in propelling breakthroughs that bring hope to those affected by this unpredictable disease.
Complementing the scientific insights were moving testimonies from individuals living with MS. Their courage and resilience underscored the importance of the evening’s mission and left attendees deeply inspired.
Adding a soulful note to the event, singer Élodie Miron and her band delivered a stirring musical performance. Their setlist, carefully curated to align with the “Blues” theme, resonated deeply with the crowd, blending art with advocacy in a way that was both entertaining and meaningful.
A Record-Breaking Evening
The generosity of Montréal’s business leaders and philanthropists was on full display as contributions poured in throughout the night. By the end of the event, an impressive $259,465 was raised—more than 48% above the original target. These funds will directly support research, advocacy, and vital programs for people living with MS.
Tommy Nguyen, Global Actions Director at Desjardins, and Shahir Guindi, former National Co-Chair of Osler, served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the event. Their leadership and commitment to the cause were instrumental in galvanizing the community’s support.
As Mr. Nhuyen was happy to tell us: “This evening is a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, we’ve shown that our community is committed to creating a brighter future for those living with MS.”
Continuing the Fight Against MS
The Cocktail Signature SP is a cornerstone in MS Canada’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, provide direct support for those affected by this life-altering disease, and fund research initiatives aimed at uncovering the causes and treatments for MS. For Dr. Antel and other leading researchers, the evening represented more than financial support—it was a rallying cry for hope and progress.
Looking Ahead
As the evening drew to a close, the palpable energy of solidarity and hope lingered. Guests departed not only with memories of a remarkable night but also with the knowledge that their contributions would have a lasting impact.
The Cocktail Signature SP 2024 was a resounding success, affirming Montréal’s dedication to the fight against MS. Together, we are one step closer to building a world free from MS.
MS Canada / SP Canada Links
Flicker: Cocktail Signature SP 2023
Facebook: @MSCanadaOfficial | @SPCanadaOfficielle
Instagram: @mscanadaofficial | @spcanadaofficielle
Website: mscanada.ca | spcanada.ca
PREVIOUSLY: Cocktail Signature SP 2023 | Blue Night of Elegance and Empathy
