Cover image — Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
The evening of Friday, May 10th, witnessed one of Montreal’s most enchanting and impactful events of the social calendar – the 23rd edition of the Bal des Tannants for The Children’s. The gala was a smashing success, raising an impressive $1,675,000 for The Montreal Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Fund.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY. Sandra Chartrand and Julie Godin, Honorary Co-Presidents of the Bal des Tannants for The Children’s; Pierre Simard, Vice-President, Board of Directors, The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation; Renée Vézina, President, The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation; Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director, McGill University Health Centre; with the Co-Presidents of the Ball Organizing Committee: Sharon Stern, Véronique Black, and Jamie Silver.
This year’s event was held at the Starlink Aviation Hangar, which was magically transformed into a resplendent ballroom by BL NK Le Collectif and the one and only Madame Bombance, welcoming over 700 of some of Montreal’s most influential and generous people.
Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
Attendees were a sight to behold, blending elegance with a playful twist. The dress code? Glamorous with a touch of ‘brattiness’ was de rigueur. From lollipops in updos to shutter shade sunglasses paired with bow ties, guests embraced the gala’s whimsical spirit.
Photo: Karine LaRocque.
This unique blend of fancy and mischief set the perfect tone for the evening, celebrating the lively nature of children, whom the event, masterfully emceed by Ben Mulroney, aimed to support.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY. Master of ceremonies Ben Mulroney and child actress Sienna Feghouli smashed open a piggy bank to symbolize the importance of donating to The Montreal Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Fund
After oysters made with love by Chef Jason Nagy, the culinary delights of the evening, provided by Beatrice Ristorante, tantalized taste buds and set a high standard for gala dining. My guest and I were extremely grateful for the opportunity to choose and savor a deliciously thick yet tender Veal chop as our main course. The Citrus olive oil cake and Chocolate cheesecake for dessert were the perfect sweet endings to a memorable meal.
Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
Entertainment was top-notch with Paul Chacra’s 1945 The Band keeping the dance floor bustling. DJ Sandy Duperval’s inaugural afterparty set a lively tone, ensuring the celebrations continued well into the night.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY. Singer Léanne Hudon of 1945 The Band
In heartfelt speeches, the MCH Foundation’s president, Renée Vézina, as well as the Bal des Tannants for The Children’s honorary co-presidents, Sandra Chartrand and Julie Godin, expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing the significant impact of the funds raised as they will provide world-class care to Quebec’s children.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY. Julie Godin, Renée Vézina and Sandra Chartrand
A particularly poignant moment was when a family shared their journey. Lena, a young patient who bravely battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and her family’s story resonated deeply with the attendees.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY.
The room was filled with emotion as Lena, now in remission, took the stage to a standing ovation, epitomizing the event’s purpose and the hope it inspires.
Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
The night would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the Ball Organizing Committee and the immense generosity of the event’s corporate partners. Their contributions are pivotal in supporting The Children’s mission to provide innovative and comprehensive care.
Photo: PBL PHOTOGRAPHY. Bal des Tannants for The Children’s Organizing Committee co-presidents: Jamie Silver, Véronique Black, and Sharon Stern; with Ball Organizing Committee members Ari Crudo, Juliana Arsenault, (seated) Dr. Ilana Galperin, and Audrey Vallières. (Absent: Christine Boivin, Kim Cola, and Alexandra MacBain)
The 2024 Bal des Tannants for The Children’s was more than just a gala; it was a testament to the power of community and compassion. The funds raised will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Quebec can receive the care they need to return to their vibrant, mischievous selves. This event not only celebrated generosity but also highlighted the joy and resilience of children, leaving everyone with a heart full of hope and a night to remember.
Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
The foundation behind the Bal des Tannants
The mission of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation is to inspire and mobilize the community to support relentless innovation in research, teaching and care at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, an internationally-renowned pediatric center providing highly-specialized healthcare.
Website: fondationduchildren.com/en
LinkedIn: fondationduchildren
YouTube: montrealchildrens
Image source: Fondation du Children (attribution inferred from article context).
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