Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs 2023 Triumphed at New City Gas and Raised $1M+
Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs | Grand Ball of Wines & Hearts
On September 7, the iconic New City Gas in Griffintown was transformed into a luminous haven for the 23rd edition of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs. The gala, one of Montreal’s most prestigious philanthropic events, was a radiant affair that raised an astounding $1.38 million for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. The theme, LUX – lumière sur les vainqueurs, spotlighted the triumphs in cardiovascular medicine and the lives transformed by the Institute.
The evening commenced at 5:30 PM with a cocktail hour, setting the stage for a sumptuous five-course gourmet banquet. The culinary experience was nothing short of exquisite, a fitting prelude to an evening dedicated to a cause that has touched so many lives.
Olivier Desmarais, Senior Vice-President of Power Corporation and Chairman and CEO of Power Sustainable, served as the Honorary President of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs. A philanthropist deeply committed to community action, Desmarais expressed his family’s long-standing dedication to the Institute’s mission since the 1980s.
As the clock struck 8:30 PM, the venue buzzed with renewed energy as more than 300 young professionals joined the gala for the Après-Bal celebrations. Orchestrated by Les Ambitieux, the Foundation’s Emerging Leaders committee, the Après-Bal was a vibrant addition to the traditional banquet.
Guests were treated to another cocktail, festive party vibes courtesy of DJ Pierre-Yves Lord, and an array of tasting stations. Known for his quick wit and exuberance, Lord, a TV host and producer, effortlessly wore the hats of both MC and DJ, keeping the atmosphere electric.
The highlight of the evening was the immersive storytelling that took guests into the heart of the Montreal Heart Institute’s mission. Throughout the night, attendees heard inspiring stories of patients whose lives were dramatically improved by the Institute’s work. To add a layer of exclusivity, some of the Institute’s most distinguished professionals were seated among the guests, offering a rare opportunity to mingle with the experts fighting cardiovascular disease.
The Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs was not just a night of glamour and gastronomy; it was a mobilizing force. The statistics are alarming: 9 out of 10 Canadians over 20 have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the Institute’s ambitious goal to reduce incidents caused by cardiovascular diseases by 30% by 2030.
The gala was a testament to the power of collective action. It was a night where Montreal’s business community, from established leaders to emerging talents, came together to make a tangible impact. The Foundation thanked its platinum partners, including Power Sustainable, Banque Scotia, and Power Corporation du Canada, among others, for their generous contributions.
Since its inception in 2001, the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation has raised over $33 million, and this year’s gala was a shining example of how philanthropy, community, and medical innovation can come together to create something extraordinary. As guests left the venue, the message was clear: the fight against heart disease is far from over, but the light shines brighter with each passing year.
NEXT: Martinique Gourmande Festival 2023 | A Taste of the Tropics in the Heart of MTL
