Valentine’s Day Ball Lifts Après-Ski Alpine Vibe to New Peaks at Windsor Station
The 21st edition of the Valentine’s Day Ball of the Youth in Mind Foundation transformed downtown Montreal’s historic Windsor Station into a breathtaking Alpine retreat on Thursday, February 13.
Under the theme Après-ski in the Alps, over 650 distinguished guests from the business and philanthropic communities gathered to support a cause that has never been more pressing: the mental health of Quebec’s teenagers.
This prestigious annual event, expertly produced by Cava Rose, raised a record-breaking $860,000 in net proceeds to fund vital awareness and prevention programs for youth.
A Celebration for a Cause
From the moment attendees arrived, they were whisked into an atmosphere reminiscent of St. Moritz, the high alpine resort town in the Swiss Alps, complete with luxurious furs, soft woolens, and elegant alpine-inspired decor.
The evening commenced with a refined cocktail hour at 6 PM, where guests mingled, sipped on fine champagne, and admired the beautifully curated winter wonderland setting.
This was followed by an exquisite gourmet dinner, reinforcing the event’s reputation as winter’s most anticipated charity galas in Montreal.
Eric Fortin: A Chair with a Personal Mission
Presiding as this year’s Honorary Chair was Éric Fortin, President of Kastello Immobilier and a representative of the Fondation Lise et Richard Fortin.
His heartfelt speech resonated deeply with the audience as he shared his personal connection to the cause: “As the father of three young adults, I understand the immense challenges that teenagers face. Supporting the Youth in Mind Foundation means ensuring that our children have access to the resources they need to navigate adolescence with resilience and confidence.”
His passionate commitment was evident throughout the evening, as he engaged with guests and encouraged generous contributions to support Youth in Mind Foundation’s mission.
A Night of Generosity and Glamour
The highlight of the night was the overwhelming generosity of attendees. With an impressive $860,000 raised, this year’s event set a new record for the Youth in Mind Foundation, surpassing previous fundraising milestones. These funds will be directly allocated to expanding in-class workshops across Quebec, developing accessible online toolkits for teens and their families, and ensuring mental health prevention programs reach every young person in need.
Since its inception, Youth in Mind Foundation’s initiatives have reached nearly 1.4 million teenagers, equipping them with essential tools to manage psychological distress and build emotional resilience.
Montreal’s Must-Attend Winter Gala
Year after year, the Valentine’s Day Ball continues to be a highlight on Montreal’s social calendar, blending elegance with a profound social mission. Attendees left the event not only with cherished memories but also with the knowledge that their contributions will make a tangible difference in the lives of young people across Quebec.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Youth in Mind Foundation Valentine’s Day Ball
With tickets selling out in advance, those eager to partake in next year’s festivities should secure their spots early. The 22nd edition, set for February 12, 2026, will transport guests to the vibrant world of the Kentucky Derby.
Think pastel elegance, floral dresses, and stylish hats as the gala embraces the charm of Southern sophistication.
For those who missed this year’s event, the message is clear: Montreal’s most glamorous and impactful Valentine’s Day Ball is not to be missed. Reserve now and be part of a night that blends celebration with meaningful change.
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