Save the Date for the 73rd Annual St. Mary's Ball - November 11, 2010
St. Mary's Ball 2009 - Celebration of 72 years of compassionate patient-centered care to the Montreal community
An unprecedented success, this year’s Ball welcomed well over 750 people who enjoyed an evening of wonder-filled moments as they danced the night away to the music of Paul Chacra and his 1945 Orchestra as well as the Boogie Wonder Band.
70’s was the theme as Montreal business, medical and community leaders converged at the Windsor Station in generous support of St. Mary’s Hospital Center and raised over $1.57 million dollars (net) - 100% of which will go towards establishing the FIRST McGill Chair in Family and Community Medicine Research at St. Mary’s.
It was definitely a night to remember… Windsor Station was awash in vibrant reds, oranges, pinks and illuminated by cascading chandeliers. Guests were treated to an elegant champagne cocktail and then whisked into the Ballroom where they were blessed with Montreal artist Sylvie Desgroseilliers phenomenal rendition of "Amazing Grace." The gastronomic dining experience featured the Ocean’s Delight starter, Quebec lamb, baked figs and local cheeses and ended with a sparkling display of Baked Alaskas… all beautifully paired with enticing wines that were rated 94+ by none other than Wine Spectator’s international editor, James Suckling.
The rare and wonderful raffle prizes tempted all the guests, in particular the chance to spend a luxurious week at the elegant Paradisus Palma Real Resort in Punta Cana.
The silent auction proved a tremendous success with its wide array of exclusive items and experiences, including a slice of heaven – a week at a luxurious beachfront home located on the North Shore of Oahu, a week at the “Casa Heavenly” villa overlooking Acapulco Bay, cat skiing at the exquisite Island Lake Lodge in Fernie BC, wines that would enhance even the most discerning palates, a painting by the renowned Quebec artist Claude Simard and exquisite jewellery, to name a few…
In a time plagued by economic instability, the participation of the caring and benevolent guests was truly “wonder-ful” and will help create wonders big and small at St. Mary’s each and every day.
Pore over our photo gallery below to feel the many marvellous moments captured at the St. Mary’s Ball - a memorable gala evening filled with colour, music and dance!
Click here to view the video presented for the first time at The Ball and that captured the guests’ imagination as they saw how St. Mary’s is truly a Small Wonder.
Photos from St. Mary’s Ball 2009
Scroll through our photo gallery just below to view the many unforgettable moments that filled the evening.
For more photos and information on reprints, please visit Nathalie Hervé’s website at www.nathalieherve.ca/baldestmary/ or contact her directly at: 514.624.7533 (office), 514.772.7075 (cellular) or nathalie.herve@sympatico.ca.
History of St. Mary’s Ball
The Auxiliary of St. Mary’s Hospital hosted their first annual dance at the Montreal Hunt Club in 1937 and netted $713.31 for hospital projects. Ten years later it was billed as The St. Mary’s Ball and eventually became a prestigious occasion at which doctors and Board members were able to introduce their daughters into Montreal society as white-gowned debutantes. Honoured guests such as Pierre Elliot Trudeau and Senator John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie, have attended over the years, as well as many Governor Generals and Lieutenant Governors.
Since 2001, St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation has led this time-honoured tradition of rallying the Montreal corporate and community leaders for what has become the flagship event of the year… THE single largest fundraiser that showcases the Hospital and the compassionate patient-centered care that St. Mary’s is renown for.
