Because a bratty kid is a healthy kid! Over 500 Quebecers attended the Bal des tannants for The Children's to celebrate the mischievous nature of children. 

The 21st edition of The Children’s Foundation ball raised $1,100,625 to help fund the most urgent needs at the Hospital so sick children in its care can return to their energetic, sometimes even bratty, selves.

After a two-year hiatus, Montreal’s business and community leaders, philanthropists, government ministers and other generous Montrealers gathered on May 12 at Starlink Aviation Hangar, for one of the most popular charitable galas of the Montreal social season. 

The honourary co-presidents were Mr. Roberto Di Giorgio, President, ALRE Properties Inc., Dr. Marie Di Maso, President, DGDM Family Foundation, Mr. Louis Vachon, Former President and Chief Executive Officer, National Bank, and Operating Partner, J.C. Flowers & Co., and Ms. Chantal Carrier.

“We’re happy and proud to support The Children’s, a cherished Montreal institution that cares for some of the sickest children in Quebec,” said Mr. Di Giorgio and Dr. Di Maso. “We want to thank everyone for joining us and making this event a great success so that young patients can return to their mischievous ways. Long live our little brats!”

“Montreal’s business and community leaders came together for a cause dear to our hearts. It is our honour to help The Children’s find Unexpected Ways to Heal and pursue its mission to provide the best possible care to all the kids and families who come through its doors,” stated Mr. Vachon and Ms. Carrier.

Guests embraced the ball’s theme of celebrating our precious little brats. While the event was a black-tie affair, guests were encouraged to display their bratty side by creatively accessorizing their outfits. Armando Arruda and Baptiste Peupion of RE Le Traiteur and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth created a playful and delicious menu.

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney and his wife Mila Mulroney; The Honourable L. Yves Fortier and his wife Carol Fortier; along with Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development for Quebec; and Lionel Carmant, Delegated Minister for Health and Social Services for Quebec attended the ball, brilliantly hosted by Ben Mulroney.

Laughter and tears in support of sick children

André-Philippe Gagnon, The Children’s Foundation new ambassador and talented impressionist, wowed guests with a private show featuring some of our most beloved icons.

The night’s highlight was when grateful parent Stephen shared the story of his daughter’s fight against a very rare form of cancer. Séanne was just five years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer, which had spread to her lungs. Hospitalized for months during the pandemic, she bravely endured radiation therapy, surgery to remove over two thirds of her liver and weeks of chemotherapy. Guests cheered, with tears in their eyes, when the two appeared onstage and it became apparent to all that, thanks to the care she received at The Children’s, Séanne has returned to her energetic, and occasionally bratty, self.

A heartfelt thank you!

The Children’s Foundation thanks ALRE Properties Inc., DGDM Family Foundation, Le Groupe Maurice, McCall MacBain Foundation, National Bank and Pfizer for supporting the Awards of Excellence, a proud annual tradition that recognizes the exceptional contributions made by hospital staff and volunteers to help sick children and their families.

Several members of the business community, notably Bell, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, RBC Banque Royale, The Perry Shak Group of RBC Dominion Securities, Sun Life and TD Bank Group responded to calls from the gala’s honorary co-presidents and organizing committee members by purchasing an Innovation table.

“On behalf of The Children’s Foundation, our heartfelt thanks go to Mr. Di Giorgio and Dr. Di Maso, and Mr. Vachon and Ms. Carrier for their commitment and incredible generosity,” said Renée Vézina, President of The Children’s Foundation. “I’d also like to highlight the indispensable contribution of the organizing committee, along with our other partners and volunteers, who worked to make this evening an outstanding success. Finally, I want to thank our guests who embraced the little brats’ theme and made this the most memorable ball ever.”

Read the press release.

Photos of the evening

Credit: Ryan Blau