The McCord Museum Foundation raises nearly $900,000 through its three benefit activities

Montreal, May 22, 2024 – This spring, the McCord Stewart Museum held its two unmissable events, the elegant Grand Ball and the electrifying Sugar Ball, as well as its very first charity auction supported by Encadrex. Thanks to the proceeds from these three charity events, the Museum will benefit from nearly $900,000 in funds, allowing it to pursue its mission of preserving and disseminating our historical, artistic and cultural heritage through its innovative exhibitions and programming. The generosity of philanthropists is critical amidst a difficult economic climate and shrinking sources of public funding. The donations collected by the McCord Museum Foundation cover more than 30% of the Montreal cultural institution’s annual budget.

“The Museum balls took place on the 9th floor of the former Eaton’s Centre, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, which reopened its doors after 25 years, following a splendid restoration. Six displays featuring Art Deco artworks and objects from the McCord Stewart Museum collection, as well as a few older pieces, are also helping to revitalize this iconic downtown Montreal landmark,” says Anne Eschapasse, President and CEO of the McCord Stewart Museum. “The two benefit events were exceptional, both for the financial results and for the experience of this unique setting, elevated by Dick Walsh’s sophisticated artistic direction. We’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved, and to the three remarkable co-chairs for their enthusiastic involvement and great generosity,” adds Amélie Saint-Pierre, Executive Director of the McCord Stewart Foundation.

Grand Ball

Celebrating the theme FLASH, more than 450 people from Montreal’s business and cultural communities gathered in the name of philanthropy on Thursday, May 2, 2024. In keeping with its commitment to sustainable development, the Museum took care to select local vendors, to avoid single-use items and to develop a virtual program. The result was an eco-friendly benefit event presided over by honorary co-chairs Bernard Leblanc, CEO, La Maison Simons, Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO, Palais des congrès de Montréal, and Delphine Le Serre, PhD, Founder and President, EdHu2050. Many generous partners, such as Maestro Culinaire, welcomed guests with a generous cocktail and a colourful, seasonal gourmet dinner. Wine pairings were provided courtesy of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ).

Sugar Ball

On Friday, May 3, the Sugar Ball organized by the McCord Young Philanthropist Committee – co-chaired by Jiad Ghoussoub and Zoé Trahan – and presented by Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, provided a VIP experience for more than 600 young professionals in the form of a networking cocktail party in partnership with BNP Paribas from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a fabulous evening of festivities from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The refined cocktail bar was held by Distillerie de Montréal while guests were able to enjoy the offerings of some twenty food partners, including the restaurants Ile-de-France, Pangea, Le Richmond, the Time Out Market and its five participating restaurants (Red Tiger, Blossom, Ibéricos, Il Miglio and Campo), as well as Mignon Churros & Nougat, Ferreira, Bernie Beigne, Ciccio’s, Café Chez Téta, Brera, Bevo, Fiorellino and Café Olimpico. Guests were able to awaken their inner fashion model with the Dior Beauty installation and the photo studio hosted by Royal Photo, Profoto and Shape. The much-anticipated candy bar was also a highlight of the evening thanks to products from Regal and Terry’s.

We would also like to thank our philanthropic partners, Sun Life, La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Fasken and Armco Québec, for their support for both events.

For any additional information:

• Grand Ball
• Sugar Ball

Images de presse

Grand Ball photographs

Sugar Ball photographs