During the Honorary Gala celebrating the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, the Fondation du CHUM raised over $3.6 million, one of the largest amounts ever raised in Canada for this type of event. The funds raised will help the CHUM pursue its mission of excellence, and so, the CHUM will name its hepatobiliary and pancreatic care unit in honour of this distinguished Prime Minister of Canada and in recognition of his generous commitment. The Fondation du CHUM was also able to count on the support of nearly 220 senior executives and business decision-makers who gathered last night at the Montreal Ritz-Carlton for the occasion.
“My family and I have been very touched by the Fondation du CHUM’s initiative. It was vital for each of us to get involved in our own way. We are proud of the amount raised, but most of all, extremely grateful for the great generosity shown by companies and donors,” said Mark Mulroney, Honorary President and Chair of the organizing committee.
“The success of this evening demonstrates the deep respect that the business community in Montreal and the rest of the country has for Brian Mulroney, a man who has made history in Canada. On behalf of the Fondation du CHUM, I would especially like to thank all the members of the Mulroney family, with special mention to Mark Mulroney, the great architect of the financial success of this evening, as well as the many Honorary Presidents for their outstanding contribution,” added the Chairman of the Fondation du CHUM’s Board of Directors, Marc Tremblay.
Treated in 2005 by the hepatobiliary and pancreatic care unit, Mr. Mulroney wished to share his eternal gratitude to the CHUM staff. “I’m always quite emotional when I remember those moments. It was a Thursday night, my loved ones were brought to my bedside… I thought my hour had come. Thanks to the CHUM experts, and more specifically to Dr. André Roy, an emergency surgery saved my life. I wanted to give back to the CHUM to thank those I will never forget,” said the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney.
“The CHUM is unique in the world; it’s not just a hospital, it’s a world leader in health. The support and mobilization of the business community is essential to the pursuit of our mission of care, education, research and innovation for the service of the population. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, whose name is now and will forever be associated with our institution,” said CHUM President and CEO, Dr. Fabrice Brunet.
A major event for an exceptional man
Hosted by the sons of Mr. Brian Mulroney, Mark and Ben, the evening was a tribute to the accomplishments and highlights of this exceptional man’s life. Elizabeth Theodora Lapham, daughter of Caroline Mulroney, played two songs with emotion for her grandfather. Guests enjoyed a fabulous menu designed by Chef Alain Passard, owner of the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Arpège de Paris, and prepared with the assistance of Chef Johnny Porte, Executive Chef of the Montreal Ritz-Carlton.
“The Fondation du CHUM must constantly reinvent itself to help the CHUM push the limits of excellence and offer the best care possible, specialized and highly specialized, to all Quebecers. We are proud to have expanded our efforts with this Honorary Gala,” said the Fondation du CHUM President and CEO, Julie Chaurette.
The Fondation du CHUM would like to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of the Honorary Presidents of the evening: Messrs. Alain Bouchard, Stephen Bronfman, Paul G. Desmarais Jr., Pierre Lassonde, Mark Mulroney,Pierre Karl Péladeau, Calin Rovinescu and Michael Sabia, who, together, rallied large corporations around the CHUM’s cause.
The success of this gala evening is also thanks to its many partners, namely Scotiabank, the extraordinary patron of the event, as well as the following companies: Air Canada, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Alvin Segal Family Foundation, Banque Nationale, BMO Groupe financier, Bombardier, Cadillac Fairview, CIBC, Claridge, CN, Dream, GardaWorld, Groupe Bruce Kent, IBM, Ivanhoé Cambridge, La Capitale Assurance et services financiers, Provigo, Norton Rose Fulbright, Omers, Peerless Clothing, Power Corporation du Canada, Québecor, RBC Banque Royale, Stingray, StorageVault, TD Securities, TFI International and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
