The 5th edition of the Grand Banquet de l’extraodinaire, a CHUM Foundation benefit gala, took place on March 19 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal. For one magical evening, nearly 600 guests from the medical and business communities gathered for a cause deeply precious to their hearts: health. Thanks to their commitment, $1.6 million was raised.
This sum, as impressive as it is essential, will enable CHUM teams to continue advancing care, innovation, research, and education at this world-class hospital, for both present and future generations.
“What strikes me, year after year, at our Grand Banquet is seeing the strength of a committed and confident community, aware that to act faster than disease, everyone must play a role. It is this collective effort that allows the CHUM teams to always go a little further, to the benefit of thousands of patients.”
— Pascale Bouchard, President and Chief Executive Officer, CHUM Foundation
A tribute to the CHUM Intensive Care & Burn Unit
With the theme of “Time”, the Grand Banquet highlighted the exceptional work of the CHUM Intensive Care & Burn Unit.
In this very special unit, time runs at a different pace. Every moment is lived with the absolute intensity of the present, and sometimes, everything must be done in a matter of seconds in order to save a life.
The CHUM Intensive Care & Burn Unit is the largest of its kind in Quebec. A hub for highly specialized care, it brings together an impressive and diverse team: intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, infusion therapists, and many others working together to provide complex care, 24 hours a day.
This unit stands out for its rare and indispensable expertise, as well as for a culture of innovation that is deeply rooted and brought to life every day by its staff.
Learn more about the work of the Intensive Care & Burn Unit*
*Video in French only
An extraordinarily festive and gastronomic experience
In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, guests enjoyed a lively evening, hosted by none other than actor Jean-Nicolas Verreault. Entertainment included live musicians and Mia Tinayre, the winner of Star Académie, who delivered energizing and emotional performances.
The menu, curated by François-Emmanuel Nicol, Chef and co-owner of the two-Michelin-starred Tanière³, in collaboration with Marc-André Jetté, Chef and owner of Hoogan et Beaufort, treated guests to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Collective Momentum Inspired by Our Honorary Co-chairs
Driven by the vision and commitment of Honorary Co-chairs, Lucas Pontillo, Executive Director, Global Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy at Fiera Capital, and Annick Charbonneau, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Accelia Capital, the Grand Banquet was a true catalyst for the cause. Their invaluable efforts infused the event with a unifying energy that greatly contributed to its success.
By wholeheartedly embodying the mission of the CHUM Foundation, the Honorary Co-chairs rallied philanthropists and business leaders around a cause that’s of great importance to all Quebec society.
“At Fiera, we fundamentally believe in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact in our communities. And the CHUM does exactly that: make a real impact, every day, on the lives of patients, on healthcare teams, and on entire families. I am proud to have helped celebrate and honour these shared values during an evening as spectacular as the Grand Banquet de l’extraordinaire.“
— Lucas Pontillo, Executive Director, Global Chief Financial Officer, and Head of Corporate Strategy, Fiera Capital
“The Grand Banquet de l’extraordinaire was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable dedication of the CHUM teams while embodying Accelia Capital’s commitment to the health of future generations. Every gesture, every contribution during this exceptional evening, shows that together, we can create a lasting impact and build a more inclusive and equitable world.”
— Annick Charbonneau, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Accelia Capital
Partners Committed to the Cause
The success of this evening was made possible thanks to an exceptional collective commitment. The CHUM Foundation expresses its deep gratitude to its major partners:
- Accelia Capital and Fiera Capital, Honorary Co-chairs
- Groupe HD, Quebecor, McGill Immobilier and Engel & Völkers, Major Patrons
- National Bank — Private Banking 1859 and Sophie Labrecque & Jean Gattuso, Patron
- Fondation des pompiers du Québec, Bourse de l’extraordinaire
- Norton Rose Fulbright et Lafond, Bienfaiteurs
- Audi Popular, Valet Partner
- Lafond and Norton Rose Fulbright, Benefactors
The Grand Banquet de l’extraordinaire will be taking a pause in 2027.
Would you like to take part or get involved in a meaningful, large-scale event?
We would love to hear from you — feel free to reach out at evenement@fondationduchum.com.