23rd edition of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs: $1,380,000 raised for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

September 8, 2023
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The 23^rd edition of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs, which marks the beginning of the fall philanthropic season, took place on Thursday, September 7, in the historic setting of New City Gas. Nearly 900 members from the business community, including emerging leaders, gathered for the flagship event of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF). Together, they raised $1,380,000 for cardiovascular health.

The event was hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord and included the traditional gourmet banquet. This was then followed by a new festive gathering: the Après-Bal des Vins-Cœurs. Under the theme “Lux – lumière sur les vainqueurs” (A spotlight on champions), guests were immersed into the heart of the mission at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) and were introduced to patients whose lives were transformed thanks to the professionals at the MHI. Finally, the Foundation provided guests with a sneak peek of its next awareness campaign.

Olivier Desmarais, Honorary President

The honorary president of the 23^rd edition was Olivier Desmarais, Senior Vice President at Power Corporation and Chair and CEO of Power Sustainable.

“Olivier Desmarais is very involved in the community. His in-depth experience and dedication make him an extraordinary mobilizing force for cardiovascular health,” said Daniel Lamarre, Chair of the MHIF’s Board of Directors.

“My family has cared deeply about the Montreal Heart Institute’s mission since the 1980s and I am honoured to continue to build on this tradition with my humble contribution. By pledging to raise awareness for the cause, I want to create a tangible, positive impact on advances in cardiovascular medicine,” said Mr. Desmarais.

Canadians are more at risk

Nine out of 10 Canadians over the age of 20 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. To reverse this trend, the MHI and its Foundation are, thanks to generous donors, investing in the most cutting-edge fields to meet an ambitious goal: reduce the number of cardiovascular events by 30% by 2030.

“Every year, contributions from our donors provide the Institute’s professionals with the means they need to invest in scientific research, active prevention and precision medicine in order to improve the cardiovascular prognosis of patients thanks to treatments that are increasingly tailored to a patient’s specific characteristics,” said Yannick Elliott, Executive Director of the MHIF.

Since its first edition in 2001, the Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs has raised more than $33 million for cardiovascular health. The Foundation wishes to thank its platinum partners, Power Sustainable, Scotia Bank, Power Corporation of Canada and PearTree Canada as well as its founding partners, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and the SAQ.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Founded in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and administers funds to support the Institute’s priority and innovative projects and fight cardiovascular diseases, the world’s number one cause of mortality. Its philanthropic events and the contributions of its donors have enabled this leading cardiovascular health care organization to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Since its creation, the Foundation has raised more than $350 million in donations. Its 27,822 donors helped make important discoveries and support specialists, professionals and researchers of the Institute to provide care at the cutting edge of technology to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the Montreal Heart Institute

Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training and prevention. It houses the largest research centre in Canada, the largest cardiovascular prevention centre in the country and a cardiovascular genetics centre. The Institute is affiliated with Université de Montréal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 physicians and more than 85 researchers.

From left to right: Mark Smith, President, Pandion Investments Ltd.; Raluca Grajdieru, Director of Client Services, PearTree; Stéphane Lefebvre, President and CEO, Cirque du Soleil Group; Daniel Lamarre, Chairman of the Board, MHIF; Olivier Desmarais, Senior Vice President, Power Corporation and Chairman and CEO, Power Sustainable; Alain Gignac, President, MHIF; Mélanie La Couture, President and CEO, MHI; Geneviève Brouillard, Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region, Scotiabank; Yannick Elliott, Executive Director, MHIF; Éric Bédard, Chairman, MHI; and Jacques Farcy, President and CEO, SAQ