Le Bal Rouge 2023

A glamorous evening for a good cause

Celebration was in the air at Le Bal Rouge 2023. The MUHC Foundation’s signature gala raised a stunning $1.68 million to support breathtaking research and breath-giving care at the Montreal Chest Institute of the MUHC.

Taking place at the historic Windsor Station, the upscale, luxury event was an homage to The Great Gatsby and the Roaring 20s. Guests climbed the grand staircases to be greeted by a cocktail reception featuring canapés, oysters and plenty of champagne. All were delighted by a 360-degree photobooth and a living statue who posed for photos.

When the doors opened for dinner, guests were dazzled by art deco-inspired décor, including touches of velvet and marble, and large centrepieces featuring pale pink roses and deep purple peonies. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, completing the glamorous setting.

Le Bal Rouge co-chairs Maria Della Posta, Lucie Guillemette, Sacha Haque and Lisa Giannone kicked off the evening with speeches about the incredible work of the MUHC’s Division of Respiratory Medicine (also known as the Montreal Chest Institute) and the ground-breaking respiratory research taking place at the MUHC. Dr. Kevin Schwartzman, Director of the Division of Respiratory Medicine, was honoured at the gala for his leadership, contributions to tuberculosis research and the MUHC’s COVID-19 response.

A sumptuous four-course meal by celebrated chef Armando Arruda and his team from the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel featured tiger shrimp and smoked salmon, lobster Newburg, Tournedos Rossini and a gorgeous art deco take on cherries jubilee. Between courses, guests were treated to electrifying performances by Paul Chacra’s 1945 The Band. DJ Fafa Khan provided many dance-worthy tracks, encouraging guests to take to the dance floor.

Guests had the opportunity to win fabulous prizes by participating in a fundraising raffle. Ten lucky winners received fabulous prizes, with all proceeds going to the MUHC Foundation to support respiratory research and care. Prizes included the best seats in the house at a Montreal Canadiens game, a diamond necklace courtesy of Kaufmann de Suisse and a grand prize of four business class tickets anywhere in the world, courtesy of Air Canada.

Since 2016, the MUHC Foundation’s Le Bal Rouge has raised over $6.7 million to support a variety of important causes at the MUHC. The MUHC Foundation is incredibly grateful to the gala’s many sponsors and everyone who attended the memorable evening.