By Chelsey St-Pierre
The 25th Annual Valentine’s Ball in support of the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence was a triumph raising $680,000, There were nearly 450 guests, sponsors, and donors. The Ball was held at Château Vaudreuil’s Pavillion sur le Lac, under the Honorary Presidency of Barry F. Lorenzetti. Dale Weil, Executive Director of the Residence said, “Tonight, we celebrate our remarkably supportive community, the benevolence of our donors, the dedication of our sponsors, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers and employees who embody the Residence’s mission, providing quality palliative care for patients and their families day-in and day-out. The resonance of support from our community is truly profound, and we are sincerely thankful for their commitment.”
The 25th edition of the Ball not only marked a significant milestone but also provided a moment to honor Russell Williams, co-founder of the Residence. Amidst the festivities, a special segment was dedicated to acknowledging his contribution to the inception and success of the Residence. The gourmet dinner was followed by a surprise duet performance by Barry and Brittany Kennel and an evening of dancing with The Fundamentals.
Emcees for the evening were Yolande James, Managing Director and Head of Strategic Communications and Global Governmental Affairs at PSP Investment and Jamie Orchard, journalist and Senior Advisor, Public Relations & Media, VIA Rail Canada. Barry F. Lorenzetti, CEO and Founder of BFL Canada stressed the importance of getting involved in the community. Elected officials in attendance included MP Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-St-Louis), and MNA’s Monsef Derraji (Nelligan), Brigitte Garceau (Robert Baldwin), as well as West Island mayors Jim Beis, Heidi Ektvedt, Tim Thomas, Alex Bottauscii.
Major sponsors were BFL Canada, Broccolini, Pfizer Canada, Merck Canada, Hagen Group, TASK, Delmar International, Voluntas commemoration and Roxboro Excavation.