By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The annual Strangers In The Night gala, benefiting The West Island Women’s Shelter, the Marie-Eve Saulnier Foundation and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, is gearing up for its disco-themed event featuring, amongst many others, the 1970s groups the Village People and Boney M. will be held August 31st.

“Bring your dancing shoes because we are going to dance all night,” former professional ice hockey defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens Patrice Brisebois said at the official 2024 SITN launch announcement last Friday.

“Patrice and I focus our fundraising energy on Strangers In The Night. These beneficiaries are very close to our hearts,” author, influencer and event specialist Nadia Saputo told The Suburban.

Elected officials Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis, Pointe-Claire Mayor Tim Thomas and Kirkland City Councillor Karen Cliffe were recognized for their contributions and efforts to the event at the announcement made at the West Island Pigeon Café in Pointe-Claire, one of the businesses situated at the location where the event will take place. Westcliff Management is contributing the space in the plaza parking lot located at the east side of St-Jean Boulevard, just north of Highway 40, for the third consecutive year.

“I am very happy to see so many people supporting this. We are so glad to have this event here,” Thomas said. SITN originated in Pierrefonds-Roxboro, which continues to support the event by providing a stage and equipment. “We are very privileged to be part of this event,” Beis told The Suburban.

“There are a lot of volunteers that spend an enormous amount of time creating this event and are worthy of a note of affection. This is going to be another great one,” Cliffe, who plays a significant role in promoting the event, said.

The 2024 Honorary Chair Ralph Hagen of Hagen Pet Group stated his sense of pride being part of the event. “We don’t have pet owners anymore, we have pet parents. In these difficult times of uncertainty, to come home to unconditional love is a blessing. We are proud to be part of this event in the West Island community.”

This year, the SITN group also committed itself to hosting the Rib Fest in Pierrefonds-Roxboro to benefit the West Island Black Community Association, West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped and the West Island Big Brothers Big Sisters association.

“SITN is committed to its fundraising efforts. We spend nine months preparing for one night and it is completely worth it to see the community rally together for great causes,” SITN founder Larry Day said to The Suburban.

The event also serves as an opportunity for local talent to showcase their music and for restaurants and small businesses to make themselves known or grow their clientele. Over 50 restaurants participate each year, along with dozens of small business partners who showcase their services. n