The Beach Boys

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Beach Boys are riding a wave into Montreal’s West Island this summer, making a splash as headliners for the milestone 20th anniversary of Strangers in the Night — a gala that’s surfed from a 500-person gathering to the city’s most anticipated charity spectacular.

During an intimate press conference at 40 Westt restaurant in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, event founder Larry Day unveiled plans for the June 21 celebration that promises to transform Pointe-Claire into a summer paradise, complete with sand, pools, and the iconic sounds of America’s favourite band.

Local elected officials Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis and Pointe-Claire Mayor Tim Thomas emphasized the event’s impact on local communities. “This initiative not only raises funds but raises crucial awareness, benefiting both the charities and West Island citizens,” Beis noted.

Philanthropist Nadia Saputo, a cornerstone sponsor of the event, alongside her husband Patrice Brisebois, announced a personal commitment to contribute daily during the 20-day Make-A-Wish campaign leading up to the June gala. The campaign aims to raise $500 per day to help grant children’s wishes.

The 2025 edition will support three vital causes. Perry Gianis from the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation announced its $2 million campaign for a new pavilion, noting it was named in memory of his niece who lost her battle with brain cancer at age five. “This pavilion is more than a building — it’s a testament to her spirit and all children who have battled impossible odds,” Gianis explained.

Lauren Donnelly from Make-A-Wish emphasized the profound impact of their work: “Every twenty minutes in Canada, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness. These wishes are more than just dreams. They’re powerful moments that allow children to leave behind the doctors and medical procedures, creating life-changing positivity.” The foundation currently has 1,220 children waiting for their wishes to be granted.

Teresa Scutari from the West Island Women’s Shelter delivered a stark message about domestic violence. “Quebec remains the worst province in Canada for feminicide, with 17 women and children dying as a result of conjugal violence,” she said. “The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 have only intensified the challenges facing women and children in abusive situations.”

The entertainment lineup promises good vibrations across multiple stages. While The Beach Boys bring their endless summer to the main stage, The Fort Miller Company will grace the VIP section, Bob Marley tribute band Exodus will heat up the Ultra VIP beach party, and Montreal’s own The Damn Truth will keep the energy high at the after-party.

Corporate support continues to swell, with Rolf Hagen Jr., CEO of the Rolf C. Hagen Group, joining as presenting sponsor. Air Canada’s Valerie Durand reflected on their fifteen-year partnership, while Genesis West Island and Gabriel Groupe signed on as key sponsors for this milestone year.

“From our humble beginnings outside the Firm nightclub in Dorval to today’s grand-scale production, this event has always been about community,” Day reminisced. Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Patrice Brisebois, a long-time committee member, added that “passion and change remain at the heart of Strangers.”

The celebration kicks off with an inaugural VIP launch party at 40 Westt restaurant on April 3. A highlight of the summer gala will be a unique silent auction featuring a painting from a Pointe-Claire art studio, to be signed by The Beach Boys on the first day of summer — ensuring good vibrations continue long after the music fades.

For more information about Strangers in the Night 2025, visit strangersinthenight.ca. n