The 2025 St. Mary’s Ball Update

The 88^th Annual St. Mary’s Ball Raises an Outstanding $2,023,500!

A Night of Visionary Design, Unwavering Community Support, and Inspiring Tributes

Friday, November 7, 2025
The Concourse, Windsor Station

The 88th annual St. Mary’s Ball was a resounding success, bringing together over 600 community leaders, friends, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and celebration. Hosted in the historic Salle des pas perdus at Windsor Station, this year’s Ball perfectly captured the spirit of the St. Mary’s community: elegant, heartfelt, and united in purpose.

A Night of Visionary Design

Under the inspired leadership of Ball Co-Chairs Stephen J. Kelly, Chair of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and Lindsay Matthews, a room full of esteemed guests gathered for a night themed around visionary design and trailblazing modernity.

The ballroom radiated with rich earthy tones, warm wood accents, and bold geometric motifs – a breathtaking nod to mid-century elegance. Lush florals and greenery softened the lines, creating a space both refined and inviting.

Guests arrived in dazzling gowns and tailored suits, their style perfectly complementing the room’s amber glow and intimate lighting. The result was an ambiance of understated sophistication, where laughter and conversation flowed seamlessly throughout the night.

Inspiring Leadership and Gratitude

Stephen and Lindsay opened the evening with a heartfelt message about the importance of coming together to shape the future of St. Mary’s Hospital.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Foundation’s Next Century of Care campaign – a transformative initiative supporting six strategic pillars, including the modernization of the Emergency Department (ED).

Guests were later moved by an impassioned address from Dr. Jason Freder, Chief of St. Mary’s Emergency Department, whose words conveyed both the life-changing impact of donor support and his deep appreciation and respect for his colleagues on the front lines of care. His tribute brought the audience to their feet in applause

Champions of St. Mary’s

Arthur Wechsler, outgoing Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, and Nadia Wendowsky, the Foundation’s new President and CEO, introduced the evening’s honoured guests – Antonio and Mary Louise Sacconaghi.

Their story began at the St. Mary’s Ball in 1961, where they met and fell in love. Over six decades later, their family remains deeply connected to St. Mary’s, where all three of their children were born.

In tribute to this legacy, their children – Alessandra, Gabrielle, and Toni Sacconaghi – made a generous family gift launching the Champions of St. Mary’s initiative. Surrounded by loved ones, Antonio and Mary Louise accepted this moving recognition with grace and emotion.

Culinary Excellence

Dinner, prepared by Ristorante Beatrice, featured a refined four-course menu celebrating the season’s best flavours – salmon crudo, sage-and-ricotta ravioli, braised short rib, and pumpkin cheesecake with blood orange and caramel coulis. Each course was expertly paired with exquisite wines selected by the SAQ.

Distinguished Guests and Entertainment

Among the evening’s special guests were Michelle Setlakwe, Deputy for Mont-Royal–Outremont, Désirée McGraw, Deputy for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Senator Tony Loffreda (Shawinigan, Québec), who joined in celebrating this cherished tradition.

Guests were treated to dazzling performances by the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra, the Chacra Crooners, and DJ Eric the Tutor, who kept the dance floor alive until the final note.

Raffle and Silent Auction

The raffle and silent auction were major highlights, offering coveted prizes and exclusive experiences. The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, elegantly dressed by Suzy Shier/Le Château, for their energy and professionalism in managing ticket sales and auction excitement throughout the evening.

Community Impact

Thanks to your generosity, the 2025 St. Mary’s Ball raised $2,023,500 in support of Hospital priorities, including the modernization of the Emergency Department – which welcomes more than 35,000 patients each year and is consistently recognized for its exceptional quality of care.

Your contributions directly strengthen our Hospital’s ability to provide compassionate, leading-edge treatment for every patient who walks through our doors.

We are sincerely grateful for all of our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and patrons. Your generosity and dedication are at the heart of our continued success. Thank you!

Stay tuned for details of next year’s 89th St. Mary’s Ball, which promises to be another unforgettable evening celebrating care, compassion, and community.

Click here for more photos of the 2025 St. Mary’s Ball.

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Thank you to our sponsors:

Emperor Level Sponsors

Imperial Level Sponsors

Regent Level Sponsors

Royal Level Sponsor

President’s Circle Level Sponsors

Special thank you to our partners:

For more information, please contact Kristine Hebert, Director of Events at 514-734-2694 or kris.hebert.comtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca