The 2024 St. Mary’s Ball Update

The 87th annual St. Mary’s Ball raises an incredible $1,251,850 NET!

Our wondrous Centennial celebration also marked the launch of
St. Mary’s $100 million Next Century of Care campaign.

Friday, November 1, 2024
The Concourse, Windsor Station

On this once-in-a-century occasion, leaders of the St. Mary’s community and their distinguished guests gathered to celebrate our Hospital’s Centennial in the sumptuous surroundings of Windsor Station’s Salle des Pas Perdus. It was a spectacular soirée, during which participants dined, danced, and rejoiced in each other’s company – in true St. Mary’s style.

Our St. Mary’s Ball Visionary Women Leaders, Anne-Marie Boucher, Sylvie Chagnon, Adriana Embiricos, Mary Gallery, and Arielle Meloul-Wechsler – who each pledged $1 million to build and secure the future of community healthcare at St. Mary’s – joined the more than 750 sophisticated guests at the opening champagne cocktail reception. Referencing the 1920s (the decade in which St. Mary’s was founded) with a speakeasy-style bar and a life-size replica of the original Hospital gates, the room bustled with activity and lively conversation.

Guests made their way into the ballroom, whose décor followed an elegant blue-and-gold motif. Lush floral displays graced the tables while scintillating candelabras brought a touch of intimacy to the dimly-lit dining space.

The evening was expertly hosted by Foundation Board Chairman Arthur Wechsler and Executive Member of the Foundation Board and Board of Governors Rachel Renaud, who introduced all five Ball Visionary Women Leaders and Foundation President & CEO Cynda Heward as they walked onto the center stage. The six women leaders shared poignant testimonies highlighting the profound impact St. Mary’s has had on each of their lives.

After a video running through St. Mary’s rich 100-year history, the Foundation officially launched its $100 million Next Century of Care campaign, which will play a key role in safeguarding St. Mary’s legacy for the generations to come.

The culinary experience of the evening was crafted by Montréal’s celebrated chef Adele Forgione from Ristorante Beatrice, who curated a four-course dinner menu which included beetroot carpaccio, lobster farro risotto, veal scallopini, and a delicate pavlova adorned with fluffy Chantilly cream and berries. Each course was thoughtfully paired with specialty wines selected by the SAQ.

We were also very pleased to welcome the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who was the guest of longtime friend and St. Mary’s Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Mathieu Walker.

Guests were treated to a memorable performance of the Sister Sledge song “We Are Family” by “looping” artist Alex Maher, who ingeniously recreated the classic tune by playing and live-recording different instruments, all while dancers from the Sonia Balazovjech Dance Company gracefully sashayed through the audience. Bridget Fetterly and her husband Paolo Bassi opened a traditional dance routine that paid homage to the white-gloved debutantes of the very first St. Mary’s Balls. Throughout the night, Paul Chacra’s 1945 Band and DJ Psychology delivered high-octane performances that kept the dance floor alive.

One of the highlights of the evening was the raffle and silent auction, which featured sought-after prizes and refined experiences. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our young volunteers, dressed in chic black-and-white dresses by Suzy Shier/Le Château, for their dedication in managing the frenzy of bidding and ticket sales!

Proceeds from the 2024 St. Mary’s Ball will be invested in our Hospital’s priorities, including the full range of vital services relating to Women’s Health which impact countless women of ALL ages in our community.

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!

Please mark November 7^th, 2025 in your calendar for next year’s St. Mary’s Ball!

Click here for more photos of the 2024 St. Mary’s Ball.

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Click on the year for past St. Mary’s Ball photos
2024 ● 2023 ● 2022 ● 2021 ● 2020 ● 2019 ● 2018 ● 2017 ● 2016 ● 2015 ● 2014 ● 2013 ● 2012 ● 2011 ● 2010 ● 2009

Thank you to our sponsors:

Emperor Level Sponsors

Imperial Level Sponsors

Regent Level Sponsors

Royal Level Sponsor

President’s Circle Level Sponsors

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