BMO AND MERCK LEAD THE WAY TO
FUNDRAISING SUCCESS!
From
left: Francois Hudon, Patricia Massetti, Caroline Tison &Claude
Papasian
(Photo courtesy of Denis Morisset, DM Photo)
Pointe-Claire, January 31, 2011. - Why did more than 260 business, government and community leaders gather at 40 Westt Steakhouse and Rawbar on January 31st? The answer is: to support West Island Community Shares by attending its Red & White Benefit Evening. Under the co-chairmanship of François Hudon, Senior Vice President - Quebec Division and Specialized Sales, Bank of Montreal and Patricia Massetti, Vice President, Public Affairs and Patient Access, Merck Canada, a total of $125,000 was raised. This represents 52% more than last year and surpassed the goal of $100,000 that had been set by the organizing committee.
“It’s very gratifying to see leaders from so many different fields unite to help make the West Island a strong, safe and healthy place to live and work,” said Claude Papasian, President of West Island Community Shares.
The 7th annual Red & White Benefit Evening was completely sold out by early January leaving some loyal supporters on a waiting list for tickets. The staff of 40 Westt went out of their way to accommodate additional supporters while maintaining the quality and service the restaurant is known for.
West Island Community Shares launched its fundraising campaign in September with the ambitious goal of raising $1,000,000. To reach this goal, it enlisted the help of two superhero mascots who, except for their costumes, which include green capes and boots, could be any man or woman who lives or works in the West Island.
“We adopted the mascots to show that everyone can be a hero and do something amazing for their community,” said Caroline Tison, director general. “Tonight is proof of that."
In addition to the evening’s co-chairs, the event sponsors included – Broccolini Construction, Spinelli Lexus Lachine & Pointe-Claire, Pharmaprix (Beaconsfield, Kirkland, Pierrefonds and Pointe-Claire-Triad), Vivalis & Vent de l’Ouest, b-Mod Communications, Aqua Spa Lyne Giroux, AVON, Radio Q 92.5, Bravo Party Rentals Inc., Duocom, Cités Nouvelles and the Chronicle, Private Event Design, Transcontinental and Westmount Moving.
Yolande James, MNA for Nelligan and Minister of Families, was also in attendance as were Monique Worth, Mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Edgar Rouleau, Mayor of Dorval.
A portion of each ticket sold went towards West Island Community Shares 2010-2011 annual fundraising campaign, as did all of the proceeds of a silent auction and a raffle that took place during the evening. The raffle alone raised $16,500 thanks to prize donors. The first prize was a trip for two to Paris offered by Uniglobe Lexus including 5 nights at the Paris Marriott Champs Élysées offered by the Montreal Aéroport Marriott. Other prize donors were Mansfield Pointe-Claire, Guerlain, Aqua Spa Lyne Giroux and Au Carré.
West Island Community Shares’ structure is unique in Canada. Corporate partners cover administrative costs, allowing it to distribute 100% of funds raised to the charitable groups it supports. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise and distribute $1,000,000 by March 31st. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.communityshares.ca.
