Last Saturday, the 16th edition of the Happening Gala was held by the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence. Although the event took place online, it proved to be just as enjoyable and unique as always. Over 200 spectators attended the evening filled with magic, emotion, tenderness and fun, held under the honorary presidency of Ms. Diane Joly, President of Groupe DPJL, a damage insurance firm, and Intact Assurance. A total of $49,510 was raised for the Residence.
Magician Alain Choquette kicked off the event with a very touching and personal act through which he demonstrated the fragile nature of life and how it hangs by a thread. After a few magic tricks completed with the help of the audience’s participation, he took the opportunity to reiterate the 4 challenges currently faced by the Residence: 1) Recruiting new employees 2) Reviving community activities 3) Keeping care and services free of charge and 4) Communicating the Residence’s mission. Mr. Choquette wrapped up this portion of the evening with a beautiful moment filled with hope, represented by a multicoloured storm of butterflies. It proved the perfect transition to the emotion-filled testimonial video during which Mr. Boyer and Ms. Lamarche, whose family members passed away at the Residence, generously shared their experience. The video even showed images of Ms. Lamarche’s wedding, which was held at the Residence. The pair emphasized the Residence’s personalized approach to care and support, and the importance of donating generously to the cause.
Their truthful testimonies clearly touched the hearts of the audience and especially hit home for 16 of those in attendance who raised their hands to become Ambassadors of the Residence by donating $1,000.
The evening ended with the lively rhythms of musical group Electrik, who played the greatest pop hits of yesterday and today to an audience that had already moved the living room furniture aside in preparation for an evening of dancing. Participants who had purchased the event’s dinner package also got to indulge in the gourmet meal box prepared by renowned chef, Jérôme Ferrer.
COMMITTED PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
It is important to mention that the Happening is the result of a collective effort that relies on the support of valuable partners and sponsors. The Foundation wishes to thank them for their unwavering support: IGA Famille Déziel, Canadian Tire Ste-Agathe-des-Monts & Ste-Dorothée in Laval, Services de rebuts Soulanges, SAQ, Sanivac, Groupe AutoForce, Pharmacie Brunet Hudson and ICS.
Even in a virtual format, the warmth of the solidarity, recognition and attachment to the Residence could be felt.
