The 9 ^th annual Bal du Cœur raises $490,000 for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Saturday, February 10th, 2007, Château Vaudreuil and its elegant lakeside pavilion were transformed into a magical winter wonderland as the 9th annual Bal du Cœur got underway. Under the honorary chairmanship of Herbert Black, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Iron & Metal Co. Inc., the gala raised an impressive $490,000 for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF).

A driving force behind the Bal, Mr. Meti, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking and International Services and member of the Executive Committee at the National Bank of Canada, was supported by an organizing committee that included Dana Ades, Jasmine Nadeau, Gloria Meti, Joseph P. Capano, Jean Lafleur, Raymond Massi, Benito Migliorati and Dr. Peter Guerra. With encouragement from MHIF's Suzanne LeBreux, Director, Events and Fundraising, the committee worked with its customary zeal and generosity.

The greater part of the proceeds was earmarked for the Bal du coeur's Heart Grants. These are traditionally awarded to Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) physicians to help fund their studies abroad, allowing them return with specialized expertise that will contribute to increasing the existing body of knowledge and skill at the MHI, in addition to helping retain the services of cardiology specialists. This year, a first grant of $50,000 was awarded to Dr. Marc Jolicoeur, who has just completed his first semester at the reputable Clinical Research Institute of Duke University, where he is studying the regeneration of diseased hearts.

A second Heart Grant of $25,000 was awarded to Dr. Ismail El-Hamamsy, a cardiac surgery resident at the MHI. Dr. El-Hamamsy, a University of Montreal graduate, is currently at the Imperial College of London pursuing a Ph.D. in basic research on tissue engineering of heart valves.

A third grant, in the amount of $10,000, was awarded to anesthesiologist Dr. André Denault for his postdoctoral studies that will allow him to better understand and treat hemodynamic instability, the main factor which can lead to death during heart surgery.

The 380 or so renowned guests were whisked away on a gastronomic journey and enjoyed an exquisite feast prepared by Château Vaudreuil's talented executive chef, Nicola Di Pardo. In a majestic décor, guests were also treated to a live band, much to everyone's delight.

For this exceptional soirée, Digicom was responsible for creating a tribute video for Herbert Black, complete with touching moments, while David Giliati Design took care of producing the gala booklets. Groupe de Présentation Corpav delivered outstanding audio-visual support and François Roberge of La vie en Rose kept up his long-standing tradition by providing superb party gifts for the ladies.

The Foundation would like to warmly thank the gala's donors, partners and collaborators.  Their support made this fundraising event an outstanding success!