Montréal, Thursday, August 18, 2011
The 11th Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs, one of the most important philanthropic gatherings in Quebec

André Desmarais to be honoured at the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs 2011

The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation and the Chair of its Board of Directors,
Mr. Henri-Paul Rousseau, are pleased to invite you to the 11th Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs, a lavish evening where nearly 900 guests will join the Foundation in honouring Mr. André Desmarais, O.C., O.Q., President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation of Canada.

Over the years, Mr. Desmarais has personally contributed to the Montreal Heart Institute’s development by financing large-scale innovative and priority projects that allow the Institute to attain the highest standards of excellence in the field of cardiology, and to remain a world leader.  As honourary co-president of the Heart Beat for the Future campaign, Mr. Desmarais contributed, in large measure, to the largest fundraising endeavour in the history of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation.

The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation’s Flagship Event
The Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs is expected to be a resounding success thanks to the invaluable support of its honorary co-presidents: Stephen Bronfman, Claridge Inc.; Daniel Lamarre, Cirque du Soleil; Monique F. Leroux, Desjardins Group; Isabelle Marcoux, Transcontinental; and Michael Sabia, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. With the faithful support of its partners, the SAQ and the Cirque du Soleil, and its many sponsors and donors, the Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs – benefiting the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation – will be held Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the Salle des pas perdus of Windsor Station.

Each year, through the Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises over a million dollars to support the innovative approach and the sustainable development of the Montreal Heart Institute, the first hospital in Canada to bring together under one roof, basic research, clinical research, care, teaching, prevention, and evaluation of new technologies in cardiology.

A number of dignitaries will be in attendance including the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien; the Honourable Paul Desmarais; Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay; His Excellency Zhang Junsai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada; and His Excellency David Jacobson, United States Ambassador to Canada.  In addition, a surprise guest, a virtuoso and great pianist of international fame, will join a pair of Mongolian contortionists from the Cirque du Soleil to pay tribute to Mr. André Desmarais and to celebrate cardiovascular health.

Hope to see you there.

SUMMARY:

What?
The 11th Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs, a benefit gala organized by the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation in honour of Mr. André Desmarais, O.C., O.Q., President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation of Canada.
 
When?
Thursday, September 8, 2011, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Where?
Salle des pas perdus, Windsor Station
1160, avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal
 Valet service is available

Schedule:
6:30 p.m.  Cocktail
7:30 p.m.  Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs Opening
8:45 p.m.  Mr. André Desmarais honoured
9:00 p.m.  Performance by an internationally-renowned pianist and a Cirque du Soleil contortionists'  act.                    

–30 –

Please note: Media representatives wishing to attend the event or obtain information about interviews are asked to contact Josiane Bétit, Public Relations Officer, or Josée Darche, Director – Development and Communications, Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF).

Source:  Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
             www.mhifoundation.org

Information: 
Josiane Bétit                         Josée Darche
Public Relations Officer         Director – Development and Communications, MHIF
514.831.0276                      514.376.3330 ext. 2205
jbetit@videotron.ca              josée.darche@icm-mhi.org