The 22^nd Annual Lakeshore Ball raises a record-breaking $1,030,715 for the Surgery Department

Saturday, October 19, 2024

The event welcomed over 600 guests to Windsor Station’s Salle des pas perdus for a spectacular evening. Set to the theme of “Secret Garden,” the Ball included a cocktail, a four-course meal, an open bar, a photo booth, a performance by BO Montréal, a live auction and a silent auction. Funds raised during the night will help support the Surgery Department at the Hospital.

Upon arrival, guests made their way to the cocktail area. There, they received a glass of champagne and enjoyed a performance from VËR while perusing the beautifully displayed silent auction. Magician Jody M entertained patrons with some close-up magic while others snapped photos in the photo booth. Canapés by Société Traiteur were served during the cocktail hour while guests mingled and enjoyed performances by BO Montréal.

Guests were then invited into the dining room, which was decorated with beautiful floral arrangements by Sylvie Daigle Fleurs in pastel tones with touches of gold. Cousin Vinny opened things up and introduced Foundation Managing Director Nathalie Kamel, who welcomed everyone to the largest gathering of supporters Lakeshore General Hospital has ever experienced and spoke about the incredible support and celebrated this amazing milestone for the Hospital’s Surgery Department. Ball Co-Chairs Paul Broccolini and Stephanie Garzon greeted attendees and thanked them for their overwhelming support, followed by Foundation Board Chair Dave Cescon who recognized our sponsors and supporters.

The meal included a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, rigatoni alla nonna, and a choice of filet mignon, black cod or roasted cauliflower for the main course. It was topped off with a vegan pistachio tiramisu for dessert.

Later in the evening, Dr. Sevan Ortaaslan, Chief of Surgery at Lakeshore General Hospital, took to the stage to share how robotics at our hospital would be a game-changer for our community. Then, past Co-Chairs Sharon Beaumont and Delia So joined Paul Broccolini and Stephanie Garzon on stage to ask everyone in the room to join the Prescription for Change. Guests were eager and generously donated and then had the opportunity to sign a poster that will be displayed in the Surgery hallway.

Between courses, The Directors Showband created an upbeat and lively atmosphere with everyone on their feet, and BO Montréal performed an excerpt of Swan Lake that stunned the crowd. The live auction, led by Mike Akkibrityan, was fueled by enthusiastic bidding and an incredible turnout. Guests were fully engaged, and the energy in the room was electric as item after item surpassed expectations.

At the end of the evening, President & CEO of the CIUSSS Ouest-de-l’Île Dan Gabay took the stage and highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in healthcare and Nathalie Kamel revealed the proceeds of $1,030,715 to cap off the night.

Thank you to our Platinum sponsors: Broccolini and The Gloria Baylis Foundation; our Silver sponsors: Desjardins, Caisse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île, Elements Mechanical, The Tenaquip Foundation, Vitreco, Total Events, the Rubin & So Foundation, and Sekure Merchant Solutions, as well as all our guests, donors, and volunteers who supported the event.

See you all in 2025!