Proceeds from Valentine’s Day Ball will enhance museum experience for young people

Proceeds from Valentine’s Day Ball
will enhance museum experience for young people

Gatineau, Quebec, February 14, 2009 — Romance radiated from the Canadian Museum of Civilization’s spectacular Grand Hall tonight as guests of the Valentine’s Day Ball dined, danced and raised funds for a worthy cause. The elegant event generated over $50,000 to support and enhance important children’s and youth programming at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and its sister institution, the Canadian War Museum.

 “We are delighted to see such support. We know that people in Ottawa and Gatineau cherish their museums and value the role these institutions play in our community,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Proceeds from the Valentine’s Day Ball will strengthen our educational programs, ensuring that the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum share Canada’s social and cultural heritage with a greater number of young people.”

The Ball’s 250 guests included the Honourable John Manley and wife Judith Manley, MPs Paul Dewar and Maria Mourani, Senators Céline Hervieux-Payette, Jim Munson, Ethel Cochrane and Terry Mercer as well as Roseann Runte – President of Carleton University. They danced to the music of Peter Beaudoin’s musical ensemble. A special performance by the Ottawa Children’s Choir proved to be a highlight of the evening.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying Valentine’s Day, it’s even more gratifying to know that the funds raised tonight will go to such a good cause — the children who represent Canada’s future,” said Joy Noonan, Chair of the Ball and a prominent Ottawa mediator/arbitrator with Aptus Conflict Solutions.

The Museums’ own Executive Chef Georges Laurier prepared a whimsical feast. Following the theme “A Dash of Love and Humour,” Chef Laurier reinterpreted kids’ favourites with high-quality, gourmet local ingredients that would appeal to a discerning adult palate. The meal ended on a sweet note with decadent Banana Royale and a Chocolate Tic-Tac-Toe, which was as much fun to play with as it was to eat.

“I want to sincerely thank our guests and our partners and local businesses, including Expresso Air Services, the Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit, Rock Détente, and Food Mode Magazine, for contributing to tonight’s success,” said Francine Brousseau, the Museum of Civilization’s Vice-President, Development.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation operates the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. As part of their mandate, the Museums function as centres for research and public information on the social, military and human history of the country. Their principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the enhancement of Canadian identity.