Children and Youth Benefit from the Valentine’s Day Ball

Children and Youth Benefit from the Canadian Museum of Civilization Valentine’s Day Ball

“When the community comes together to support the Museums in this way, it shows that people are the heart of our work,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “The funds raised by the Valentine’s Day Ball will ensure that our social and cultural heritage is taught to future generations through even stronger educational programs at the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum.”

The Valentine’s Day Ball attracted 300 guests to a floral-inspired five-course dinner, featuring Magdalen Islands mackerel fillets over fennel salad, medallions of rabbit stuffed with figs, and stuffed breast of pheasant en croûte. This sophisticated menu was developed by the CMC’s Chef, Georges Laurier, helping to set a romantic tone for the evening. Guests were also treated to an exclusive performance by composer/violinist Bakhtyar Hussain Rashid, a Master’s student in Music, originally from the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq. Dance music was provided by versatile vocalists Bianca Pittoors and Sherri Hardin, cellist Jan Jarvlepp, harpists Julie Leduc and Kelly Armanaian, and swinging numbers from Peter Beaudoin’s ensemble, Pete and the Torpedos.

Guests included the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Official Leader of the Opposition; the Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip; Her Excellency Romy Vasquez de Gonzales, Ambassador of Panama; His Worship Larry O’Brien, Mayor of Ottawa and His Worship Marc Bureau, Mayor of Gatineau.

“By combining a good time with a worthy cause, the Valentine’s Day Ball has become a success for our Museums,” said Dr. Rabinovitch. “Our guests, and our partners, such as the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec), the Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit, Rock Détente and Air Canada have helped us enhance programs for children and youth, and that’s a real cause for celebration.”

“We are particularly proud of our volunteer committee, chaired by Ms. Joy Noonan. Support from the local community, from Parliament Hill and from the business sector has also been very helpful,” noted Francine Brousseau, Vice-President of Development at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation.

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187

2008-02-14 00:00:00.000
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