More than 450 guests gather to raise awareness of Museums’ National Collection Fund

More than 450 guests gather to raise awareness of Museums’ National Collection Fund

Gatineau, Quebec, October 15, 2008 — Corporate groups, private philanthropists and donors came together this evening in support of preserving Canadian heritage at the third History Costume Ball held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The History Costume Ball benefits the National Collection Fund which helps to acquire important artifacts by the Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum.

The History Costume Ball’s Co-chairs Louise Poirier, CRTC Commissioner and Jim Orban, Publisher of the Ottawa Citizen revealed that an impressive $1.5 million has been raised to date for the National Collection Fund in a five million dollar five-year campaign.

Since being created three years ago, National Collection Fund has had a significant impact. Results can be seen in an outstanding selection of newly acquired artifacts made possible, in part by Fund supporters. A special display of these acquisitions entitled Old Is New Again: Building Our National Collection is now being shown at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation expressed gratitude to the numerous supporters. “The success of the History Costume Ball is a testament to the individuals and corporations willing to invest in preserving of Canadian history,” Dr. Rabinovitch said. “Their support contributes to raising the awareness of the National Collection Fund, helping our Museums to preserve important artifacts. And, the Costume Ball shows that history is fun!”

This year’s Ball theme, Spotlight on 400 Years, celebrated four centuries of Canadian history since the founding of Quebec City in 1608. Guests wore costumes from the Radio-Canada vaults. The evening included performances by Canadian Tenors, illusionist, Chris Pilsworth and musical stylist, Paul Kunigis On hand to introduce all these acts was Master of Ceremonies, Radio-Canada’s Philippe Schnobb.

The SAQ generously provided fine vintages to accompany the exquisite menu, a superb five-course meal conceived by the museum’s Executive Chef, Georges Laurier. The dinner was an inspired journey across Canada through the centuries, highlights included Magdelaine Islands Poached Lobster, representing the East coast of the seventeenth century, and Oven-Roasted Loin of Caribou, representing the Great North of the twentieth century.