Co-Presenting Sponsors (L-R) Murray and Gaye Farncombe from Murron’s Cabinetree Oakville & Brenda and Paul Barrington from Barrington’s Fine Outerwear.
On Saturday November 6, the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) Foundation celebrated its 19th Candlelight Ball fundraiser event. The evening featured a Parisian theme and was given the name “Joie de Vivre”, which translates to the “Joy of Living”.
This title is fitting because once construction is complete in 2015, the new Oakville hospital will help to ensure people within the region get some of the best health care available so they may continue to experience the good things in life.
The Burlington Convention Centre was beautifully transformed to look and feel like France with elegant decorations. There were bouquets of red roses on each table, candles were lit, and ice sculptures and Eiffel Tower sculptures were placed around the room. There was entertainment including live musicians and roaming mimes helped to complete the experience.
[Related: Click here to view all of our photos from the event]
The OTMH Candlelight Ball is always a highly anticipated event and has been quite successful, raising more than $3.8 million to date.
Kathy Munday, Chair of the OTMH Candlelight Ball Committee and her husband Jack.
“This year the funds that are raised will go towards the purchase of three vital pieces of equipment: an infant warmer for the special care nursery, an anesthesia machine for the OR and a portable ultra sound machine which can be used throughout the hospital, said Tina Triano, CEO of the OTMH Foundation.”
The French inspired theme was embellished with fabulous cuisine from Chef Michael Bonacini, celebrated Food Network host and frequent guest on CityLine, and Chef Markus Bestig from Oliver & Bonacini.
A variety of unique and beautifully presented appetizers were offered, including an upscale version of poutine with duck confit and a demi-glace.
“It’s a little bit of Paris with a connection to the French Canadians,” said Chef Michael Bonacini.”
Chef Michael Bonacini working at the Tartare de Saumon Frais station during the OTMH Candlelight Ball.
For the main course, guests enjoyed Filet de Boeuf a la Bourguignon with glazed pearl onions, mushrooms and smoked bacon lardons. A cheese course was served featuring three kinds of cheese, two from France and one from Quebec. To complete the meal, a mouthwatering chocolate torte with hazelnut pralines and cherries from Niagara that had been preserved throughout the summer and flavoured with winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg was served.
“I think that throughout our lives, as we grow from newborns to adults, at some point we will all be in need of medical attention. I think we’ve just got to keep passing it forward,” said Chef Bonacini.
“I hope that people will take away the idea that their generosity turns into positive impact for tens of thousands of people that they may never meet. Patients that are treated at OTMH will be using the equipment that they’re funding tonight for many years to come,” said Triano.
Guest who attended the OTMH Foundation Ball experienced the joy of living and because of their kindness; many other people within and around the Oakville community will be able to continue experiencing the joys of life.