News
May 8, 2026
A taste of elegance and generosity: The Museum’s Grand Ball raises over $733,000
Press Release
Montreal, May 8, 2025 – On Thursday, May 7, 430 guests from the business, cultural and philanthropic communities gathered to support and celebrate the McCord Stewart Museum at the Foundation’s must-attend annual fundraising event. This year’s Grand Ball was co-chaired by three outstanding leaders from the business world: Isabelle Dessureault, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal; Lisa Giannone, President and Chief Operating Officer of BFL CANADA; and Richard Scofield, President and CEO of St-Hubert Group.
Thanks to their leadership and the remarkable generosity of attendees, the evening was a resounding success, raising more than $733,000 in support of the Museum’s mission and programs.
An evening of “Delights” at Maison Principale
The McCord Stewart Museum’s 2026 Grand Ball took place at Maison Principale, transformed for the occasion into an elegant pop-up restaurant, Chez Délices. Inspired by the exhibition On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story, the refined setting offered guests an immersive experience blending gastronomy, art and indulgence.
The Board of Trustees of the McCord Stewart Museum Foundation and its chair, Elisabeth Starenkyj, extend their heartfelt thanks to the philanthropic partners whose generosity made the evening possible: the Macdonald Stewart Foundation, La Caisse, L’Oréal Canada, St-Hubert and Sun Life. Proceeds from the event support the Museum’s mission, including the preservation and sharing of a remarkable collection of more than three million images, objects, archival documents and works of art, as well as the development of innovative exhibitions and programs.
The invaluable contribution of partners such as the Société des alcools du Québec, which generously provided wines and other beverages, also played a key role in the evening’s success.
“This delightful evening captured the generosity, ambition and celebratory spirit that define the McCord Stewart Museum’s Grand Ball, while maintaining its signature elegance and warmth. For the occasion, we brought together leading figures from the restaurant and culinary worlds at the Chef’s Table—our reimagined head table—setting the tone for a truly memorable night. The funds raised play a vital role in advancing this century-old institution, a true guardian of our collective memory. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a tremendous success,” said Amélie Saint-Pierre, Executive Director of the McCord Stewart Museum Foundation.
Other ways to give and support a living museum!
The commitment of the entire Montreal community helps make the Museum a vibrant space where the stories of yesterday and today come to life.
You can support the annual fundraising campaign today and help ensure that the Museum’s visitors continue to gather in a space dedicated to reflection, understanding and the sharing of our collective heritage.
Making a first large cultural donation through the provincial program of the same name is another meaningful way to support the Museum while benefiting from tax advantages.
The McCord Stewart Museum Foundation
About
The Museum Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the success of the McCord Stewart Museum and to the preservation and dissemination of its collections. A separate entity with its own Board of Trustees, the Foundation was established in March 2012 to manage the endowment fund, seek private funding, and organize fundraising activities.
Through the generous support of individuals, private foundations and corporations, the Foundation provides about one-third of the Museum’s annual budget.
The McCord Stewart Museum
About
A landmark in the heart of Montreal for over 100 years, the McCord Stewart Museum bears witness to the history of Quebec’s metropolis as well as its influence in Canada and around the world, celebrating the vitality, creativity and diversity of the communities that make it up.
The Museum amplifies their voices by interpreting and disseminating the remarkable heritage under its custody: six expansive collections of 3.2 million images, objects, documents and works of art that make it one of North America’s leading museums.
In keeping with its commitment to decolonization and sustainable development, it creates stimulating exhibitions and educational, cultural and community-engagement activities that look at the social history and contemporary issues affecting its audiences through a critical and inclusive lens, inspiring them to take action for a fairer society.
Philanthropic partners
Gastronomic partner
