The 3rd edition of the Fire & Ice Cocktail to benefit the Fondation de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal raised a total of $90,805, which will be directly reinvested in clinical mental health care, cutting-edge research in the field, and the recovery and social reintegration of the Institute’s patients.
Over 300 people gathered in a warm and electrifying atmosphere on May 4 to support the cause of mental health. The Foundation’s team and the event’s organizing committee would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the evening’s success.
Special thanks to iA Financial Group, National Bank and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for their significant contribution. We are fortunate to have three committed and dedicated honorary co-presidents who were exceptional in preparing this evening: Catherine Newman, Elaine Barsalou and Justine Bergeron. The evening was also supported by our generous principal sponsors: King & Spalding, Intact, PSP Investments and WeCook, whom we also thank.
An evening full of emotions and discoveries
Our event got off to an emotional start with a touching testimonial from Marie-Christine Martel, an inspiring entrepreneur who made her fortune at a very young age and whose busy life came to a sudden halt. With an open heart, Marie-Christine told us about her post-partum depression and alcohol addiction. A dark period in her life that she finally regained control of by daring to raise her hand and seek help.
An anxiety sufferer himself, comedian Alexandre Forest also offered a completely different take on mental health. Using a variety of anecdotes and a lot of perspective, he made the discussion of mental health lighter and more universal.
During the evening, our guests were also able to experience the Loricorps research projects on eating disorders, as well as the study by Dr. Lionel Cailhol’s team on borderline personality disorder and, in particular, cognitive remediation for more impulsive behavior. There’s no better way to see the advances being made in the field, and the hope that research represents for all those suffering from mental health disorders.
Check out our photo gallery to relive the evening as if you were there.
