Museums' National Collection Fund swells with support from 450 guests at glamourous 2007 History Costume Ball: The Age of StyleGatineau, Quebec, October 17, 2007 — Leading members of Canada's business and political circles stepped out in style tonight at the Canadian War Museum for a memorable fundraising ball celebrating the '20s, '30s and '40s. The 2007 History Costume Ball: The Age of Style conjured an era of glitz and glamour with vintage music, elegant dancing, fine food and a sparkling crowd of 450 supporters, many of them decked out as gangsters and molls, matinee idols, flappers and flyboys.
Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, which manages the War Museum and the Museum of Civilization, tipped his top hat to the full gallery of museum supporters whose contributions will go directedly to the Museums' National Collection Fund. "We're very grateful to the sponsors, partners and their guests who have made this costume ball such an unqualified success," Dr. Rabinovitch said. "Their support is essential and will help us preserve and protect Canada's historic treasures for future generations."
Jim Orban, Publisher of the Ottawa Citizen, and Louise Poirier, Gatineau City Councillor, reprised their roles as the Ball's co-chairs and Masters of Ceremonies. "This a spectacularly enjoyable evening and more importantly, the Ball raises funds to help Canada's two most important history museums preserve key heritage artifacts," said Louise Poirier. Jim Orban commented that Museums are essential cultural institutions: "Our country and our region are much richer with the presence of Canadian War Museum and the Museum of Civilization. The Museums help visitors learn about history and better understand Canada and the world around us," said Orban.
2007 History Costume Ball was a nostalgic celebration of a pivotal period in Canada's not-so-distant past when music had a melody, dance steps had names, and hepcats were the bee's knees. Big band and jazz music by local bands The Dixie Boys, Pete and the Torpedos and the Jazz Police set the tone for an elegant and enjoyable evening set amongst numerous artifacts and the striking architecture of the award-winning Canadian War Museum.
The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, as well as Members of Parliament Steven Blaney (Lévis-Bellechasse), Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre) and Keith Martin (Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca) were in attendance. Other notable guests included Brazilian Ambassador His Excellency Valdemar Carneiro Leao, Italian Ambassador His Excellency Gabriele Sardo and Panamanian Ambassador Her Excellency Romy Vásquez de González.
Many guests wore period costumes and accessories provided by major partner Radio-Canada and its Montréal costume department. Partners, sponsors and VIP guests enjoyed their own special cocktail reception and dance lessons. Everyone delighted in a sumptuous classic menu prepared by the CMCC's Executive Chef, Georges Laurier. The meal paid homage to Georges Auguste Escoffier (1846 –1935), the French "King of chefs, chef to kings." Guests dined on Stuffed Galantine of Quail, Darne of Salmon à la Royale, Pheasant and Wild Mushroom Consommé Georges V, Noisette of Venison Diana and, for dessert, Poires Alma.
Other major partners were the Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit, Compass and the National Post. Sponsors were TELUS, Le Casino du Lac Leamy, Expresso and CanWest Global Communications Corp. The Embassy of Italy generously provided the wine, providing an exclusive opportunity for guests to enjoy wines from Italy's Piedmont region that are not yet available in Canada.
A raffle with prizes such as an exquisite Tiffany pearl necklace, a trip courtesy of Aeroplan and Starwood Hotels, another courtesy of Air Canada, and exclusive events at the Embassy of France, the Westin Ottawa and Vankleek Hill's new micro-brewery Beau's All Natural Brewing Company added significantly to the evening's fundraising success.
The unique trip back to the '20s, '30s and '40s was the CMCC's second annual historic costume ball. Last year's award-winning event at the Canadian Museum of Civilization was a voyage through several centuries of our country's past.
The 2007 History Costume Ball raised $554,000 for the National Collection Fund, which supports the acquisition of important artifacts at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum, the two national museums that present Canada's human, cultural and military history.
Launched on the occasion of the Museum of Civilization's 150th anniversary last year, the National Collection Fund Campaign has so far raised more than $1 million in a five million dollar five-year campaign to keep objects in Canada that would otherwise be lost to our national heritage.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167
Fax: 819 776-7187
Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Tel.: 819 776-8608
E-mail: mailto:pierre.leduc@warmuseum.ca
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