SVR Children’s Cocktails & Couture for a Cause Success!

On May 13th, the highly anticipated SVR Children’s Foundation Cocktails & Couture for a Cause went underway, and it was an astounding success! The city came together to raise money for the Montreal Children’s Hospital’s Complex Care Services at Parc Jean Drapeau’s La Toundra, and the venue could not have been more spectacular. The sun was shining and the panoramic view of the track and grounds set the mood. The party was on!

While the food stations were being set up, the models were getting ready. Hair and makeup by Nuva Spa was done flawlessly, making the models look just as glam as the dresses. And the dresses. The stunning work from Antoinette Di Carlo of Di Carlo Couture was showcased with style. The models stood on white platforms in a real-life mannequin display. They were led to their stations by handsome man-candy, and the models displayed the gorgeous dresses with elegance.

The mood was set with DJ Anthony Pagliaro spinning beats all night long, keeping the party going and the vibe going strong. We had a special performance by Habs anthem singer Cherylyn Toca who sang melodious and beautiful songs as a break from the dance music. Natasha Gargiulo did her hosting duties fabulously, thanking Jennifer Ruvo for her hard work in theSVR Children’s Foundation.

And what hard work! The Complex Care Services announced that evening that they would be naming their consultation room in the new hospital after the Ruvo family. What an incredible honour! And to top it off, we were surprised by the appearance of Stefano, the man of the hour, who joined the party and spoke a few (adorable) words in the mic.

Now for the food. We were definitely not disappointed. The first station to run out of food (and no surprise there) was Chef Jason Nagy‘s, of Shuck Me Oysters, oyster station. Served simply with lemon and tabasco or with his delicious pomegranate mignonette, they were fresh and tasty. Hotel Epik‘s porchetta station was another hot seller, making succulent porchetta sandwiches with the choice of added porchetta skin (ALWAYS say yes to that crispy goodness) and the au jus as sauce. Henri Saint-Henri‘s charcuterie station was gourmet and full of flavour, complemented with Holf Kelsten‘s fresh baguette. Chef Adam Zaitouni prepared the entire charcuterie platter in house, with spicy beef jerky, duck rillettes, smoked bacon, head cheese, and maple ham. These were not your ordinary cured meats!

Adorable mini burgers were served from Dillalo Burgers to the delight of everyone! Devoured in 3 bites (4 if you’re dainty), they were the perfect snack. Anabel Bar et Vin brought their incredible deep fried gnocchi with crab and truffle sauce and lardon. It was a gourmet bowl of happiness. Buffet Sorrento had canapés going around to hungry guests while they waited for food stations, ensuring that no one left hangry.

Trattoria Micco served healthy salads full of fresh vegetables and flavour. Their pesto pasta salad was one for the books! To top it all off, Nicolina Servello prepared the most stunning nut and dried fruit display that was as easy on the palate as it was on the eyes.

For dessert, we were treated to Trou de Beigne doughnuts, with flavours like maple bacon and Oreo cookie. We may have died and gone to doughnut heaven! Bad Monkey Popcorn gave out bag after bag of flavoured popped corn and everyone was eager to take them home. Delices Lafrenaie had a chocolate-heaven display of Nutella horns and more chocolatey goodness. Finally, La Fontana Gelato bar served creamy and cool chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Not to be forgotten, the libations were a hit! Brahm Mauer mixology was on hand with three potent cocktails that were heavy on the alcohol and heavy on the flavour (in the best way possible). And just in case anyone was getting sleepy, Baristello with San Simeon provided the perfect espresso bar. Their coffee is just out of this world and proved to be the perfect digestif and pick-me-up.

To save the memory of this fabulous event, Luluthia Designs made a stunning flower wall as the backdrop to On the Beat Events‘ photobooth. This year’s event was the incredible pre-cursor to many events for years to come, and we are eager and excited to be an active part in every single one.

The donation page has been left open for a bit longer so if you missed the event, please consider making a donation. If you want to know where your money is going, click here. To make a donation, click here. We hope we reached our goal of $15 000, but it’s all hush hush for now. The total will be announced soon!

Thank you to everyone who participated. See you next year!

All photos courtesy of Monique Simone Photography