The 15th Rendez-vous “Vins et Causerie”, held on November 7 at the Cégep de Valleyfield's Café chez Rose, was a huge success. Bringing together over 160 participants for a convivial and festive evening, the event raised an exceptional $58,200, thanks to the generosity of guests and partners.

These funds will be redistributed to the college community through various grants and projects of the Fondation du Cégep de Valleyfield.

Spectacular performances

The entertainment kicked off with a bang, with an opening show that set the evening alight. The Cégep Dance Troupe, the “flairbartenders” from Distillerie 3Lacs, and DJ Luc Lajeunesse at Tam-Tam created a festive and energetic atmosphere, immediately capturing the guests' attention. Host Geneviève Chenail added a touch of elegance and humor to this unique fundraising event. 

The evening, dedicated to solidarity and local talent, was marked by a series of highlights showcasing the creativity and talent of Cégep de Valleyfield students. Attendees were treated to video presentations on various Foundation and Cégep projects, as well as an exceptional performance by Magalie Courtemanche, finalist in the 36th Cégep en spectacle finals. The artist performed two songs, including “Zombie” by The Cranberries, which she translated into French, winning a unanimous standing ovation from the audience.

Guests also took part in a travel lottery, with the lucky winner receiving a $4,000 gift certificate to Voyage Tourbec Lapointe. The silent auction was also a success, with several valuable prizes, including a coffee machine donated by Les Appareils ménagers Robert Leduc, that delighted participants. 

Committed partners

The success of this event would not have been possible without the invaluable commitment of our partners, who played a key role in the evening's success. The Foundation would like to express its gratitude to the following partners: Desjardins (official presenter), BAC (ambassador partner), Groupe Tremblay and Centre Médical des Trois Lacs (perseverance partners), CEZinc and PG Électrique (corporate partners), Centre funéraire E. Montpetit & fils (entrance cocktail partner), as well as Les couvre-planchers Loiselle and Voyage Tourbec Lapointe (travel lottery partners).

“Two elements unite the last 15 editions of the Vins et Causerie: the presence of Desjardins and CEZinc,” said Yves Trottier, General Manager of the Fondation du Cégep de Valleyfield. “These two long-standing partners have been essential to our success. In recognition of their invaluable contribution, a special tribute was paid to them during the evening.”

During his speech, Patrick Tanguay, President of the Foundation, took the opportunity to present the major fundraising campaign “Invest in local geniuses”, for which regional companies and Foundation partners will be solicited over the next two years to reach the goal of raising $1 million. For more information, visit the campaign web page: https://lesgeniesdici.com.

Sincere thanks

The Fondation du Cégep de Valleyfield would like to extend its warmest thanks to all the members of the Board of Directors, the organizing committee, Cégep staff and volunteers, as well as the Cégep's management, services and teaching departments, for their decisive contribution to the success of this important benefit event.