Montreal, April 22, 2021 – The Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ), which is committed to the overall well-being of student-athletesin Quebec, pulled off a remarkable feat during these unusual times by hosting its virtual “Cabane à sucre” event with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. The event, intended as a fundraiser for the FAEQ and the LDT Foundation Scholarship Program, raised 130,000 $ to benefit our future leaders.
While people were enjoying their gourmet box prepared by chef Martin Picard of the Au Pied de Cochon sugar shack, the guests could watch, comfortably settled in their homes, a full hour of live entertainment from the Espace Yoop at Place des Arts, featuring FAEQ and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, one of its former scholarship recipients.
Co-hosted by two other alumni supported by the FAEQ several years ago, Annie Pelletier and Charles-Antoine Sinotte, viewers were able to hear from honorary co-chairs Éric Lapointe of CEO’s Family and Martin Lavigne, vice-chairman of the FAEQ board of directors, learn more about the mission of the two foundations involved, split their sides laughing with Rachid Badouri, bid on original items in the virtual auction, and, the highlight of the evening, witness the birth of a born auctioneer, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. All of this was supported by archival visuals, joyful and traditional music by Steve Provost and Vanessa Blais-Tremblay, as well as a surprise from young scholarship recipient, model student, violinist, and artistic swimmer Andréa Escobar.
Laurent had the audience in stitches and drove up the bidding, raising no less than 16,000 $ for his virtual conference during his own live auction. With his trademark intensity, humor, and conviction, he managed to convince none other than Éric Lapointe, a former Alouettes player, to walk away with this unique prize that is sure to inspire his team.
The money raised was given to the FAEQ as well as the Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Foundation Scholarship Program to help develop the leaders of tomorrow through the reconciliation of studies, sports, and the arts.
To see a summary of the evening, it's here: https://www.facebook.com/FAEQuebec/posts/4372235216137715
