The Lorenzetti Family Head Table: (standing left to right) Jean & Michèle Laurin, Foundation President Justin Lorenzetti & Liv McIlvenney, Pauline Kabitsis & James Bickerton, Julie Chu - (seated left to right) Mike Dorfman, Barry F. Lorenzetti & wife Carine Watier-Lorenzetti, Sophie Methot, and 4-time Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist Caroline Ouellette | All Photos: John OliverThe 5TH Annual Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation Fundraising Gala benefitting Mental Health Initiatives raises a record $800,000 The Montrealer November 30, 2023 1874 The 5th Annual Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation Gala was held under the Honorary Presidency of Mrs. Lisa Giannone, President & Chief Operating Officer of BFL Canada Inc. on Thursday, September 28th at the breathtaking Maison Principale. The Foundation’s mission focuses on raising much needed funding and combating the stigma surrounding mental health issues for Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as for youth and young adults (ages 12 to 25). Foundation Founder Barry F. Lorenzetti is Chairman & CEO of BFL Canada Inc., the largest independent insurance brokerage firm in Canada. An avid philanthropist, Barry is also a strong supporter of women’s sports and the advancement of women in business, where the Barry F. Lorenzetti Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership bears his name at Concordia University. A star-studded cast of loyal supporters including business owners, executives, Veterans and local celebrities gathered at Maison Principal to enjoy great food & libations catered by Traiteur Brera and bar master Brahm Mauer, all while enjoying live entertainment throughout the evening. The entertainment line-up included Denis Ducharme and The Other Side of Cool, and featured live performances by Barry F. Lorenzetti, country music star Brittany Kennell, Gwen Torriani, and Mackenzie Moreau. The Perpetual Praise Ministries Choir dazzled the audience with their acapella perfection, and comic relief was provided by none other than beloved Montrealer Joey Elias and the incomparable Joe Cacchione. The evening concluded with a grand finale rendition of I’ll Stand by You sung by Mackenzie Moreau, accompanied by Barry and all the musical performers in honour of and as a tribute to our Canadian Veterans. It was a very successful evening, where much needed funds were raised through the support of loyal sponsors and patrons. A very special thank you to Barry F. Lorenzetti and his family for personally contributing a significant amount of money, bringing the total amount raised to a record-breaking $800,000. For more information on the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation, please visit www.fondationlorenzetti.org. DIAMOND Sponsor BFL Canada Inc.: (standing left to right) – Gareth McDonnell, Romeo Argento with wife Beatrice Addona, Frank Montoro with wife Lisa Giannone (BFL Canada President and Honorary President of the 5th Annual Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation Gala), Chief of Staff Shahira Rhoualem, Peter Perdikis – (seated left to right) – Herve Doucet with wife Michelina Borelli and Brian & Karen Parsons DIAMOND Sponsor National Bank, hosted by Executive Vice-President and Head of Commercial and Private Banking Michael Denham with wife Laura, Executive Team members and guests Platinum Sponsor BROCCOLINI, hosted by Joseph & Carmela Broccolini, with oldest and dearest friends Joe & Maria Borsellino, Gino & Carmen Lastoria, Tony & Frances Messina GOLD Sponsor RICHTER, hosted by Corporate Partners Mitch Stein, Justine Delisle and Richard Leon, Managing Partner Tasso Lagios with members of their Montreal team SILVER Sponsor STARR Companies, hosted by Senior Vice-President & Regional Manager Carlo Petosa and guests (standing left to right) – Lotta Braam with husband Mark Weightman, President & CEO of the Montreal Alouettes, SAMCON President Sam Scalia with wife Diana Ferrara, Sandra Vaz with husband Danny Maciocia, General Manager of the Montreal Alouettes, and ROGERS Executive Paolo Fortugno (seated left to right) Ristorante Da Vinci Dream Team Vince Amodeo & Lavy Mainuddin The “Boys”, (standing from left to right) – David Colasurdo, Sabino Grassi, Tony Zara, Vince Tassone, Sal Parasuco – (seated from left to right) – Tommy Alberga, Franco Niro, Darren Carmosino, Rocco Tassone and Sal Guerrera Representatives from the causes supported by the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation ~ Head & Hands, the Quebec Veterans Foundation andThe Pepper Pod MAGJUSJEN Entertainment playwright Vittorio Rossi and man of the hour Barry F. Lorenzetti BFL Canada Inc. Vice Chair Norm Steinberg with wife Renee Kessler (center) with Steve & Nancy Moreau Putting on the Ritz, Foundation partners Gwen Torriani & Katia Piccolino of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal surrounded by long time friends Rosa Rizza (CDS Foods), Master of Ceremonies Natasha Gargiulo & Vanessa Pizzi (VC Importations) Comedian Joe Cacchione with Master of Ceremonies Natasha Gargiulo Sultry songstress Mackenzie Moreau singing to a captive audience Always a crowd pleaser, Country singer Brittany Kennell performing for her 3rd consecutive year at the 5th Annual Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation Gala The Perpetual Praise Ministries Choir of St-Henri were perfection and dazzled the audience with their amazing voices
