SUMMA Benefit Evening Reaches $800,000 Milestone

The Special Olympics Québec SUMMA Benefit Evening was held under a radiant sun at the Belvédère of the Montreal Science Centre. The event raised a record $803,492. Eric-Olivier Savoie, President and CEO of National Bank Investments, and Alain Desmarais, Senior Vice-President, IT Delivery, Operations, Payments, and Cards at National Bank, served as honorary co-chairs.

Greeted by a guard of honor from several police departments and their cavalries, guests immersed themselves in a festive and warm atmosphere typical of New France. Brilliantly hosted by Olivier Martel, Special Olympics Quebec athlete, and Evelyne Audet, host of CF Montreal games, among others, the evening was an opportunity to meet Ludovic, Kassandra, Widna and Étienne; four athletes with extraordinary backgrounds who, accompanied by minstrels, met with guests throughout the evening.

During his speech, Daniel Granger, Chairman of the Board of Directors, thanked the honorary presidents, ambassadors, and guest donors. He emphasized the importance of their gesture for social inclusion.

“By your presence in large numbers this evening, you are affirming your desire to take action within your organizations and with our athletes,” said Daniel Granger. “By collaborating with our movement, you allow us to go further.”

Moreover, a group of ambassadors for the SUMMA evening proudly wore an aubergine jacket whose lining displayed a mosaic of Special Olympics Quebec athletes in action. Specially designed for the event by Mike Corbett and Benoît Godmaire of Jarvis Consulting Group, this jacket aims to demonstrate a commitment to social inclusion. A challenge was issued to all companies in the room to commit, just as Jarvis did in 2025, to double their contribution by 2026 and thus earn an aubergine jacket to wear at the next edition of SUMMA.

RDS, a partner of the evening, was also present, including live interviews on the show Le 5 à 7.