Arthritis Society Canada’s inaugural Bal en feu sheds light on the impact of arthritis in Quebec

November 18, 2024 (MONTREAL) – On Saturday, November 16, Arthritis Society Canada hosted the first Bal en feu at Le Salon Richmond, welcoming more than 200 community leaders to raise awareness about arthritis and help change the course of this highly misunderstood disease.

The evening was filled with excitement and inspiration as guests enjoyed a gourmet three-course meal, live and silent auctions, a dynamic afterparty, entertainment from Back to Basics Entertainment, and a special live performance from Juno award-winning vocal group and Arthritis Society Canada’s ambassadors, The Tenors.

Emceed by Catherine Verdon-Diamond, TV personality and radio host of The Beat 92.5 FM, this party with a purpose celebrated the strength, resilience and perseverance of the 6 million people in Canada living with arthritis. The event welcomed Diana Gazdar, who shared her touching story of how rheumatoid arthritis impacted her first pregnancy and stole the joy of a being a new mom.

“Approximately 1.2 million people in Quebec are currently living with the debilitating effects of arthritis. Without immediate action, by 2035, that number will increase more than 30 per cent to 1.7 million,” said Trish Barbato, president and CEO, Arthritis Society Canada. “Together, we can fund crucial research and life-changing support for the one in four women, one in six men, and countless children affected by this incurable disease.”

Fueled by the generosity of donors and sponsors, the inaugural Bal en feu raised $225,000 to provide essential programs, support groundbreaking research and end the agony of arthritis. 

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About Arthritis Society Canada 
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free of the scorching pain of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca. 

Media Contact:
Jenny Ng
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media
Arthritis Society Canada
jng@arthritis.ca
416-455-1182

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