Philanthropie Estrie (the Eastern Townships Community Foundation) had a splendid birthday celebration and tribute evening on April 30, to mark the 20th anniversary of its continuous commitment to helping our townships’ communities. Some 150 guests gathered to enjoy cocktails and sumptuous hors d’oeuvre, socialize and network; learn more about Philanthropie Estrie, and listen to an inspirational talk by the illustrious Vietnamese born and internationally recognized award winning community activist, Kim Thúy.
For the last two decades, Philanthropie Estrie – formerly known as Fondation communautaire de l’Estrie in French – has committed itself to serving local communities by developing a sustainable philanthropic heritage, in direct collaboration with the social fabric of the region. The evening menu included a stirring recognition of its founding pioneers as well.
Tribute was paid to Philanthropie Estrie’s four founding members, Messrs. Jean-Marie Cliche, Jean Demers, Claude Forgues and Jean Ross. The social pillar of our local community, Centraide Estrie, was also hailed for its contribution to the development and growth of the Foundation, notably housing, administering and advising it over most of the 20 year period.
The gala also allowed us to pay tribute to our valued and important donors, notably the Cloutier-Riendeau family from Valcourt. The recent bequest from this community-minded couple will allow us to play a more active philanthropic role with the launch of the new Cloutier-Riendeau Matching Gift Program which will equal fund holder donations to a total of one million dollars.
A new image as we move forward…
The occasion, combining the past, present and future, provided the perfect setting to launch our new logo. It symbolizes our renewed commitment to our fundamental values from the past, and our collective vision for the future.
An innovative door prize
Another highlight of the evening was the awarding of a thoughtful door prize. The winner, Nourri-Source Estrie, is a community organization whose mission is to support families with their breastfeeding experience, to help it become a positive family transition. Thanks to this award, Nourri-Source Estrie will benefit in perpetuity from the annual interest revenues of an endowment fund of $10,000, created in its name by the Foundation. To this is added a further $5000, more evidence of what the prize gives back to the community and a continued reflection of the Foundation’s engagement toward the overall social fabric.
Kim Thúy’s presence fills the room
The evening ended with a captivating address from Kim Thúy, a Quebec-based international presence, renowned for her community work and humanism. Her unique perspective and deeply held thoughts about philanthropy and living together inspired the entire room.
