VIP guests will enjoy a three-course meal and whiskey flight at the Burgundy Lion.
Deluxe Access guests will enjoy one complimentary drink and canapés at the Beanfield Theatre.
7:00 pm
Doors open for General Admission
7:30 pm
Welcome speeches and live music to kick off the evening
8:15 pm
Line dancing lessons
8:30 pm
Exciting raffle draw for fantastic prizes
8:30 pm
Iris Unger Recognition Award presentation
9:30 pm
Last call for all your gambling action—don’t miss your chance to cash in 9:45 pm
The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Winners of the western games, grand prize raffle, and 50/50 draws will be announced!
10:00 pm
Thank you for your support!
2024 Tune In To YES Committee
Members
Bonnie Robinson (Chair)
Anjali Devi Advisory Inc
Josef Azam
Design Shopp
Jen DeTracey
Lift Strategies
Diane Hillier
Blueyes Marketing
Stephanie Murdoch
A Note From Our Committee Chair
On behalf of the Tune In To YES Steering Committee, I would like to welcome you to tonight's gala fundraiser. Our team has worked hard to create this year's event, and we hope that you have a wonderful time.
Tune In To YES is one of YES' key fundraising drives, helping to support the work the organization does with more than 3,000 clients each year.
YES is a registered charity that helps support jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and artists building their careers in Quebec. At its base, helping Quebecers build sustainable careers reduces their vulnerability. But YES' work reaches beyond that to deliver a wider impact as well. YES not only creates a richer, more innovative and sustainable economy, it also fosters a diverse and inclusive community.
And community is why we're all here tonight. Thank you for showing up for YES and the more than 65,000 people we've supported over the years. We hope you have a great night!
With many thanks,
Bonnie Robinson Chair, Tune In To YES Steering Committee President, Board of Directors
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship
Meet Our Host
Terry DiMonte
Broadcaster, Storyteller, Interviewer & Radio Junkie
It was when CBC Radio decided to take a shot on a young 19-year old broadcaster willing to pack up his two pairs of jeans and three boxes of stuff and head to Churchill, Manitoba. Terry DiMonte, the voice which filled the airwaves, was born in Montreal, harbouring a love for radio since childhood.
In Winnipeg, Terry worked alongside names like Gary Aube, Steve Young, Brother Jake Edwards, Howard Mandshein, Andy Frost, Steve Warden and Doc Steen. He even developed a life-long friendship with legendary Winnipeg morning man Don Percy. After a brief foray into the record business working with bands like Streetheart, Queen City Kids, and Kick Axe, Terry landed at CHOM’s morning show in November 1984.
After an original seven-year run at CHOM, DiMonte moved over to MIX 96 (CJFM-FM) and drove the station to rating success in the ‘90s. His journey then continued in 1998 when he took over from the legendary George Balcan at CJAD 800. After a brief stint back at CHOM, and a four-year stay at Q107 (CFGQ-FM) in Calgary, Terry returned to CHOM to rock Montrealers’ mornings for over a decade.
Following a storied 43-year career in broadcasting, Terry announced his retirement at the end of May 2021.
Terry DiMonte is a name weaved into the cultural fabric of Montreal, with a strong passion and dedication for music, the audience, and the community. He profoundly understands the responsibility that came with occupying a chair on morning radio: To give back.
Silent Auction
Support YES by bidding on these exciting silent auction items! Explore 50+ additional items available online. Scan or click on the QR codes to place your bid and visit tuneintoyes.com for more!
THE BELL CENTRE GOES WILD
Value: $775 CAD
Get ready for an epic hockey night in Canada! Be there in the heart of the action as the Montreal Canadiens face off against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, January 30th at 19:00. Grab your seats in Section 111, Row G, Seats 9 & 10, just a few rows from the ice for an unforgettable experience! Enjoy free indoor parking at the Bell Centre, included with your tickets!
MONTREAL
GETAWAY
Value: $650 CAD
Experience a one-night stay at the luxurious William Gray boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of Old Montreal. This hotel seamlessly blends timeless style with a captivating juxtaposition of historic charm and modern elegance, poised to transform Old Montreal with its diverse offerings for all travelers. Your stay also includes a signature breakfast for two at the renowned Maggie Oakes restaurant, and more!
BEAMING
SMILE
Value: $625 CAD
The dental virtuosos at Centre Dentaire Lakeshore in Kirkland are offering you a teeth whitening gift certificate. Picture this: a 90-minute session that'll leave your teeth sparkling like never before, with results that can last up to two years! If you're in the West Island area and craving a brighter smile and a brighter life, don't miss out.
LUXURY RETREATS
ACROSS QUEBEC
Value: $500 CAD
Discover the ultimate getaway with a $500 gift card to Chalets Zenya. Choose from a collection of luxurious cottages located in the stunning regions of the Laurentians and Lanaudière, or enjoy an Urban Retreat in Montreal's vibrant Plateau neighbourhood. Whether you're craving a serene escape into nature or a chic city retreat, Chalets Zenya offers a diverse range of accommodations tailored to your perfect getaway.
WINTER CHIC
Value: $1250 CAD
Stay warm in style with the Mackage CALLA Down Coat in forest green (size small). Featuring a removable blue fox fur hood trim, water-resistant fabric, and 800 fill power traceable goose down, this fitted coat is perfect for temperatures down to -15°C. With insulated pockets and a sleek silhouette, it’s the ultimate blend of luxury and functionality for winter.
PREMIUM BEVERAGE SELECTION
Value: $500 CAD
A $500 SAQ gift card opens the door to a wide selection of top-quality wines, spirits, and craft beers. This generous card is perfect for stocking your home bar or finding the ideal beverages for an upcoming celebration, ensuring every toast is memorable.
LAVISH BRUNCH FOR FOUR
Value: $394 CAD
Savor an exclusive Sunday brunch for four at Rosélys, featuring a lavish buffet to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a wide selection, including fresh salads, artisanal cheeses, a raw bar, and delicious breakfast classics. Indulge in seasonal hot dishes and finish with a delightful dessert counter. This exceptional brunch experience promises a memorable gathering, served during two seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
SHOE SHOPPING SPREE
Value: $400 CAD
Indulge in the ultimate shopping experience with a $400 gift card to spend at ALDO Shoes, where fashion-forward footwear and accessories await. Valid for in-store purchases at any ALDO location in Canada, this is your chance to elevate your wardrobe with the latest trends for both men and women. Treat yourself to a stylish shopping spree! (4 x $100 gift certificates)
What You're Supporting
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship is a charity that has been transforming the lives of individuals since 1995 by providing English-language support services to help Quebecers find employment and start and grow businesses.
Through a combination of career and employment counselling, business coaching, skills training, specialized workshops and other support services, we provide much-needed resources to roughly 3,000 individuals annually to enable them to become self-sufficient, integrate into the job market, launch or expand their business, and ultimately, stay and thrive in Quebec.
We have helped tens of thousands of Quebecers connect with economic opportunities, reducing income precarity, keeping talent in Quebec and contributing to a diverse and sustainable economy. With your help, we can continue to create positive change in the lives of so many more in our community. Everyone has the right to earn an income—we help them get there!
YES HAS HELPED OVER 65,000 CLIENTS SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS
Iris Unger Recognition Award
For more than 18 years, as our longest-standing Executive Director, Iris Unger stewarded the growth and expansion of our organization. Her unwavering dedication and passion have shaped the values of YES, emphasizing the importance of hard work, commitment, and making a difference in the community.
The Iris Unger Recognition Award aims to honor exceptional artists and entrepreneurs whose project embodies these values.
Meet Last Year's Winner
13 years ago, Daniel O’Connor met Bradley Heaven when he became his full-time aide, supporting him as he attended high school. Together, the two have gone on to not only complete high school and university degrees, but they’ve also built a friendship and business partnership that has helped fuel the success of their company, All Access Life.
Bradley was born with nonverbal Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, which affects his muscle tone regulation, coordination, and movement control. After seeing the life-changing effects that adaptive products have had on Brad’s life, the two realized that they could help others connect with the best tools on the market through an informative (but more importantly, fun!) platform that outlines the current trends and movements in adaptive products and assistive technologies. As Brad outlines “Assistive technology has given me a voice, given me the ability to complete a college degree, stay connected with my friends and family, run a business with Dan, and even attend Zoom Meetings”.
Brad and Dan first came to YES Employment + Entrepreneurship early in their entrepreneurial journey, when they had built a website but needed help figuring out the next steps in building their business. “YES gave us confidence. They gave us the vision to see that it was possible to turn this into a business,” details Daniel.
The two have expanded beyond their website to build a huge social media following and, more recently, to give presentations to youth. Watch any of the pair’s videos highlighting the newest tech, and you’ll see the key to their success—their easygoing friendship, humour, and the accessibility of their content.
As All Access Life embarked on their next growth phase (hiring a team!), they once again turned to YES for support. While perusing the many support services offered at YES, the call for applications for the Iris Unger Recognition Award caught their eyes. With a $1,000 cash prize, the award recognizes artists and entrepreneurs who have dedication and passion, success through hard work, and a true commitment to making a difference in the community.
All Access Life excels in all of these areas. All Access Life helps not only connect viewers to the latest in adaptive products and technologies, it also helps break down barriers and shine a light on the possibilities those technologies can bring—and that’s something worth supporting.
A Heartfelt Thank You To Our Event Sponsors
Straight Flush Sponsor:
Four of a Kind Sponsors:
Full House Sponsors:
ANGELCARE | POULET ROUGE
Flush Sponsor:
Media Partners:
Special thanks to COLLEEN & MIRKO WICHA for their generous support
MACCALLUM & MACCALLUM RAYMOND JAMES
CENTREVILLE VOLKSWAGEN
CULT MTL | THE MONTREALER
The largest privately owned hospitality network in Québec
