21st Valentine’s Day Ball lifts funding to new peaks

$860,000 net for the mental health of Quebec teens

21st Valentine’s Day Ball lifts funding to new peaks

$860,000 net for the mental health of Quebec teens

The 21st Fondation Jeunes en Tête Valentine’s Day Ball, which hosted more than 650 guests this evening at Montreal’s Gare Windsor, generated a net total of $860,000 for teen mental health awareness and prevention. Enjoying the evening’s cozy “Après-ski in the Alps” theme, the local business community came out in force to support a cause that’s more vital than ever: the mental health of Quebec teenagers. 

 

“Today’s teen mental health crisis must be a priority for Quebec society, and prevention offers a cost-effective way of dealing with it. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the 21st edition of the Valentine’s Day Ball has enabled FJET to raise a record. Together, we’ll continue to prevent psychological distress among young people and nurture our ambition to make our mental health services accessible to every teen in the province. The public’s tremendous support for our young people is truly moving,” says Mélanie Boucher, President and CEO, Fondation Jeunes en Tête. 

The funds raised will directly go to finance in-class workshops across Quebec and the development of online toolkits to provide teenagers and the people in their lives with concrete tools to help them face life’s challenges. Since the start of the workshops, nearly 1.4 million teenagers have been reached by Fondation Jeunes en Tête in their school environment, free of charge. 

A yearly fundraiser full of heart

Over the years, the Valentine’s Day Ball has become a highlight of the city’s philanthropic calendar. This year’s Honorary Chair Éric Fortin, President of Kastello Immobilier and representative of the Foundation Lise et Richard Fortin, was personally invested in the cause: As the father of three young adults, I’m aware of the challenges my children faced during their adolescence, and that’s why I chose to get involved with FJET: to raise awareness among teens about the prevention of psychological distress as soon as they enter high school. We all have memories of our first experiences as teenagers, some more pleasant than others. This period has shaped us into the adults we are today. It’s only natural to hope that our children will be better equipped than we were to face these difficulties,” said Mr. Fortin during the evening event. 

The 21st Valentine’s Day Ball was imagined and produced by Cava Rose. The Foundation would like to extend special thanks to its Honorary Chair, the members of the Governors’ Circle, and its partners and allies, who made this year’s event an incredible success. 

Reserve now for 2026

Reserve now to ensure you don’t miss a thing from the next edition of the Valentine’s Day Ball, which sold out this year. The Fondation Jeunes en Tête invites those interested to secure their spot now by clicking here. The 22nd edition will be held on February 12, 2026, under the sun of “Kentucky Derby”. Pastel attire, floral dresses and elegant hats will set the tone for the evening.  

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE

The daily life of our teenagers is sometimes put to the test and can have an impact on their psychological well-being. That’s why the Foundation offers them tools to help them to have a better future. 

Would you like to get involved in the mental health cause? 

MAKE A DONATION
Consent choices