UniAction's Inaugural Benefit Banquet Raises $25,000 for 60 Million Girls Foundation

On September 13, 2014, UniAction hosted its first-ever fundraising banquet at Restaurant Chez Chine inside the Holiday Inn Select in downtown Montréal. The elegant evening was dedicated to supporting the 60 Million Girls Foundation, a Montreal-based non-profit championing education rights for girls in developing countries.

The event brought together over a hundred guests—including Louis Vachon, President and CEO of the National Bank of Canada, Olympic Gold Medalist Jennifer Jones, Olympic Bronze Medalist Joannie Rochette, philanthropists, community leaders, artists, and supporters of social causes—united by a shared mission to empower young women. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and generous donations, UniAction proudly raised $25,000 for the foundation—a significant contribution enabling grassroots initiatives to improve access to education for girls abroad.

In her opening remarks, Thi Be Nguyen, President of UniAction, shared the personal significance of the event:

"Education is the most powerful tool for transformation. By supporting girls’ education, we are not just changing individual lives—we are uplifting entire communities. Tonight’s event is a reminder that together we can make a difference with every action"

Drawing from her own immigrant journey, Nguyen highlighted how cultural exchange and education open doors, enrich communities, and strengthen global ties. She emphasized that the evening was not only a celebration but also a reflection of UniAction’s core mission: using arts, storytelling, and collective gatherings to build bridges across cultures.

In addition to remarks from UniAction, the audience heard from Wanda Bédard, Founder of the 60 Million Girls Foundation, who shared inspiring updates on their projects. As of 2014, the foundation had already funded educational programs in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burkina Faso, creating sustainable pathways to learning for girls who otherwise would not have access to education.

The evening also featured a silent auction, a fashion show, a youth cultural performances by Chan Production, and a moving video presentation that showcased the transformative power of girls’ education. The event’s atmosphere reflected a harmonious blend of celebration and purpose—artistic expression united with a passion for global equity.

This successful inaugural banquet set the tone for UniAction’s future, demonstrating that cultural diplomacy can lead to real social change. It also confirmed UniAction’s commitment to mobilizing communities through art, dialogue, and collective action for the greater good.