MUHC’s Got Talent is brimming with hope for the future of health care

It might come as a surprise that our busy health care workers—ranging from dedicated nurses to cancer researchers—find the time and energy to hit the stage with a local band or show off their best dance moves. But the MUHC Foundation’s annual fundraising event, MUHC’s Got Talent, proves they’re not only multi-talented, but also deeply committed to making an impact both inside and outside the clinic. By raising funds for causes ranging from women’s health to respiratory care, this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent is filled with heart and hope for a brighter future for all Quebecers.

Modelled after the hit TV show, the event has gained traction in the Montreal community, regularly featuring celebrity judges. This year, MUHC’s Got Talent is welcoming local icons Isabelle Racicot, Nick Farkas, and Laura Casella, each dedicated to advancing health care in Quebec.

Isabelle Racicot is known for her work as a television and radio host, including the popular podcast Seat at the Table. “As a proud Montrealer, I’m honoured to be sitting in the judge’s seat for this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent. This community-oriented event is an inspiring and impactful way to support the exceptional work being done at the MUHC,” she explains.

Nick Farkas, Senior Vice President of Concerts and Events at Evenko, is a driving force in Montreal’s music scene. Responsible for booking over 1,200 shows a year and overseeing iconic festivals like Osheaga and Heavy Montreal, Nick sees MUHC’s Got Talent as a perfect way to support both local talent and local health care.

“When I heard about the chance to be a judge for MUHC’s Got Talent, I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve built my career around uplifting local talent, and the added bonus of supporting lifesaving health care in our community made it an easy decision,” shares Farkas.

Laura Casella, host of Global News Morning and The Weekend Breakfast on The Beat 92.5, is another key judge this year. A proud Italian-Canadian from Saint-Leonard, she’s motivated to make a meaningful difference in her community, and to help build a brighter future for her children Ella and Gia.

“I’m so excited to be part of this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent, and I know my entire family will be cheering these brave health care workers on. There’s a lot of buzz—people see that it’s a really unique and exciting way to inspire change in our community,” shares Casella.

This year’s performance lineup reflects the impressive versatility of the MUHC’s health care workers. From Nashville-influenced line-dancing moves to a Buenos Aires-inspired tango, MUHC’s Got Talent 2024 promises to take the audience on a journey around the world—all in support of world-class research and patient care at home.

Take Hélène V. Gagnon, co-chair of Dream Big: Lachine Hospital Foundation. After a trip to Buenos Aires, Hélène fell in love with the sound of the accordion. Partnering with MUHC co-director Myriam Ménard, the duo will perform the beloved French classic “La Vie en Rose,” all in support of bringing world-class care to Lachine Hospital.

“What better way to raise funds for Lachine Hospital—a community hospital—than through a grassroots event like MUHC’s Got Talent? We’re thrilled to be a part of it, to share in the fun with our inspiring community of changemakers, and to help strengthen health care in Lachine,” shares Gagnon.

At the Montreal Chest Institute, a trip to Nashville inspired a group of colleagues to form The Lung Dancers. With the help of professional line-dancers from LASSO Montreal, they’re ready to dazzle with their do-si-do skills, raising funds for breath-giving respiratory care and research at the MUHC.

Then there’s Carole Gilman, whose personal story is especially touching, and highlights the power of giving back. Many years ago, she donated a kidney to her husband, giving another chance at life. This year, she’ll be performing a passionate tango and raising money for the MUHC’s Transplant Program.

Led by women’s heart health expert Dr. Judy Luu, the POWER Hub (Pathways to Cardiovascular Care for Women from Ethnic, Racialized, and Remote Communities) choir will be lifting their voices to promote equitable heart care for women from marginalized communities. All proceeds will support Dr. Luu’s efforts to establish a transformative women’s heart heath centre at the MUHC.

“We’re excited because it’s our first time performing in MUHC’s Got Talent, and we know it’ll be a moment we’ll never forget. We put our whole hearts into our work, and we’ll bring that passion on stage. At the end of the day, POWER Hub is about visibility—and we’re not shying away from that!” shares Dr. Luu.

The MUHC’s pharmacists are also gearing up to put on a great show. André Bonnici, Chief of Pharmacy at the MUHC, will perform with his band, Les Recyclés, to raise funds for pharmacy care and research. Dr. Bonnici’s goal is to drive breakthroughs in medication and gene therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that targets faulty genes to cure illnesses ranging from cancer to genetic diseases.

“MUHC’s Got Talent showcases the incredible strength of our community. It’s always an unforgettable evening that unites patients, health care workers, and community members for an inspiring night, all while supporting lifesaving care and research. The MUHC Foundation is proud to put on this uplifting and powerful event—every year it gets better and better,” says Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

Since its inception in 2022, MUHC’s Got Talent has raised over $1.1 million to support lifesaving initiatives at the MUHC. You can be a part of this unique, community initiative that spotlights local talent and the MUHC’s dedicated health care workers as they step outside of the clinic and onto the stage!

Don’t miss the opportunity to support your favourite act or purchase tickets to see the MUHC’s health care workers in action on November 5^th at Beanfield Theatre (formerly Corona Theatre). Vote or buy your tickets here: https://talent.muhcfoundation....