Le Cabaret des Belles Têtes

The Martin-Matte Foundation Raises $387,502 at its “Cabaret des Belles Têtes”

Laval, June 4, 2025 – The Cabaret des Belles Têtes, the annual benefit show hosted by the Martin-Matte Foundation, took place yesterday at Montreal’s Rialto Theatre for the first time in 18 years. This intimate, warm, and emotional evening raised an impressive $387,502.15 in support of the Foundation’s mission.

On this special occasion, Martin Matte had the privilege of welcoming comedian Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais to the stage, as well as Monic Néron as the evening’s host and Marcel Leboeuf as the auctioneer. Fabien Cloutier, co-spokesperson and friend of the Foundation, was also present.

This key annual event enables the Martin-Matte Foundation to raise the necessary funds to financially support adapted housing projects and recreational and respite activities for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones. The Foundation provides significant annual assistance to over 1,000 families across Quebec.

"The Martin-Matte House Network now includes eight houses located in Laval, Sherbrooke, Blainville, Saint-Prosper, Coaticook, Québec City, Trois-Rivières, and Trois-Pistoles. When I founded the Foundation, there were none — we were in the dreaming stage. We dreamed so big that the Martin-Matte Houses have now become a reference point in housing for people living with traumatic brain injuries. That’s quite an achievement! And we are proud to announce that a ninth house has joined the Martin-Matte House Network. Located in Beloeil, it is now home to 19 residents," said Martin Matte.

The Martin-Matte Foundation team is full of ambition and aims to open even more Martin-Matte Houses. Projects are already underway in Montérégie, Lanaudière, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. With the involvement of valued partners from the community, public, and private sectors, this dream can become a reality.

This benefit evening, co-chaired by Mr. Di-Thai Hua, First Vice-President of Operations at Desjardins Group, and Dominic Jaar, Lead Partner, Markets at KPMG Canada, brought together over 200 guests from the Greater Montreal business community.

“This marks our second year having the privilege of serving as co-chairs of the Martin-Matte Foundation’s benefit evening. It fills us with pride to see the Martin-Matte House Network provide people living with traumatic brain injuries or physical disabilities a safe and supportive environment tailored to their needs. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting the very first Martin-Matte House in Laval. We were warmly welcomed by four residents, including Christian, Martin Matte’s brother. They were clearly proud to show us their rooms — their living space, their home. Meeting them helped us see firsthand the real and lasting impact our donations — your donations — have on their lives,” shared Di-Thai Hua and Dominic Jaar, co-chairs of the evening.

The Martin-Matte Foundation would also like to thank the event’s major sponsors: Aeromag, Fasken, and Tanguay, as well as Jean-Pierre Léger, sponsor of the cocktail reception.

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Laetitia Leclerc Steps Down as Executive Director After a Decade of Remarkable Commitment

The Martin-Matte Foundation announces the official departure of its Executive Director, Laetitia Leclerc, after ten years of outstanding dedication. Since joining in 2015, she has consistently given her best to elevate the Foundation’s mission. Through her rigorous work and compassionate leadership, she has significantly improved the quality of life for hundreds of people living with traumatic brain injuries or physical disabilities, leaving a lasting mark on the organization.

Among her key accomplishments are her involvement in establishing the Martin-Matte House Network, revamping the Foundation’s website, and developing major fundraising events. Her leadership played a critical role in expanding these initiatives through active partner engagement and effective fundraising strategies. Notably, she spearheaded the 10th edition of "Les Beaux 4h Fondation", which raised $1,086,787, contributing to a significant increase in the Foundation’s revenues and enabling support for more people with disabilities and their families.

“The 10 years I spent leading the Martin-Matte Foundation represent a defining moment in my career in philanthropy and management. I had the chance to work with many individuals whose professionalism and dedication deeply influenced my journey. I want to sincerely thank all the Foundation’s partners and collaborators,” stated Laetitia Leclerc.

She leaves her role with the full appreciation of the Foundation’s team and Board of Directors. The Martin-Matte Foundation will continue to pursue its mission with the same dedication, supported by a committed team and loyal partners. The Foundation’s Board of Directors has begun the recruitment process, and the job posting will soon be available on the Foundation’s platforms.