CCG’s 60^th Anniversary Alumni Gala Recap

By: Cathy Salter, CCG Retiree 2021

The Canadian Coast Guard Alumni Association was pleased to host a black-tie gala on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Hilton Hotel Lac-Leamy Gatineau in celebration of the Canadian Coast Guard's 60^th anniversary.

The evening began with a cocktail reception accompanied by harpist Michelle Gott, who set the ambiance for the evening playing beautiful tunes while guests mingled and enjoyed a selection of hot and cold appetizers. A sit-down dinner followed soon after in the Mozart Ballroom —the Baked Alaska with the brownie base was enjoyed by all! The Commissioner led attendees in a champagne toast using special commemorative 60th anniversary champagne glasses, which guests were invited to take home with them as a memento of the evening.

Marc Mes and I were the emcees for the evening, sharing the podium with Commissioner Mario Pelletier, former Assistant Commissioner from Atlantic Region and head of the Alumni Association John Butler, and National Director of Indigenous Relations Nicole Elmy who led us in a non-denominational grace. Podium participants delivered short speeches to welcome attendees and reflect on CCG’s past and future, accompanied by a few short videos celebrating our 60^th anniversary.

We finished our dessert with a quick slideshow trivia game that proved to be lots of fun – especially for the winners! The dance floor started to come alive around 9:00pm with the Fleet Sustainability Initiative team shutting it down at 1:45am. In addition to the dance floor, guests had fun posing for pictures with their colleagues, friends, and family in the photo booth. It was definitely a hit!

Thanks to all who attended the gala and to the many volunteers who helped with the slide shows, videos, flowers and dining room set up – we could not have done it without you.