AVATIL’s 50th anniversary luncheon took place on Friday October 14, 2016 at the Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre in Dorval. Over 200 clients, family members and community partners attended this special event. The event began with a welcome from Mrs. Marjie Rutherford, President of AVATIL’s Board of Directors. Speakers included Lachine borough mayor Mr. Claude Dauphin, Mrs. Rhoda Root, former Director of Adult Services at CROM and Mrs. Maureen Anderson, a long-time volunteer of AVATIL. Mr. Dauphin presented a special plaque to Mrs. Rutherford to highlight AVATIL’s contributions to its clientele over the past 50 years. Highlights included two testimonials by two AVATIL clients. Their heartfelt remarks of how AVATIL has made a difference in their lives provided some very moving moments for everyone in attendance. Other event highlights included a performance by the Jim Bland Jazz Trio, raffle draws, AVATIL’s choir performance, a fabulous buffet and a closing dance. AVATIL’s 50^th anniversary luncheon provided a wonderful occasion for AVATIL community past and present members to share special memories and to celebrate this important event.  It was a day to remember!