March 20, 1999, the first day of spring. Rendez-vous: the "Boca d'Oro" Restaurant on St Mathieu Street, in Downtown Montreal, for the biggest event of the VEA season, the Annual General Meeting Supper.

This year Italy was the country, and for this reason our non stopping working for the club guru, Mr. Richard Boudrias, came to his final conclusion of his choice (with the help of his adviser and confident Louise), that "Boca d'Oro", would be the location that us members of the VEA, would see each other for the first time since our last meeting in the fall, dressed up in our best.

The members and their sidekicks all looked elegant, and the smiles on all the faces gave us the feeling that the cars will be on the road very soon.

On entering the elegant upstairs room of the "Boca d'Oro", the atmosphere was full of excitement.

I could not believe the turn out. So much so, that a good 10 to 15 members had to dine in the downstairs dining room. The event was booked 3 days after the invitation was sent out. This shows you, that the next time an event is announced with a limit to the amount of people that the place can hold, get on that phone immediate and reserve.

The Executives are doing everything possible to try and get a location that will hold all that want to come, but this also can create another problem, in that the location would be too large and we would lose the friendly ambiance. One of the first things I noticed, when I arrived in the room was the Large Original Painting of the 25th Anniversary of the VEA, painted by no other, Alain Levesque, who is fast becoming an International renowned painter, here with the purchaser of the painting, Mr. Eric Smits.
Alain has done paintings for many car events, and manufactures, such as Porsche, Volvo, and his paintings have been exhibited in many places worldwide.
Back in 1995 Alain was involved in doing a painting for the Austin Healey of America, Conclave which was held at the Chateau Montebello.

The VEA is privileged to have Alain Levesque do the 25th Anniversary Painting, which was then produced for Lithography of a large Poster. This Poster was handed out to each member at the supper, who quickly went over to Alain and had it signed. This is one Poster that will go up in a place of honor. Every member of the VEA will get a poster. Our President Gaetan Ruel, introduced Mr. Levesque and eloquently spoke of why we chose Alain Levesque. A standing ovation was given to Alain for the quality and the beauty of the work done.

The meal started with a choice of entrees, then on to the main course. During all this time wine was poured by the friendly and courteous waiters. By the way, the wine was compliments of the VEA.

After the main platter, a beautiful desert and a delicious coffee was served. During this time, again our dapper President, Gaetan, made two presentations to two outgoing members of the executive. A good hand was given for these two, for the work they have done for the club.

The surprise was kept for last, again Gaetan, spoke about a person, who has done a great amount of work for the VEA, and is still doing so. Many of the successful events of the past have been on account of this member. He has kept the club going when it was at it's lowest, and as successful as the club is today, has not stopped him from continuing to make sure everything is first class. His love of the VEA is unquestionable. The member, I am sure all of you know is Richard Boudrias.
A beautiful framed award with a picture taken at last year AGM, was all part of the award. A standing ovation, was given to Richard, and the members asked for a speech. He first mentioned that it was a surprise, but a nice one. He thanked his wife Louise for all the help she has given him, and allowing the time that it takes to do this work.

One last thing was left to do. A picture was taken of Mr. Richard Boudrias, Mario Magri, Gilles Desroches, Alain Levesque, and our president Gaétan Ruel, all standing in front of the painting. It was a nice way to end the evening.

Thank you Richard and thank you Alain Fabry for the work you have both done for I am sure will be an unforgettable evening.

©VEA