In the midst of plenty, the need to provide and help others remains high. And without hesitation, thousands annually step up, giving of their time, talent and treasure to help those in need and to build a better tomorrow for all. As we give thanks for their efforts and prepare to usher in a new year of hope and promise, here is another look back at this year’s top celebrations and those that dared to make a difference.
MIRACLE CONCERT AND GALA
This year’s top money-maker saw Victoria’s favourite son, music man David Foster mark his foundation’s 30th anniversary with a star-studded fundraising concert and gala. The award-winning producer and musician tapped 30 of his A-list friends including Oprah, Jay Leno, and Steven Tyler to make an appearance at the biggest gala-do of the year. The Parq Vancouver party earned a whopping $10.2 million to support families with children in need of an organ transplant.
NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS
A glittering party that once occupied hotel ballrooms now fills the Vancouver Convention Centre. VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation’s 22nd Night of a Thousand Stars soirée fronted by Nancey Nanji was one for the books. Along with high production value, came high praise from health care visionary Darlene Poole. She sparkplugged the memorable evening with a near $2 million gift. Coupled with the crowd funded $3.95 million, the mega proceeds went toward the purchase of a new surgical robot and world class care at VGH.
CHINATOWN GALA
After an impressive debut in 2016, Carol Lee followed up with an equally stirring sophomore staging of her Chinatown Gala to support efforts to revitalize the historic area. Gold and glam, the sold-out affair attracted captains of industries and community leaders to the Hotel Vancouver for the now annual dinner and auction. Enlisting powerhouses Carole Taylor and Leslie Diamond to chair the event, the women helped fill the foundation coffers with more than a million dollars to improve the once bustling neighbourhood.
SPLASH
Lesson learned after staging its largest art party last year inside the weather resistant Hotel Vancouver, Arts Umbrella returned to the iconic downtown property for its 35th running. A wise decision on the part of party leads Christie Darbyshire and Bruce Munro Wright, their art sale of a hundred masterful works by esteemed artists would post a chart topping $540,000 in net proceeds, setting a new standard for the tony gala benefiting Canada’s preeminent visual and performing arts school.
NIGHT OF WONDERS
Punching well above its weight, Children’s Wish Foundation’s Night of Wonders Gala, delivered a most remarkable night. The city’s young, bold and the beautiful came together to grant wishes for deserving children living with life threatening illnesses. Led by Jessica Hollander and an influential committee, Mike Wood and Aaron van Pykstra’s Autoform Dealership in East Vancouver was transformed into an exquisite dining room and party venue for a record-setting $375,000 night.
LE CIRQUE DU SOIREE
Kudos to Joelle Paleologou and Rita Khanna, chairs of Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s high-flying Le Cirque du soirée fundraiser. They along with a 21-person committee executed a flawless evening of magic and merriment under the big top. The party posse transformed cavernous Centennial Arena into an extravagant circus tent, where no expense was sparred to convince hundreds to run away with them to the circus, and part with nearly $500,000 for a new hospice residence.
FOR CHILDREN WE CARE GALA
Decorator Colin Upright and Granville Island Florist’s Suzanne Lee beautifully set the stage for Jane Young’s For Children We Care Gala, one of the prettiest parties of the year. No expense spared, the sparkling room was only matched by the brilliant generosity of patrons who attended the lavish luau at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. The spirited night of giving brought in $2.55 million — more than five times the amount posted in 2016 — for B.C. Children’s Hospital.
REVEAL GALA
Transforming Roger’s Arena into a warm, intimate ballroom for 550 guests is no small feat. Up for the challenge, Clara Aquilini, Charmaine Crooks and Christi Yassin did just that for the Canuck Autism Network’s REVEAL Gala. With the help of event producer Martin van Keken, the concrete stadium was transformed into a breathtaking party palace for the Evening in Venice benefit. The bewitching night scored CAN $1 million and revealed the spectrum of challenges, gifts and possibilities autism can bring for families.
MONET’S SECRET GARDEN GALA
Launching the most comprehensive exhibition of Monet’s work in Canada in more than two decades, the Vancouver Art Gallery threw the summer’s biggest and most lavish garden party. Pamela Richardson and Priscilla Lam steered the $1,000-a-ticket affair that saw all 400 seats quickly snapped up to the outdoor party in front of the VAG steps. In return for the most magnificent night, patrons seeded the venerable arts organization a million dollars.
GOLD HEART GALA
Mary Zilba and her gal pals elevated Variety, the Children’s Charity’s signature soirée. Taking the event to the next stratosphere, this year’s running had all the elements of a winning party — a gorgeous venue, sumptuous wine-paired dinner and a host of generous hearts in the room. A special painting by Athena Bax and five Variety kids sold for $33,000, igniting the night of giving. The show of hearts would bring in a record $550,000 to help B.C. children with special needs.