TEACHING AID: The Learning Disabilities Association of Vancouver is a non-profit with a mission to empower every child and adolescent in Vancouver with a learning disability to achieve lifelong success and happiness. With a reported 18,000 kids diagnosed yearly with a learning disorder and school resources stretched to the limit, demand for tutoring support grows. Marking 45 year of helping kids, the firm hosted its sophomore Bash for Bright Lights luau at the Imperial Lounge, spearheaded by board chair Susan Aitchison and executive director Kate Raven. Supporters convened for the night of fundraising, music and camaraderie.
ASIAN ARTS & CRAFT: China Intangible Cultural Heritage Overseas Development Center launched its first Asian Pacific Cultural Festival in Vancouver. Starting with a gala dinner and auction at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, the week-long cultural festival featured five of China’s top Chinese Masters Yang Xiuling (Paper Cutting), Tang Yan (Silk Figurines) Qing Linhai (Batik Art), Yao Xiaojing (Clay Figurines) and Liu Zao (Leather Engraving) who showcased their artistic skills and centuries-old craft at weekend workshops held at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Their coveted works were also on the gala auction block orchestrated by yours truly. Liu Zao’s intricate leatherwork on canvas fetched the night’s top bid. Proceeds from the merrymaker benefitted the Vancouver Art Gallery’s Institute of Asian Art.
INNER CITY LOVE: One in five children live in poverty in B.C. Recognizing something needed to be done to support these kids, a group of concerned parents, educators and community leaders came together to create CLICK — Contributing to the Lives of Inner City Kids — to address the needs of this underserved and impoverished group. From housing to meal programs to learning disabilities, the volunteer-based funding organization has directed more than $400,000 to 210 different programs since its inception in 2004, making a daily difference in the lives of children and youth living in poverty in our city. The charity hosted its second annual Dinner to Make a Difference at Café Medina. Yours truly acted as emcee, welcoming 60 super-supporters who convened for the fundraising dinner. The intimate event netted more than $20,000 for the grassroots organization.
SHOW OF HEARTS: Impersonators Conni Smudge and Tracey Bell headlined the Heart of Richmond AIDS Society’s flagship fundraiser — a dinner and dance in support of the non-profit HIV/AIDS organization offering information and support services based in Richmond. More than 150 guests attended the benefit and Vegas-style floorshow at the Radisson Airport Hotel. Realizing there were no services available in Richmond to care for their son Steve who succumbed to the disease in 1992, Brian and Joanna Wardley founded a small bereavement support group, which later became the Heart of Richmond AIDS Society. The Wardleys were front and centre once again greeting attendees to the yearly benefit. Notables in attendance included Richmond mayor Malcolm Brody and MLA Linda Reid.
PORT CALLING: Every year for the past 17 years, the Port Authority comes together to support communities where they work, live and play. Some 250 generous guests filed into the Westin Bayshore Hotel for the yearly Port Fundraising Gala. Led by Robin Silvester President and chief executive office of the Vancouver Fraser Port Vancouver, the night of fundraising and camaraderie supported three local organizations: the Downtown Eastside’s Mission Possible, North Shore’s Harvest Project and South of the Fraser’s Reach Child and Youth Development. Since 1999, the port community has raised over $2 million through the annual affair.
