Some of the world’s top female celebrities can still rock a bikini like they’re 25 … and they’re still sending pulses racing.

HOUSING SUCCESS: For 46 years, the Vancouver Resource Society has taken bold steps to provide non-market adaptable housing for persons with disabilities. The non-profit’s care model has centered around a unique partnership with the provincial government, municipalities and the development community to offer persons with disabilities accessible housing, quality care and supportive programs.

This work has led to the creation of some 1100 adaptive units around Metro Vancouver and Victoria, and most recently, the society has added another 450 units for seniors. To bring more awareness to their efforts and to help achieve their goal of 2000 units by 2022, the firm hosted its 5th biannual Spring Gala at the Terminal City Club.

Steered by party leads Virginia Bird and Rhiannon Mabberley and VRS board chair Allan De Genova , the event attracted several hundred supporters including municipal leaders, members of the Canadian Forces, Vancouver Police and Fire Department and community of developers who filed into the main ballroom for the dinner and auction. VRS housing success stories would bolster fundraising efforts that included a raffle, spirited live auction and call out for cash. The activities would all contribute to an impressive $238,000 night to help more people with disabilities integrate and live independently in the community.

First Tee charity golf tournament

TEE PARTY: While Richard Brodeur, Derek Brooks, Bryan Gallagher, Sharon Knotts, Phylis Laschuk, Steve Norman, Randy Smigel and Doug Stewart all missed at the opportunity to sink a hole-in-one for a million dollars, the YMCA’s First Tee program did ace $50,000 at the eighth annual First Tee Million Dollar Pro-Am Challenge golf tournament and charity dinner. Staged at the Richmond Golf and Country Club and sponsored by Marty Zlotnik’s ZLC Financial, a full field of 144 professional and amateur players hit the links in support of the one-of-a-kind golf program in Canada designed for vulnerable and inner city kids ages 6-17 to learn the fundamentals of the game as well as life skills that will serve them well beyond the fairways.

Since its inception in 2010, the program has grown exponentially with around 1,000 kids now expressing an interest to play, said First Tee program manager Christophe Collins .

While they learn to play golf, the kids also build character, develop life-enhancing values and learn to make healthy choices, he adds. Whether its learning to be honest while keeping score, or good judgment while making the shot, lessons learned stick long after the program is over, says Jeff Shewfelt , First Tee board chair. The program — a partnership between the YMCA and Vancouver park board — now extends to other municipalities including Surrey and Richmond.

Dragon Boat B.C. Legacy Gala

MAKING WAVES: Dragon Boat B.C. — formerly the Dragon Boat Society — hosted its sixth annual Legacy Gala at the Concord Pacific Presentation Centre in False Creek. Signalling 30 days before the 30th staging of the largest and most competitive contest on the North American Dragon Boat racing circuit, hundreds of dragon boat enthusiasts gathered for the East Meets West kickoff party and benefit supporting the Milton K Wong Legacy Project — named after the festival founder who brought the paddle sport from Hong Kong to Vancouver.

Steered by party chairs Alvin Cheung and Suzanne Williams , and emceed by Concord Pacific Senior VP Grant Murray , attendees imbibed in food and drink while bidding on an array of auction items and experiences in support of the Legacy Project, an initiative created to give underserved youth and the disadvantaged the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of sport, including dragon boating.

In keeping with that spirit, seven local charities will once again participate in the second annual All Access Cup to raise paddles, awareness and funds for their respective charities. The special race will launch the three-day regatta, which runs from June 22 to 24 and is expected to attract 6,000 elite paddlers from around the world. The gala would generate a reported $150,000.

WONDER WOMEN: Sixty-five leading ladies — business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers — were feted at the 35th annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards. Always a sellout, this year’s affair was no different as more than 1,200 guests squeezed into the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Ballroom for the premiere party, recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious awards for women.

At the helm of the YWCA as CEO for the past 15 years, Janet Austin assumed a new role at this year’s YWCA hootenanny. Named B.C.’s new lieutenant-governor, the longtime community advocate received a thunderous welcome opening the program before handing the front of house duties to interim leader Michelle Sing , gala chair Sue Paish and master of ceremonies Sophie Lui .

Before the awarding of trophies in 12 categories, former prime minister Kim Campbell was honoured with the Icon Award, the Y’s top recognition. As a leader, role model and mentor, Campbell was cited for her lifetime of achievements, blazing a trail for women’s equality. She would receive the first of many standing ovations during the marathon evening.

When the envelopes were opened, this year’s recipients were Kirsten Sutton (business), Andrea Thomas Hill (community), Leila Rahemtulla (education), Bonnie Foley-Wong (entrepreneurship), Vanessa Timmer (environment), Christine Loock (health), Teri Nicholas (non-profit), Zulie Sachedina (public service), Gina Ogilvie (research), Miranda Anderson (youth) and Mary-Jo Dionne (arts). BCAA was awarded champion in the workplace.

While honouring extraordinary women, the event also highlighted the YWCA’s programs and services that improve the lives of thousands each year across Metro Vancouver. This year’s area of focus was YWCA’s Crabtree Corner, a shelter and transition house for single moms and their kids. A party with a purpose, more than $115,000 was raised in the call out for cash and over $20,000 netted in the live auction of three one-of-a-kind experiences.

Richmond Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament

SOUND RESULT: Under sunny skies, a full field of 144 players hit the fairways in support of Natalie Meixner’s Richmond Hospital Foundation. Another 110 guests and yours truly — serving as auctioneer — would greet players at the 19th hole. Sponsored by 2 River Green, the community-driven golf tournament and fundraising dinner would net a record-breaking $318,000 to help improve local health care.

Spirits were high as business, health and philanthropic leaders teed up for the day of golf, camaraderie and generosity to support priority needs for their community hospital. Following a catered lunch, 18-holes and plenty of fun and games on the greens, players retired to the clubhouse where more fundraising games awaited. While exclusive experiences captured the imagination of many, the biggest moment came during the Fund-A-Need portion of the program.

Focused on the hospital’s emergency department and the need for new ultra-sound machines — essential when diagnosing a variety of medical emergencies — gifts from generous hospital benefactors ranging from $100 to $90,000 rained down ensuring the purchase of two portable state-of-the art units for the hospital’s emergency unit.

It is truly awe-inspiring to see a community rally, embrace and champion the local health care needs of Richmond Hospital, said Harold Goldwyn , foundation board member and chair of the golf tourney.

Canucks Autism Network’s Reveal Gala

CAN-DO: For the third time, the Canucks Autism Network’s Reveal Gala returned to Rogers Arena in support of 16,000 families living with autism in B.C. Chaired once again by Clara Aquilini and her BFF  Christi Yassin , and a supporting cast of 13 committee members, this year’s off-ice party transported well-heeled guests to the bustling seaside resort of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. The stadium was transformed into an intimate setting thanks to giant state-of-the-art surround screens, and elegant décor in an evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds for autism.

Gathered around 68 tables were 544 guests representing the prevalence of the one in 68 children diagnosed with autism. The extraordinary night revealed the spectrum of challenges, gifts and possibilities autism can bring, with a few surprises along the way. Lola Lennox , the daughter of music royalty, Annie Lennox , topped musical performances, while Canadian child actor Jacob Tremblay and Bates Motel star Vera Farmiga added further star power.

The latter took to the stage to auction off an exclusive Hollywood experience with Jimmy Kimmel and her former co-star Freddie Highmore . One of nine luxury lots, it would fetch one of the night’s top bids, contributing to an all-time fundraising high for the organization. Paolo Aquilini , managing partner of the Aquilini Group and CAN founder, announced the record haul of $1.12 million alongside his son Christian , the inspiration behind the registered charity.

NATIVE SON: Ranked among Canada’s finest and celebrated artists, Bill Reid’s influence and body of work can be found throughout the province and country.  The Haida artist — a master goldsmith, sculptor and carver — was a pivotal force behind the renaissance of Northwest Coast art and traditions. His works ranging from exquisite carvings in precious metals to monumental sculptures in cedar and bronze have been exhibited, cherished and collected locally and abroad. In Vanhattan, his stunning works can be seen welcoming visitors to the Vancouver airport, Museum of Anthropology and Vancouver Aquarium.

In 2008, the Bill Reid Foundation opened The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver to commemorate his contributions and influence. Reid passed away in 1998 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. The only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast art, the downtown cultural gem recently marked its 10th anniversary with a celebratory gala to raise a glass to the B.C. artist, support future programming and ensure emerging and established Indigenous artists have the opportunity to exhibit in the recently expanded space.

Led by Douglas Reynolds, Fei Wong and an influential committee of art patrons, more than 150 guests took in the Raven’s Feast. The celebratory evening brought together artists, donors and community supporters who made it possible for the gallery to honour the legacy of Bill Reid, reveal the diverse cultures of the Northwest Coast and promote cross-cultural understanding. Hosted by CBC’s Stephen Quinn , party highlights included a multi-course Northwest Coast themed-dinner, live performance by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson , and auction of exceptional art and experiences. Masterful works by Reid, Rande Cook , Luke Marston and Cory Bulpitt contributed to a $100,000 night.

Gordon Smith Foundation Spring Luncheon

SMITH LEGACY: Another cultural icon, Canadian painter, printmaker and sculptor Gordon Smith was a no-show at his foundation’s annual Spring Luncheon. At 99-years-old, the artist can be forgiven for not feeling up to attending said Vicki Gabereau , master of ceremonies of the fundraising nooner at Capilano Golf and Country Club. Two hundred fans did make the luncheon luau — the 15th running — to support Smith’s love of teaching, cultivation of young talent and providing arts education for all.

Smith’s Artists for Kids program is a legacy of his and his late wife Marion’s efforts. Established in 1989, the art program has enriched the lives of thousands of students of all ages each year. The Artists for Kids endowment as well as the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art in North Vancouver was the beneficiaries of this year’s fundraising efforts. As always the main event was the art auction of seven one-of-a-kind Canadian works by familiar names such as Ian Wallace , Graham Gillmore , Ross Penhall , Chris Charlebois , and Pierre Coupe .

The donated works sold for asking or under estimate. Auctioneer Barry Scott worked harder when Douglas Coupland’s Tsunami Study — his commentary on the Ocean’s plastic pollution — went on the auction block. As usual, it was the final auction piece, Gordon Smith’s newest work — a mixed media on canvas — that captured the attention of many selling as expected beyond asking. The sale of fine works along with a Heritage Canada match would see the afternoon’s final tally surpass the $185,000 mark.

Thanks to the foundation and this charity luncheon, more than 5,000 students benefit each year, said Yolande Martinello , Artists for Kids director.

“For 29 years, our programs have allowed young people to discover the joys of creating, the delight of hands-on learning and the sense of accomplishment that is too often under-represented in our education system. We’ve nurtured talent, supported skill development and celebrated positive self-expression. And we have raised a new generation of art appreciators,” she added.

Face The World Gala

WORLD TOUR: Legendary singer Tom Jones headlined Jacqui Cohen’s 28th Face the World Gala. After helping launch the society maven’s inaugural fundraiser for local charities raising roughly $85,000, the 78-year old Welsh heartthrob has returned a reported five times to support the Army and Navy matriarch’s ongoing fundraising efforts. Putting service above self, Cohen brushed aside family health matters to host and welcome 200-plus guests into her Point Grey Road residence for the tony $2,500-a-ticket house party.

Notables making the scene included Vancouver Canuck’s Paolo Aquilini , architect Russell Hollingsworth , Cactus Club’s Richard Jaffray , Paragon Gaming’s Scott Menk e, talent agent Sam Feldman , Haywood Securities Eric Savics , Hy’s Canada’s Neil Aisenstat and Futura Corp’s Amar Doman .

Attendees were royally feted upon arrival. Starting with a red-carpet welcome outside, the Veuve Clicquot champagne flowed. Inside, the reception swirled in Cohen’s living room before guests headed to the outdoor dining tent, brilliantly staged over her waterfront pool. Fuelled by a Gotham steak and lobster dinner paired beautifully with Sean and Saeedeh Salem’s Le Vieux Pin wines, the well-heeled crowd would rally to support underserved children, low-income seniors and disadvantaged women.

While no panties were thrown at Sir Tom Jones — the iconic singer was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006 — partygoers did toss just over $700,000 to charity. Travel experiences and art ruled the evening with a luxury penthouse stay in Las Vegas and a John Ferrie painting exceeded their sticker price. Since the event’s debut, the Face the World fetes have generated more than $18 million to assist more than 350 organizations announced Cohen. They include the Carnegie Community Centre, Covenant House and YWCA of Greater Vancouver.

PLASTIC WISE:Bal Bhullar, Erica Chan, Bruce Foughner, Kim Haakstad, Elizabeth Janke, Peter Millar and Susan Pratt skippered this year’s Night at the Aquarium Gala. The Vancouver Aquarium’s signature soirée, a school of chefs — Edgar Kano (Yew), Hector Laguna (Botanist), Catherine Stewart (Cin Cin), Frank Pabst (Blue Water) and Quang Dang (Araxi) — led the Ocean Wise fundraising dinner to support the marine science centre’s many programs, including its conservation efforts. The growing global crisis of plastics in our waters was a major theme of this year’s fundraising fete.

In addition to dining amid the stunning backdrop of aquatic galleries, guests also took in the Aquarium’s newest exhibition Vortex by celebrated author and pop artist Douglas Coupland . Highlighting the scale of discarded plastics and ocean pollution and its horrific impact on marine life, the new art installation underscored the importance of clean oceans and the marine science centre’s important role to educate, support research and rehabilitate marine mammal in distress.

When asked to help support the campaign on microplastics, revellers responded in spades during the live auction and paddle raise. Conducted by yours truly, a sky-high dinner by Ocean Wise executive chef Ned Bell and One Ocean Expedition to the Faroe Islands reeled in the night’s top bids, contributing to a $350,000 catch. One Ocean CEO Andrew Prossin would cap off the successful night with a further donation of $50,000 presented to outgoing Vancouver Aquarium director John Nightingale .

Spotlight Gala

FIERCE WOMEN: Metis Cree film director Loretta Todd was one of a dozen women feted at the annual Spotlight Awards Gala, presented by Women in Film and Television. Creator of Fierce Girls, the very first Indigenous superhero web series created for Indigenous girls, Todd was heralded with the Innovation Award for her body of work that exemplifies vision, experimentation and innovation. For the past decade, Todd has been producing special programming that is aspirational, affirming and positive for Indigenous youth.

Since 1999, Women in Film and Television Vancouver has paid tribute to those whose ongoing hard work and dedication have significantly shaped and advanced opportunities for women in screen-based media. The not-for-profit welcomed industry insiders and friends who convened at Performance Works on Granville Island to raise a glass to this year’s screen sirens and trailblazers. This year’s stellar line up included First Weekend Club founder Anita Adams ; actor Camille Sullivan , and playwright Marie Clements who was bestowed the inaugural Impact Award for her life’s work telling stories of Indigenous people.

Other winners were: Arielle Boisvert, Amanda Burke, Nadia DiMofte Kim Guise, Angie Nolan, Anna Serner, Anaïsa Visser and Jody Wilson .

Project Empty Bowl Gala

FEEDING SOULS: With just four full time staff and an army of volunteers, A Loving Spoonful continues to deliver more than 100,000 meals throughout the Lower Mainland annually to individuals and families affected by HIV and coexisting illnesses. The need is as great as ever, says Alex Beyer , director of client services.

“We’re supporting an aging group of clients living with HIV. While the number of HIV diagnoses has drastically declined since the height of the pandemic in the eighties and nineties, many individuals living with the virus face overlapping medical conditions and other barriers such as social isolation and food insecurity,” he adds.

To support the registered charity’s ongoing efforts of delivering nutritious meals and counselling to those in need — services that have expanded into the Surrey area — the firm hosted its annual Project Empty Bowl benefit at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.

Led by longtime chair Wendy Hardy and executive director Lisa Martella , hundreds once again filed into the hotel ballroom for the food and wine grazing. After chowing down on heaps of butter chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese and other tasty fare from keepsake ceramic bowls, attendees would empty their wallets and designer purses of $130,000 to ensure the ongoing success of the meals on wheels program.

RECORD PERFORMANCE: 2018 has been a banner year for Arts Umbrella, Canada’s preeminent arts education organization for young people. Based in British Columbia, the non-profit earlier this year got the green light for relocation of its current premises on Granville Island to the South Building of the former Emily Carr University property a stone’s throw away. The 50,000 square foot, purpose-built, arts education facility will house seven dance studios; five theatre & music studios; eight visual, applied & media arts studio; a 160-seat professional theatre; a publicly accessible exhibition gallery; and new workshop spaces.

In March the firm received $7 million in cultural space funding from the federal government to sparkplug the move and expansion. The B.C. government would pitch in another $1.4 million. A private sector capital campaign to raise an additional $20 million to realize this transformative project has raised already more than $10 million.

The show of support would continue at the Nicola Wealth Management Invitational. Benefiting Arts Umbrella, the golf gala would net $230,000 in proceeds to ensure the benefits of a high-quality arts education would reach even more children and youth across Metro Vancouver.

Arts Umbrella has been offering arts education in dance, theatre, music, visual arts, and digital arts to children for nearly 40 years; more than 20,000 young people annually, with eighty per cent through free community programs made possible by the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations, says Paul Larocque , President & CEO of Arts Umbrella.

“This new building will allow us to keep this forward momentum and provide kids with limitless opportunities,” he added.

Players and benefactors agreed as they opened up their hearts and their wallets following the day of play at the Point Grey Golf and Country Club.

A Bohemian Rhapsody musical number by Arts Umbrella students kicked off the evening festivities. Following a standing ovation, Nicola Wealth Management CEO David Sung sparkplugged the night of philanthropy with a match gift of $20,000 that was quickly looked after by the capacity crowd.

To the delight of event chairs Jennifer Podmore Russell and Conor Kinsella , more giving would ensue in the paddle raise and live auction contributing to the impressive night. Companies also played a leading role. Among the many sponsors: Rennie, WBI Home Warranty, The Mortgage Group, Lawson Lundell, Gateway Casinos, Audi, Davidson Bros Mechanical and Reotech Construction.

Orbis Plane Pull for Sight

EYES IN THE SKY: Since 1982, the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital — a state of the art teaching and surgical facility — has flown to more than 100 countries to mentor, train and inspire local eye care teams so they can provide life-changing treatment to blind and visually impaired people in their communities. Drawing upon an international faculty of more than 400 volunteer ophthalmologists, nurses and biomedical engineers, the agency is dedicated to the preserving and restoring of sight in underserved areas.

Literally a hospital with wings that brings together advanced technologies, dedicated eye care professionals and aviators to give the gift of sight, the world’s only airborne ophthalmic training facility touched down in Vancouver after successful stops in Toronto and Calgary for the final leg of its national fundraiser.

Now in its 10th year, the annual Plane Pull for Sight is Orbis Canada’s signature fundraising event, which involves teams of 20 people competing to pull a 65-ton cargo plane along a 20-foot course at YVR International Airport.

Nineteen local teams fundraised to compete in the most recent contest. FedEx Canada — a global supporter of Orbis — donated the use of its planes and facilitated the pull, along with team members who were part of this year’s enthusiastic participants. FedEx has funded, provided aircraft maintenance and shipped vital supplies and equipment all over the world, says Alex Krievins , national director from Orbis. FedEx pilots also volunteer to fly the Flying Eye Hospital to its program destinations.

The 2018 campaign would raise $318,000, making it the most successful year to date. In ten years, Orbis Canada has raised $1.2 million in its fight to end avoidable blindness around the world. That translates to sight-saving surgery for over 12,000 children, reports Simon Holland , founding medical director and head of the volunteer faculty.

Forum Women for Entrepreneurs Garden Fundraising Party

SEEDING SUCCESS: Helping female entrepreneurs achieve new heights of success, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs took their spring fundraiser to the rooftop of Telus Gardens to sing the praises of its members and FWE’s education and mentorship programs.

Leading the pep rally was executive director Larkin Mackenzie-Ast and FWE founder Christina Anthony . The latter has grown the startup born 16 years ago from a local not-for-profit charity into a national resource designed to support and mentor women who are venturing into new business opportunities or ready to ramp up and grow their existing business.

Its membership got younger with the addition of five women — part of a newly launched program Juventas, named after the goddess of youth, providing women aged 16 to 29 an intensive year-long skills development and mentorship opportunity with influential women.

Budding entrepreneurs, Emma Irvine of Sweet Somethings and Performance Chocolate, Danielle Leroux of Organza Communications, Kristina Rasina of Alma Knitwear, Milène Vallin of Milène Vallin Communication Design, and Julia Wei of Clinic Mates were introduced at the social mixer, attended by fellow up and comers, including Nurse Next Door founder and NPA mayoral candidate Ken Sim .

Last year’s Fresh Roots inaugural long table dinner was held inside the hallways of David Thompson Secondary School due to inclement weather. This year, Mother Nature cooperated and the sophomore schoolyard Harvest Party was successfully staged outside on dry land next to its education farm — a school market garden. A fortunate 140 guests snapped up tickets to the sold-out fundraising dinner in support of the non-profit’s effort to grow community through good food.

Sprouted in 2009, Fresh Roots founders Ilana Labow , Gray Oron and Marc Schutzbank greeted attendees to the multi-course family-style feast curated by chefs Karima Chellouf and Kym Nguyen , incorporating ingredients sourced from schoolyard farms. Fresh Roots manages four edible educational gardens on school property in the Vancouver, Delta and Coquitlam School Districts. Through experiential learning, students get to appreciate the full cycle of how their food arrives on their table and gain an appreciation of good food.

This year’s al fresco dinner benefited Fresh Roots SOYL initiative, an innovative seven-week summer leadership and empowerment program. High school students tend to and cultivate the ½ acre schoolyard farm; develop skills in growing, cooking and selling the fruits of their labour at farmers markets. Through their time with SOYL, students develop a greater connection to themselves, their community and their local food system, says Schutzbank. Proceeds from the outdoor garden party will employ fifty summer students in the SOYL program next year.

Indian Summer Festival Opening Night Gala

HIT AND MYTH: The Indian Summer Festival is a sure sign that summer has arrived in Vancouver. The 10-day celebration of music, art and ideas has quickly become a cultural mainstay of the city. Now in its eighth year, the vibrant, colourful, multi-arts jamboree continues to push the boundaries of convention offering a unique program — 25 free and ticketed events in all — packed with creativity, diversity and inclusiveness.

The brainchild of husband and wife team of Sirish Rao and Laura Byspalko , their vision was on full display at the festival’s opening celebrations at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. The space was transformed into a brilliant party palace where guests were taken on a gastronomic journey around the world. A sold-out party for the eighth consecutive year, the couple along with event chair celebrity chef Vikram Vij welcomed a diverse group of chefs to showcase their talents around this year’s theme of mythmaking, examining 10 centuries of storytelling and human imagination.

Notables making the scene: Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson , Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan , and SFU President Andew Petter ; they were joined by aspiring glad-handing politicos Shauna Sylvester and Hector Bremner . Also spotted were a host of award-winning musicians, novelists and visual artists participating in this year’s festivities. They included composer Rup Sidhu , musician Mohammed Assani , explorer Wade Davis , Musqueam weaver Debra Sparrow and Indian Summer Festival artist in residence Sandeep Johal .

Sparrow collaborated with Johal on a tapestry that covers the Pause Pavilion, the festival’s first outdoor programming hub in Vanier Park. Designed by Russian designer Alsu Sadrieva , the outdoor space — winner of a TED 2017 design competition conceptualized as a place to gather, reflect and interact — played host to a series of cross cultural workshops, talks and performances. The Indian Summer Festival runs until July 15.

Science World’s Pairing Event

SCIENCE FARE: Building on the fundraising success of its Science of Cocktails event, Science World held its inaugural food and wine event, Pairings. It was billed as a gourmet evening with a dash of science.

Exploring the fascinating science behind food and wine pairings, the science centre, in partnership with La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and select wineries from B.C.’s Golden Mile Bench, invited some of the province’s top restaurants and chefs including Will Lew (Notch 8), Clement Lau (Maison Clement) Jeff Van Geest (Miradoro) to participate in the culinary science experiment.

Master of Wine Rhys Pender guided attendees on their gastronomic journey speaking in tongue of tannins and alcohol competing with the intensity of food. Between memorable sips and tasty bites, guests feasted on a silent auction, hands-on Science World activities and an exclusive viewing of Science World’s latest exhibition The Science Behind Pixar. The inaugural event would cook up $32,000 for Science World’s Super Science Club, an after-school program that aims to inspire underserved children to develop a long-term interest in science and technology.

The program now reaches 12 schools and a thousand students across Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, says Science World fundraiser Shellina Lakhdhir .