CHAPTER ONE: The Vancouver Public Library christened their $15 million two-level rooftop expansion with a gala-do to support the library’s myriad of programs and services promoting literacy and reading. Fronted by Dana and John Montalbano and Carol and Christian Chia , 250 well-heeled guests were the first to explore the expansive space on the eighth and ninth floor of the central library that now boasts a new theatre, reading room, gallery space, additional meeting rooms and spectacular green roof designed by local landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander .
Spoken Word artist Shayne Koyczan headlined the Beyond the Book bash that aimed to raise awareness to the expanding role of the library. More than just a home for books, the main library — which reportedly welcomes 6,000 visitors daily to its central branch — delivers some 1,200 programs for young people and families. Services include a musical instrument lending library, and recording studios, all offered free of charge.
Following the Hawksworth-catered dinner, heavyweights including Ajay Dilawri , Charlie Kim, Derek Lee, Bob Rennie, David Rowntree, Susan Chow, Susan Knott and Jane Young contributed to a $585,000 night.
“The Beyond the Book theme was chosen to tell the library’s story — that it not only lend books but also provides resources beyond what most of us could imagine,” explains Dana Montalbano. “The library has evolved with our times and positively touches more lives than most non-profits or government services in Vancouver.”
Passion’s gala
ROLLING ON: Nineteen top chefs and restaurants once again put their best dishes forward for the 15th staging of the Scotiabank Passions Gala, one of two major fundraising events for the Dr. Peter Centre. Led by event founder Nathan Fong and co-chair Michael Barker-Fyfe , some 300 supporters gathered at Performance Works for the annual food and drink event, in support of the West End residence dedicated to providing leading care for those living with HIV and coexisting issues such as addiction, mental health and nutrition.
Among the returning chefs was Hidekazu Tojo , a founding chef who has participated every year since the event’s creation. Affectionately known as Tojo, the creator of the ubiquitous California Roll will host a party of his own this Sunday to mark 30 years in business. Realizing early on many diners weren’t use to eating raw fish wrapped in seaweed, the affable sushi chef invented the iconic roll with cooked crabmeat and avocado rolled inside out to hide the wrapper.
The now world famous California Roll was snapped up among other culinary delights last Wednesday night fuelling revellers to empty their purses and wallets of more than $190,000 — a record helping — bringing the overall fundraising tally to more than $1.6 million for the Dr. Peter Centre.
100 Year Journey gala
JOURNEY HOME: While the Komagata Maru vessel carrying nearly 400 passengers — primarily Sikhs — was never allowed to dock in Canada more than a century ago, (the ship was forced to return to India) the harrowing ordeal has never been forgotten. Entrepreneur and former Mehfil magazine publisher Rana Vig commemorates the voyage in a book published to acknowledge those intrepid pioneers and the many more who successfully came after them and made a significant contribution to their new country.
A major fundraiser on the South Asian social calendar, Vig and his wife Rupa once again orchestrated The 100 Year Journey Home Gala. Five hundred distinguished business and community leaders convened at the Parq Vancouver JW Marriott Hotel for the recognition event paying tribute to Indo Canadian trailblazers past and present who opened doors and broke new ground. Seven individuals made this year’s honour role.
Dr. Gurdeev Gill , the first Indian to graduate from UBC’s medical school, along with aviator Ishar Banns and forester Mayo Singh were cited in the pioneer category, while celebrity chef Vikram Vij , author Shimi Kang and media personality Monika Deol were honoured in the Navigator category. Multi-platinum Bhangra singer-songwriter Jazzy B received the Global Ambassador Award. A party with purpose proceeds benefited the Royal Columbian Hospital.
