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.
