$4 MILLION CRYSTAL: For only the second time in its 32 years, the Crystal Ball, B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation’s flagship fundraiser, reached the $4 million mark. More than 400 well-heeled guests help raise the impressive haul to help transform health care for kids. And for the second consecutive year, mental health care was the focus of attention at the always-extravagant dinner and auction, sponsored by the Beedie Development Group.
Staged at the Four Seasons Hotel, and steered by two-time chair Jennifer Johnston and a powerful group of social influencers and do-gooders, the ballroom was once again transformed into a golden party palace. Inspired by this year’s theme of Zen and mindfulness, attendees tucked into a menu of Asian-inspired cuisine before opening their big hearts and even bigger wallets.
The night’s special guests — Ginny Dennehy and youth champion Laura— shared their tearful stories of courage and strength. Dennehy’s world was turned upside down when her teenage son, dealing with deep depression, took his life. Laura was also fighting intense feelings of sadness and emptiness. Threatening to commit suicide, her parents immediately took her to B.C. Children’s Hospital for psychiatric care.
Laura’s story would have a happy ending. She started an undergraduate program at Queen’s University this fall following long-term care at the hospital’s pediatric mental health unit. She received the personalized attention and therapy she needed. Her mom Alison credits counselling and treatment for her daughter’s recovery and new outlook.
“Across the province, 84,000 children and youth are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, but 70 per cent are not receiving the care they need,” said Teri Nicholas , B.C. Children’s Hospital CEO, addressing the capacity crowd. “And when they do, it can be years after the first symptoms are noticed. With your help we can change that.”
Gala-goers would respond in spades, first spending more than $250,000 in the live auction. The call for cash would see guests dig even deeper into their designer bags and billfolds. Donations ranging from $1,000-to-$250,000 rained down contributing another $1.25 million to the final tally. Last year, there were more than 16,000 visits to B.C. Children’s Hospital from kids who accessed mental health services.
Among the evening’s generous donors: Ayra and Hamid Eshghi, Lisa and Mike Hudson, Laurie and Barry Cavanaugh, Tracey and Brooke Wade , Pamela and David Richardson , Desha and Suki Sekhon , Diane and John Norton , Pixie and David Riddle , Priscilla Lam and Francis Lo , Stephanie Carlson , Maria Freeman , Stephanie Miller , Sherry Doman , Jacqui Prokopanko and Jura Kim .
To Gordon With Love Gala
SMITH LEGACY: Gordon Smith , one of the country’s preeminent painters was honoured at a special event in recognition of his storied career and contributions to the visual arts. Smith, who turns 100 this year, was unfortunately a no-show at the To Gordon With Love luau organized at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre on the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey Campus. The centenarian however did offer greetings via live video from his West Vancouver Arthur-Erickson designed home, to the delight of guests — collectors, artists, gallery owners and arts enthusiasts — who assembled to toast him.
Fronted by business titans Peter and Joanne Brown and Michael Audain and his wife Yoshi Karasawa , yours truly along with CBC’s Gloria Macarenko emceed the tribute dinner, catered by David Hawksworth , a $500-a-ticket black-tie affair, held on the Remembrance Day weekend. Smith was also feted for his service to the country serving in the Second World War with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Artists Douglas Coupland, Ian Wallace and Christos Dikeakos and retired Vancouver Art Gallery curator Ian Thom were among a list of luminaries who paid tribute to the celebrated artist and educator. Smith taught at UBC for 26 years before retiring in 1982. Several years later, Smith and his wife Marion , along with Bill Reid and Jack Shadbolt , established the Artists for Kids program, created to ensure kids had access to visual arts. Through the sale of original prints created by its artist patrons, a legacy fund was established to provide art education for the children of British Columbia.
The art program, which has enriched the lives of thousands of students of all ages every year, along with the Gordon Smith Gallery, the only gallery of its kind in Canada dedicated to young audiences, would get a significant financial boost after party guests donated more than $460,000 to honour the man of the hour. Audain and his wife led the way matching gifts up to $200,000. Others showing their love for Smith included art collector Paul Lee , gallery owner Andy Sylvester , and fellow artists Ross Penhall, Tiko Kerr, Dina Goldstein and Doria Moodie .
Growing Chefs Harvest Party
YOUNG SPROUTS: Yours truly, along with CBC’s Margaret Gallagher, hosted Growing Chefs Society’s’ ninth Farm to Forks Harvest Party, staged at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Guided by executive director Helen Stortini and development director Jaydeen Williams , the Sunday night event drew some 120 supporters to the annual kitchen party. Joined by the province’s best chefs, bartenders, growers and producers, foodies enjoyed a fun-filled night of fine wine, craft beer, bespoke cocktails, and 10 delicious tasting stations sprinkled throughout the cooking school’s eight classroom kitchens.
The epicurean experience would ultimately raise more than $65,000 — a new fundraising standard for the charity’s classroom gardening and cooking program — giving children hands-on experience growing and preparing their own healthy, and nutritious food. Over 100 classrooms across B.C. have benefited from the grassroots effort thanks to the support of more than 150 chefs, growers, producers and community volunteers. Monies generated will play a crucial role in helping the outfit’s goal to reach more than 1,500 children across the province annually.
