CRYSTAL BALL RAISES RECORD $4.4M
The B.C. Children’s Hospital Crystal Ball — one of the grande dames of the charitable circuit — as usual was an extravagant and glitzy affair.
In celebration of its 3oth anniversary, the foundation took a step back through the looking glass transforming the Four Seasons Park Ballroom into a fantastical wonderland of vignettes reflecting three decades of fundraising in support of B.C.’s sick and injured children.
Society darlings Arya Eshghi and Diane Norton chaired the milestone party that drew 400 of the province’s top philanthropists, business moguls and community leaders to the posh dinner and auction, in support of the Children’s Healing Experience Project. The project — the first of its kind in Canada — is designed to create inspirational healing experiences by integrating curated, purposeful art into the new Teck Acute Care Centre, scheduled to open in November 2017.
Helping gala-goers imagine the possibility, special guest and keynote Aidan Chin shared with attendees the story of his lengthy stay at Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Following more than three years of care, and a stay at the health centre for more than four consecutive months, the teenager reinforced the importance of a positive environment that can reduce pain and anxiety and promote wellness.
The message resonated with developer Ryan Beedie and his wife Cindy, presenting sponsors of the gala-do. The couple would set the philanthropic bar high early in the night announcing a $1-million match of all individual gifts. The Beedie’s words were heeded. Money would rain down on the Alice in Wonderland-themed party.
Among the major benefactors: Stephanie Carlson, Maureen Ilich, Asa and Kashmir Johal, Charles and Isabelle Diamond, Joseph and Rosalie Segal, Marjorie–Anne Sauder, Alexander and Irene Fernandez, Vern and Nicole Milani, David and Nyle Beck, Tori and Martin Sinclair, Don Lindsay, David Aisenstat, Jennifer Johnstone, Connie Spear, Sherry Doman, Tracey Wade, Tammi Kerzner, Tali’ah Aquilini and Tracey Jackson.
By evening’s end, a record-breaking $4.4 million would be collected shattering all expectations.
“The opportunity to be a part of such an innovative project that will improve patient care, reduce pain and promote healing compelled and inspired our Crystal Ball guests to dig deep,” said Teri Nicholas, B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation president and CEO. Since its inception 30 years ago, the Crystal Ball has raised close to $25 million for child health.
Crystal Ball veterans Arya Eshghi and Diane Norton chaired the milestone Crystal Ball party in Vancouver that drew 400 well-heeled guests to the posh dinner and auction in support of the Children’s Healing Experience Project.
Crystal Ball founder and lifetime honorary chair Isabelle Diamond, Teri Nicholas, B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO and longtime benefactor Stephanie Carlson were elated with the Crystal Ball’s record-breaking night. More than $4.4 million was posted from the posh party.
Vern and Nicole Milani of Milani Plumbing were among the major supporters of B.C. Children Hospital’s flagship fundraiser. The glitzy night posted a record $4.4-million for the foundation.
Health advocates Ricki Li, Jane Young, Sylvia Chen and Allen Wong showed their support contributing to the record haul at the B.C. Children’s Hospital Crystal Ball fundraising party.
The Crystal Ball also brought out Vancouver’s young and successful including GoFetch’s Willson Cross, Nordstrom’s Veronica Bailey and Lipsi’s Matthew Segal.
CHINATOWN RENAISSANCE
Harvard and UBC educated Carol Lee, the daughter of legendary businessman and philanthropist Robert Lee, has become an influential powerhouse in her own right.
The CEO of Linacare, a therapeutic-oriented skin care company she co-founded with Dr. Henry Fung serving cancer patients and people with severe eczema, Lee is the force behind Chinatown’s revitalization efforts where her company is headquartered. In addition to purchasing key buildings and businesses in the historic part of town, Lee created the Chinatown Foundation enlisting the likes of Robert Ho, Caleb Chan and Brandt Louie to help preserve the district’s cultural heritage.
Lee recently staged her inaugural ball in support of the foundation’s efforts to revitalize the once-bustling neighbourhood. Fronted by power players Leslie Diamond, Carole Taylor and Jimmy Pattison, the gala drew a capacity crowd to the Hotel Vancouver for a night of celebration and fundraising hosted by CBC’s Gloria Macarenko.
Wanting to make Chinatown great again, attendees including Roger Communications Phil Lind, Concord Pacific’s Terry Hui and Peterson Group’s Ben Yeung opened their hearts and wallets. More than $1 million was reportedly raised in support of the charity’s immediate initiatives, which includes securing senior housing and affordable accommodation for many of the area’s long-term residents.
More is expected as $1 million pledges from local developers came in — including one from Carol’s father Robert, payable when 10 gifts of $1 million is secured.
In partnership with the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health, Lee and the foundation have already committed to raising $30 million to create 250 units of affordable housing and a 55,000 square-foot health centre in the Downtown Eastside.
The foundation also plans to transform the former Bank of Montreal building on East Pender Street into a Chinese-Canadian heritage centre.
Carol Lee’s inaugural Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Gala, held at the Hotel Vancouver, was co-chaired by her good friend Carole Taylor. The sold-out affair generated more than $1 million to go toward preserving the district’s cultural heritage.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson attended the Chinatown Foundation Gala with his girlfriend, Asian pop-star Wanting Qu.
Master of Ceremonies Gloria Macarenko took a page from the Donald Trump playbook to boost revitalization efforts in Chinatown’s historic neighbourhood.
Chinatown Foundation Gala committee members Leslie Lee and Leslie Diamond were all smiles following the gala’s impressive debut. The sold-out affair at the Hotel Vancouver drew some of the city’s biggest names to help save the historic neighbourhood.
Paul Francl and Katie Kim took a page from the Donald Trump playbook in hopes of boosting revitalization efforts in the city’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood.
Developers Amin Lalji of the Larco Group and Robert Lee of Prospero each pledged $1-million to the Chinatown Foundation, payable when a total of 10 $1-million gifts are confirmed.
