Opera SUCCESS: The 2012 SUCCESS Foundation Cantonese Opera fundraiser exceeded expectations. More than 1,000 Cantonese opera enthusiasts filed into the Centre for Performing Arts for the annual charity concert featuring three of China's biggest opera stars: Jiang Wen Duan, Guo Feng Nu and Lin Jia Bao. The exclusive one-night only performance raised more than $65,000 for the social service agency's efforts to meet demands for beds at its seniors care home.

Gone fishing: The Canadian Tenors headlined the West Coast Fishing Club's seventh annual Fishing for Kids Tournament launch party, held at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia's Reflections patio. Business leaders and NHL stars including Willie Mitchell and Manny Malhotra gathered to celebrate the start of the three-day fishing trip held on the northernmost tip of Haida Gwaii. Funds raised support the Canucks Autism Network delivering sports, recreation, social and vocational programs to the children and families living with autism.

Blue summer: The B.C. Blueberry Council, representing over 800 blueberry growers, celebrated the summer fruit with fans of the little blue antioxidant at the Four Seasons Hotel. Chef Ned Bell created a blueberry-inspired menu to pair with similar cocktails created by celebrated barkeeps Justin Taylor (YEW), David Wolowidnyk (West) and Jon Smolensky (Hawksworth).

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Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition; email yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com.