FLOWER POWER: Sanjeev Parsad and Colleen Kohse fronted the 17th staging of Cystic Fibrosis’ 65 Roses Gala. The foundation’s signature soiree was held at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Hosted by CBC’s Gloria Macarenko and Belle Puri, the party’s East-Meets-West-themed affair attracted 300 supporters. The event aimed to further the mission of finding a cure, as well as support the 4,200 Canadians living with CF. One of those, eight-year-old Stuart Sanderson shared his story of living with the genetic disorder. He’s had to devote a significant amount of time to physiotherapy, medical appointments and periodic hospitalization to maintain his health. With hopes and plans for a bright future, the charismatic Sanderson helped open hearts and purse strings following the multi-course, wine-paired meal. Gala-goers generously donated about $400,000 to continue the research for a cure. Thanks to the generosity of patrons and work of researchers in Canada, the medium age of survival for people with cystic fibrosis has increased from 35 to 52 years, according to Max and Leona Pinksy, founders of the 65 Roses Gala. Since its inception, the gala has raised more than $4 million for life-changing research and care.
INSPIRED NIGHT: This year’s Inspiration Gala raised funds for the Hereditary Cancer Program at the B.C. Cancer Agency. Staged at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the event once again punched well above its weight, raising more than $2.61 million. Gala keynote Michael Izen underscored the case for support. He has terminal prostate cancer, which is caused by a hereditary mutation. Izen’s compelling words moved well-heeled guests to give. A $600,000 donation from Christian Chan sparkplugged the fundraising call. Laurie Rix quickly followed with a $500,000 pledge, made in memory of her late husband Neil Macrae. More donations ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 rained down on the black-tie affair, one of Vanhattan’s most-anticipated fundraisers of the year. CTV anchor Tamara Taggart reprised her role as gala chair for the fourth consecutive year. A cancer survivor herself, Taggart and an influential group of committee members, came together to support families affected by hereditary cancer. Funds raised will bring hope to families across generations and give experts the tools they need to ensure the needs of high-risk families are addressed before their health is affected, said Sarah Roth, president and CEO of the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
CRAWL KICK-OFF: The Eastside Culture Crawl officially began in 1996 with 45 visual artists displaying their wares in three Strathcona-area buildings. Since then, the annual open studio event has grown to include more than 500 artists, designers and craftspeople. It attracts more than 30,000 visitors yearly. Yours truly hosted the 2017 launch of the popular arts festival, which is aptly titled Take Flight. Culture vultures convened at the Art Factory off Main Street for the festival launch and fundraising party to support the four-day neighbourhood crawl, which covers an area bounded by Columbia Street, First Ave, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront. Chaired by executive director Esther Rausenberg and board chair Mira Malatestinic, the party toasted 21 years of art creation, as well as its many supporters and participants. Between glasses of wine, craft beer and canapes, attendees poured through the pages of the just-released program guide, and toured the LIT Exhibit featuring masterful works by some of this year’s artists. Always a party pleaser, the Crawl Art Roulette returned. It featured 26 original artworks by participating artists. Proceeds from the night of celebration — estimated at approximately $15,000 — will go towards supporting the festival, future exhibitions and outreach initiatives. The Eastside Culture Crawl runs from Nov. 16 to 19.
BIRTHDAY GEM: Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store welcomed one of the largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds in the world to Canada for the very first time. Aptly named The Tiffany Diamond, the stunning gem is on display at the Burrard Street location to honour the storied jeweller’s 10th anniversary in Vancouver and Canada’s 150th birthday. To celebrate the diamond’s arrival in Vancouver, Wendy Eagan, vice president of Tiffany & Co. Canada, and Renita Hansraj, senior director of Tiffany & Co. Vancouver, welcomed top clients, dignitaries and special guests to the downtown boutique for the big reveal. After enjoying beautifully curated cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered by Hawksworth, guests heard from a distinguished panel to learn more about the fancy diamond and its equally vibrant history. Moderated by Claudia Cusano, editor-in-chief of NUVO Magazine, chief gemologist Melvyn Kirtley and Marion Fasel, founder & editorial director of The Adventurine, discussed the Tiffany brand and its historic ties to the one-of-a-kind gemstone. The perfect holiday bauble, the Tiffany Diamond is displayed in a magnificent necklace of dazzling white diamonds, totalling more than 100 carats and featuring 20 Lucida diamonds.
CABIN FEVER: Anticipation reached a fever pitch when Roots officially opened the doors to its 3,868-square-foot Roots Cabin concept store at Pacific Centre. It’s the first of its kind in Western Canada, and just one of three in the world. The stylish space — the 19th store in B.C., and one of more than 220 worldwide — is intended to offer shoppers an enhanced retail experience that brings the iconic brand to life. The aesthetic is natural, comfortable and open. A Canadian handmade canoe accents the space. Major features of this retail facelift include a customization shop, wider merchandise selection, themed change rooms and a comfortable lounge to chill, recharge your phone and browse the store online. On hand to greet the store’s very first guests was Jim Gabel, Roots president and CEO.
