QUEER AS FOLK: Dr. Peter Jepson-Young knew first-hand that people living with HIV/AIDS have many needs far greater than just survival. Before his death in 1992, he established the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. His friends and family established The Dr. Peter Centre, an assisted-living residence and health facility dedicated to helping those living with HIV and AIDS. Two decades later, another generation is taking up the charge to continue his legacy by providing a safe, loving place for individuals living with the disease where they can receive nutritious meals and health services. Kevin Mazzone, Ryan McKinley and Gary Serra hosted their third Pride Kickoff cocktail party at the Loden Hotel. It was another sellout and guests sipped, savoured and celebrated with bubbles, craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by the hotel and 1181 bar and lounge. More than $28,000 was raised from the penthouse party.
BREAST SAVER: The Providence Health Care Breast Centre at Mount St. Joseph Hospital opened in 2009 to provide quick access to tests and to reduce wait times for diagnosis. The first of its kind, it has seen more than 12,000 patients come through its doors, but after six busy years, clinic space has become constrained. Renovations are needed to create additional consultation rooms to help meet increased patient demands and accommodate private and sensitive patient and family conversations around diagnoses. That is why 300 guests filed into the Hotel Georgia for the first Breast Ever Luncheon. It was chaired by Stanley Mak, sponsored by Ron Ho and emceed by Dawn Chubai. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of fun, fashion and philanthropy while generating nearly $50,000 towards the $300,000 expansion.
RESTLESS HEARTS: Kate Linder, Esther Valentine of The Young and the Restless, hosted her 16th Afternoon Tea benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society. Three hundred fans of the soap opera converged at the Hotel Vancouver for the annual meet-and-greet with the cast of the top-rated show. More than three million viewers in Canada and the U.S. tune in daily. The high tea with Linder and co-stars Christian J. Le Blanc (Michael), Christel Khalil (Lily), Tristan Rogers (Colin) and Redaric Williams (Tyler) featured a question-and-answer session with the cast, an autograph session and a silent and live auction. The love-in with the daytime soap stars generated $30,000 for breast and ovarian cancer research.
