ADDED SPARKLE: Always a leading date on the society circuit, the 28th Crystal Ball was one for the history books. Two-time chair Arya Eshghi welcomed 450 attendees to the annual black-tie hospital hootenanny, presented by the Beedie Development Group. And what a party it was. Guests rose to their feet at B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation’s signature soiree as emcees Sasa Drover and Global TV’s Chris Gailus made the surprise announcement that philanthropist Dr. Djavad Mowafaghian agreed to singlehandedly meet the gala’s fundraising objective by purchasing a much needed X-ray machine for the hospital’s orthopedics department. The $1.4- million donation contributed to an already impressive tally that would result in a record $2.7-million haul to enrich child health in B.C.
SHARPER FOCUS: Helping teenagers since 1975, Focus Foundation has been supporting kids 13 to 19 years of age struggling in schools or who dropped out find success. Based in Langley and Burnaby, the non-profit helps roughly 200 students annually, many in foster care pushed out of mainstream schools because of the complexity of their learning, behavioural, mental health, addiction and other challenges. Transforming young lives with innovative pathways to life success, Focus boasts a 90 per cent graduation rate. The charity recently hosted its second annual Pamper for Hampers benefit to ensure at-risk children and their families have a brighter Christmas. Supporters gathered at Kitsilano’s Epic Lounge for the grassroots fundraiser that generated $7,000 for holiday hampers and meals.
COUCH SURFING: Sofa Sessions is a unique opportunity to experience a live music concert in the intimate setting of a Vancouver home and get up close and personal with some of the city’s finest musicians. Proceeds — by donation — from the pop-up private concerts curated by Tracey Charette support Vancouver’s imagine1day, a charity creating global change through education-focused work in Ethiopia. Charette recently hosted her fifth Sofa Session at a loft in Gastown. More than 75 guests armed with cushions, chairs and even a couch gathered for an evening of storytelling and song with folk artist Ben Rogers and gospel sensations the Sojourners. Nearly $4,000 was raised to support a primary school in Ethiopia.
