FRIEND INDEED: Friends for Life (FFL) held its signature Art for Life benefit at the Roundhouse Community Centre. More than 50 works went up for auction in support of the non-profit organization, which provides complementary health services to individuals living with life-threatening illnesses. Works by Cybele Ironside, Attila Richard Lukacs and Tiko Kerr garnered the night’s top bids but only the latter fetched its appraised value. Purchased by longtime FFL supporter Derek Miura, the lawyer immediately returned it back to the society for enjoyment by society staff and clients at the Barclay Street facility. The fundraiser fronted by Michael Smith and newly appointed executive director Kim Angel generated a reported $145,000.
AIDS ADVOCATE: World AIDS Day, observed annually on Dec. 1, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Starry Night, founded nearly 30 years ago by David Harrison and Bill Millerd, was one of the first efforts in Vancouver to advocate for those with HIV/AIDS and challenged ignorance, prejudice and indifference at the time. The musical benefit would be a template for a series of events produced by the Shooting Stars Foundation to raise awareness and funds for local AIDS agencies. Twenty-nine years and two million dollars later, the foundation took its final bow at the final performance of Starry Night in front of a capacity crowd at the Stanley Theatre.
CAKE WALK: Yours truly emceed the fifth Professional B.C. Wedding Awards. More than 450 guests gathered at the Kay Meek Centre for the country’s longest running wedding industry awards program. Recognizing the province’s creative talent, companies and individuals that make up B.C.’s lucrative wedding profession, 16 coveted trophies were handed out. Produced by awards founder Justin Eckersall and Tracy Volb, more than 50 finalists were feted. Among those walking down the winners aisle: Flower Factory (bridal bouquet), Petite Pearl Events (décor), Cecil Green Park House (venue) and Jasalyn Thorne (photography). Picking up bookends was No Fixed Address Catering’s Steve Duke (Best Hors D’oeuvre and People’s Choice).
