FIRST WISH: Children’s Wish Foundation’s inaugural gala was an impressive and very swish affair. More than 150 stylish guests filed into the Vancouver Art Gallery for the inaugural Wish Gala: an unforgettable dining experience and celebration, in support of the Canadian charity’s efforts to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. Party chair Lana Bradshaw fronted the David Hawksworth-catered black-tie dinner. Poised to raise $80,000, the lavish luau attracted some of B.C.’s biggest names.
MORE BLING: Since its inception two years ago, the Canadian Diabetes Association’s signature soiree Baubles for Banting has generated more than $200,000 for programs and services to support children and youth living with Type 1 diabetes. Set to raise another $100,000, the gala drew several hundred supporters to Birks’ flagship store downtown for an evening of fun and philanthropy. Themed as an evening of “Fire and Ice,” sparkling gems, lavish hors d’oeuvres, and scorching auction items headlined the third running sponsored by the Vancouver Courier. Yours truly was master of ceremonies at the bling fling.
FRESH FACES: Kasondra Cohen’s Face of Today Foundation was founded to help young, underprivileged leaders achieve their dreams by creating an infrastructure for them to flourish. Cohen, along with her board of directors (all under the age of 40), welcomed guests to her fifth Face of Today Gala, held at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. This year’s punk couture-themed shindig, which yours truly emceed, featured an exclusive auction, balloon lottery and diamond raffle.
