ROYAL PALS: PALS Autism School Society is an independent school for children ages five to 18 and adults with autism. Co-founded by Katy Harandi, a parent of a child with autism, the East Side school offers a learning environment that supports the needs of individuals with the disorder. The organization recently hosted its eighth annual Imagine Gala… All You Need Is Love, also created by Harandi, in support of the school’s programs and hosted by radio personalities Nat Hunter and Drew Savage. It was a very British affair with William Shakespeare, the Beatles and Her Majesty the Queen in attendance…well, reasonable facsimiles. A capacity crowd enjoyed a royal repast before emptying their purses and wallets of some $230,000. It is estimated one in 68 kids will be diagnosed with autism, one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the country.
MUCH DAZZLE: The B.C. Hospitality Foundation and Wines of Argentina presented another memorable night of food, wine and cocktails, in support of those in need. Featuring north of 80 premium Argentinean wines, a bakers dozen of the city’s best restaurants and chefs, as well as six bartenders creating Argentine-themed cocktails, the event drew a thirsty crowd. With BCHF founders Bing Smith and Leeann Froese along with executive director Alan Sacks and Wines of Argentina’s Dana Harris fronting the sixth installment, the affair was another dazzling show of support by an industry dedicated to supporting its own in times of hardship. Founded in 2006 when friends rallied to help one of its own, the foundation has since supported nearly 100 individuals as well provided scholarships for those interested in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. Nearly $60,000 was raised from the signature event.
PRESERVING OUR HISTORY: Outstanding efforts to preserve Vancouver’s heritage were recognized at the 2015 Vancouver Heritage Awards Ceremony. Yours truly along with city councillor Andrea Reimer emceed the affair, fittingly staged at the refurbished York Theatre. Recognizing architects, contractors and individuals keen on preserving our city’s history, the biannual awards acknowledge projects and special accomplishments that range from restoration and rehabilitation of buildings, features or sites to work that promotes or advocates for heritage conservation. Citations were handed out in four categories: honour, merit, recognition and people’s choice. Among the restored buildings celebrated: Kits Neighbourhood House and Hay House, Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall and the Yale Hotel. Heritage advocate Janet Bingham was posthumously bestowed a lifetime achievement award.
