PROUDART: Works by queer artists such as Joe Average, Paul Wong and Adrian Stimson went on the auction block at the second staging of the Queer Arts Festival’s winter fundraiser, Bleeding Hearts & Artists. Yours truly hosted the Valentine’s Day art sale and cocktail party in support of the annual artist-run, multi-disciplinary summer arts festival to take place at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Held at the gallery home of art philanthropist Bruce Munro Wright, the party looked to raise $20,000 to support the festival’s 10th staging this June. Fetching the night’ stop bid, a polaroid-work by Attila Richard Lukacs helped organizers reach their goal. Since its inception, more than 1,800 queer artists have exhibited at the festival attended by some 70,000 patrons.
PITCH PERFECT 2: The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) presented its annual gala at Hotel Vancouver. Founder Christina Anthony, along with the Fiore Group’s Lara Dauphinee, fronted the fundraising party to support the firm’s efforts to educate, mentor and connect women entrepreneurs. A growing highlight of the event is the Pitch for the Purse finale. For the second year, three finalists — partnered with mentors — took to the gala stage to pitch their businesses to celebrity judges before a vote from the audience selected the winner. Nicole Smith, founder of Flytographer, a photo concierge service for visitors, won the $25,000 top prize. The night of pitching and networking ultimately raised more than $750,000 for FWE programs and initiatives.
GAME CHANGERS: KidSport Richmond hosted the fifth edition of its sports dinner and auction at the Hilton Airport Hotel. KidSport chair Bob Jackson and party founder Kathy Nakhleh welcomed a capacity crowd to the Creating Community Champions Gala to help Richmond children access a variety of sports and pursue their Olympic dreams. Olympians and professional athletes such as B.C. Lions QB Travis Lulay, Vancouver Canucks alumni Kirk McLean and featured keynote, five-time Olympian Charmaine Crooks, served as tables hosts. Emceed by Rob Fai, the voice of the Vancouver Canadians, the celebration of sport would score $50,000 to help 300 sidelined kids get into the game. The result would not be possible without the generous support of the hotel and general manager Gary Collinge, said Jackson. The hotel covers all the costs — from the food to the venue, and the kitchen and serving staff, all volunteering their time, Jackson added.
Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; Email: yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown.
