Dim Sum Soiree: Educating Girls of Rural China was founded in 2005. The brainchild of Tien Ching, a mom who's own education was interrupted by political and financial circumstances, EGRC has helped girls from the poorest region of China receive an education. All 324 young women EGRC has supported have gone on to graduate from university. Several, including Bixia Wang, who recently immigrated to Canada, have received their Masters. On International Women's Day, Ching held her annual dim sum fundraiser at the Kirin Restaurant.

Hallelujah: Soon-to-be-inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, k.d. lang headlined Overture, the Vancouver Opera's signature soiree held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. More than 400 guests gathered for the invitation-only, $500-a-ticket gala fundraiser. Lang's interpretation of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" capped off an intimate set before a sumptuous Four Seasons repast on the Queen Elizabeth stage. The extraordinary night benefitted the company's opera in the schools initiative and DAREarts program for students in the Downtown Eastside.

Motoring On: Cam and Sarah McNeill and Cheryl Nakamoto were all revved up as they welcomed oenophiles, business and community leaders to the Ferrari Maserati showroom for their Grape Juice jamboree. The tipple fest featuring fine wines and fast cars generated nearly $100,000 for Big Sisters of B.C Lower Mainland. More than 300 guests sipped, savoured and bid on fine wines while enjoying the music of Asha Diaz. Proceeds will help match 50 young girls to big sister mentors.

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Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; email: yvrflee@hotmail.com; twitter.com/FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com