Inspiring others: Kingswood Properties’ Lorne Segal again chaired Coast Mental Health’s Courage to Come Back awards gala at the Convention Centre. Deb Hope and Kevin Evans hosted more than 1,000 guests on hand to honour six British Columbians who exemplified the power of the human spirit, overcoming challenges and giving back to their communities. Cited were Angie Lohr (addictions); Margaret Benson (medical); Sandra Yuen (mental health); Kamal (social adversity); Rebecka Hill (Youth) and Michael Coss (physical rehabilitation).

Beautiful beige: Dr. Anthony Li and Vineet Kochhar fronted the Chinese Canadian Dental Society’s 24th annual Gala Dinner and Auction at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Two of the Lower Mainland’s largest communities came together for an evening of camaraderie and philanthropy. Yours truly played auctioneer at the Bollywood bash that featured performances by the Shiamak Dancers and the culinary talent of Vikram Vij. Proceeds from the colourful affair benefitted the dental program at VGH.

Bedazzled: The B.C. Hospitality Foundation hosted its signature Dish n’ Dazzle fundraiser. Foodies and oenophiles gathered at the Fairmont Waterfront for the food and wine tasting and cocktail “shakedown” competition. Six barkeeps, 14 restaurants and more than 80 Argentinian wines participated in the charity event that provides financial assistance for people in the hospitality industry coping with financial hardship arising from health-related matters.

Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM;Email: yvrflee@hotmail.com.

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Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition; email yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com.