Over the top: The sold-out Inspiration Gala raised a momentous $3.5 million for pancreatic cancer research at the B.C. Cancer Agency. Guests gathered at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel for the jaw-dropping hospital hootenanny. A $1-million gift from the Milan and Maureen Ilich Foundation kicked things off. Later, a $1-million donation from the Ritchie family brought guests to their feet. Funds raised will catapult the new Pancreatic Cancer Research Initiative of the BC Cancer Agency, in collaboration with VGH, toward a synchronized approach of finding the driving causes of pancreatic cancer.

You're hired!: After slicing and dicing under the direction of top chefs, 24 apprentices from Fairmont Hotels in the Pacific Northwest region's culinary program strutted their stuff at the Hotel Vancouver. A crowd of 300 gathered for the delicious debut including executive chefs from each hotel, but it was hands-off in the kitchen, where for one night the rookies ruled.

Journalism jamboree: Celebrating the best and brightest in journalism in B.C., newshounds gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the 26th edition of the Webster Awards. The Vancouver Sun, CBC and The Province led the way collecting the lion's share of awards. Patricia Graham, VP digital at Pacific Newspaper Group, was honoured with the Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement Award.

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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.