British invasion: Billionaire Richard Branson touched down at Vancouver International Airport to celebrate the launch of his airline Virgin Atlantic's non-stop Vancouver to London service. During his whirlwind press blitz, Branson appeared with Glee's Cory Monteith to donate more than $50,000 to two local charities that help at-risk youth: The Broadway Youth Resource Centre and Project Limelight Society.

Matisse a la mode: In celebration of its new exhibition Collecting Matisse and Modern Masters: The Cone Sisters of Baltimore, the Vancouver Art Gallery hosted an exclusive preview, dinner and fashion show. Gala-goers shelling out $1,000-a-ticket were treated to a guided viewing, sumptuous Culinary Capers repast, auction of luxury items and an Ashia Mode runway romp featuring fashion by Armani Collezioni, Lida Baday and others.

Heroes feted: CTV anchor Tamara Taggart returned as three-time Dining for Dreams chair-a role that allowed the mother of three to give back to the Centre for Ability for its support of her family, which includes four-year-Beckett, who has Down Syndrome. Staged at the Four Seasons Hotel, the event drew a capacity crowd to the dinner and auction that feted five heroes of ability. They were Ashley and Melissa Blue, Karl Dai, Dane Issigonis, Zoe Peterson and Lindsay Taylor.

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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: @FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com.