HEART WARMER: Heart disease and stroke still takes one Canadian life every seven minutes, and today more than 1.6 million individuals live with the effects of these diseases. While research and advocacy efforts have contributed to a decline in the death rate from cardiovascular disease by more than 75 per cent over the last 60 years, a reported 350,000 people are still hospitalized annually. To further support research, prevention initiatives and treatment, more than 400 guests gathered for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 11th annual Heart of Gold Gala, sponsored by the Vancouver Courier. Attendees were once again treated to an evening of culinary delights, dazzling entertainment and unique live auction offerings, over which yours truly and Jim Jungers presided. Chaired by Goldcorp’s Charlene Ripley, the evening of inspiration and philanthropy generated a record $1.4 million. Among the power couples in attendance: Joe and Rosalie Segal, Allen and Karen Wong and Amar and Natalie Doman.
SMITH LEGACY: Artists for Kids was established in 1989 through a generous partnership among some of Canada’s finest artists and the North Vancouver School District. Through the sale of original prints created by its artist patrons, a legacy fund was established to provide art education for the children of British Columbia. Led by celebrated painted Gordon Smith and his wife Marion, the art program has enriched the lives of thousands of students of all ages each year. The Smith Foundation for Young Artists once again hosted its signature spring luncheon to support the Artist for Kids program and Gordon Smith Gallery programming. More than 200 supporters gathered at the Capilano Golf and Country Club for the annual lunch and auction, hosted by CTV’s Coleen Christie. The 95-year old Smith appeared by video to bring greetings and, not surprisingly, his recent painting fetched the afternoon’s highest bid, contributing to the record $105,000 haul.
A DRESSY AFFAIR: Dress for Success Vancouver hosted their 15th annual fundraiser, IMPACT 360, celebrating families and fundraising for change. The charity’s signature fundraising event, held at the Regency Lexus dealership, drew more than 300 of Vancouver’s most influential business and community supporters to the evening of fashion, networking and celebration of transformation hosted by media personalities Dan Burritt and Kimberley Caldwell. Attendees poured over a sea of unique auction items before taking in the Hudson’s Bay Richmond-sponsored fashion show featuring 10 Dress for Success clients. The runway romp raised a reported $100,000 to support the organization’s career services and employment programs for women striving to get back into the work force.
