STREET DESIGN: Three hundred guests were among the first to view design submissions in the first Robson Redux Design-Build Competition to transform an iconic block — 800 Robson St. — into a temporary pedestrian-friendly plaza for the summer. Presented by VIVA Vancouver, the City of Vancouver’s public space program that turns road spaces into people places, more than 100 submissions from emerging to established designers were received from locally and abroad. Yours truly hosted the preview party, featuring Douglas Coupland, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With a modest budget of $40,000, the successful team — to be selected by an esteemed panel — will build and install the public installation. The winner will be announced April 15.
PRETTY IN PINK: Spring has sprung and there is no prettier sign than the 40,000 cherry blossom trees that decorate our city. This urban beauty is celebrated annually by The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Founded in 2005 by Linda Poole, the non-profit society kicked off the month-long program of walking tours, musical performances, and fine art and craft exhibitions with Sakura Night, a stand-up soiree featuring several of Vancouver’s best Japanese chefs. Hosted by Mister California Roll himself, Hidekazu Tojo, at his Broadway Street restaurant, more than $20,000 was raised to support the annual spring festival.
HIGHER LEARNING: PALS Autism School Society was founded in 2007 by parents who believed that the complex needs of their children could best be met in a specialized program. Today, PALS operates an independent school (K-Grade 12) and a young adult program. The one-of-a-kind school recently held its seventh fundraiser. More than 300 guests filed into the Convention Centre for the Ooh-la-la, Parisian-themed festivities, hosted by radio personalities Nat and Drew. The extraordinary evening of philanthropy had many saying très magnifique to the $260,000 realized for the innovative program.
