ROYAL BALL: More than 800 guests came out for Fairchild TV’s Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant staged at the Vancouver Convention Centre days before the holidays. The beauty contest and Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the Chinese community calendar, and the 20th edition was no different. Ten contestants vied for the coveted crown and opportunity to represent Vancouver on the world stage in Hong Kong later this month. Following competitions of beauty, poise and talent, Vancouver student Erica Chen won top honours, followed by Maggie Wu and Jessica Hsu. Chen was also deemed most photogenic. During her reign, Chen intends to raise greater awareness of hunger and homelessness in our community. The marathon evening televised to millions across Asia raised more than $300,000 for cancer research.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE: For Wendy and Sergio Lisogar-Cocchia, parents of a son with autism, Christmas came early for the local philanthropists and community leaders. For more than 10 years the couple has dreamed and championed a one-stop resource centre providing information and support to families of autistic kids. The couple, along with dignitaries and politicians, helped break ground for a new multi-million centre of excellence for autism. The Pacific Autism Family Centre, scheduled to open in 2016, will serve as a hub of knowledge and innovation supporting an online network and satellite offices located in more rural communities throughout B.C. David “Patch” Evans, founder and CEO of Good Life Fitness and parent of a daughter with autism, along with his partner, Olympian Silken Laumann, shared their story at the groundbreaking, along with a donation of $5 million towards the project. Autism now affects one in 68 children.
GOOD ROCKIN’: Bif Naked helped blow out the birthday candle at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s first anniversary celebrations. The artist was among several heavy-hitters on hand to mark the milestone. Since reimagining its Boulevard Casino — a multi-million dollar makeover that included expanded facilities, dining venues and younger acts — the entertainment complex managed by Great Canadian Gaming Corp reported nearly two million visitors since its launch. Grammy Award-winner Everlast joined Naked for the festivities that included a sell-out concert and $10,000 cash draw. The biggest winner of the evening was the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, beneficiary of $15,000 from the celebratory bash.
