SUITING UP: The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation was founded on the vision of helping youth find self-confidence, hope, improved health and a skill set that will help not just on a baseball diamond, but in life. The VCBF welcomed 300 local children to Scotiabank Field for the opening day of the fourth annual Foundation League. In partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC,. children between the ages of six and 11 suited up to play organized baseball — many for the first time — at Nat Bailey stadium over a seven-week period. Mentored by local personalities and community leaders, each child receives brand new equipment, free meals and free transportation to and from the stadium. The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the sports newest fans.
POWER LUNCH: More than 1,000 guests converged at the Hotel Vancouver for B.C. Business magazine’s Top 100 luncheon, one of the province’s top networking events motivating and inspiring business leaders for the past 25 years. Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini was the keynote at this year’s power lunch, hosted by Peter Legge, publisher of the monthly business journal. Aquilini spoke of his successes, adversities and the importance of family. Power players in attendance included Fiore Financial Corp CEO Frank Giustra, Vancouver Canucks president Trevor Linden, Vancouver police chief Jim Chu and outgoing Surrey mayor Diane Watts.
SHUCKING IN: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar checked into the iconic Sutton Place Hotel. The city’s newest restaurant will soon open its doors on Burrard Street. A 290-seat beauty, Boulevard will be led by acclaimed chef Alex Chen, the hometown boy who recently charted a top-10 finish for Canada at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or culinary competition in Lyon, France. In addition to the impressive dining room and lounge, craft-cocktail and champagne bar, private dining room and expansive wrap-around outdoor patio, an expansive oyster bar where famed international shucker “Oyster Bob” Skinner will hold court. Skinner joins an all-star staff that includes director of operations Steve Edwards, maître d’ Brian Hopkins and bar manager Justin Taylor.
