HOUSE OF LOVE: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice hosted a Magical Garden Party to mark two decades of providing medical care to newborns, children and teens with life-threatening illnesses. CEO Margaret McNeil welcomed guests to the outdoor festivities that celebrated the hospice founders, donors, staff, volunteers and community who have supported the nine-bed Matthews Street facility through the years. Today, more than 600 children receive care from Canuck Place through outreach programs and two provincial hospice locations — Vancouver and Abbotsford. Marking the occasion, McNeil unveiled a new painting by Tiko Kerr. Attendees joined in the fun by lighting giant sparklers. Adding more shine, the Robert L. Conconi Foundation pledged to match up to $200,000 of donations received by July 31 to support the hospice’s 20th anniversary fundraising campaign.
HIGH ART: The Vancouver Art Gallery celebrated its major summer exhibition in glamour and style. Staged at the Four Seasons Hotel, the Of Heaven and Earth Gala honoured the 500 years of Italian painting from the late 14th century to the late 19th century, showcasing works by artists who helped achieve international acclaim for Italian art, including Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Bellini, Titian and other masters. Fronted by Pamela Richardson and Catherine Guadagnuolo, the sold-out back tie affair featured a sumptuous four-course dinner created by celebrity chef Umberto Menghi, an art auction and reprisal of Max Mara’s 2015 fall/winter Milan runway show. A painting donated by distinguished Vancouver artist Gordon Smith headlined the live auction. Fetching nearly $100,000, the work of art contributed to a reported $700,000 to support the gallery’s programming efforts.
HAPPY FACE: Jacqui Cohen’s Face the World gala has always attracted A-listers, society darlings and the city’s who’s who. The toniest ticket on the gala circuit at $1,500-per-person, the party still had no problems selling out. Big things were expected for her 25th edition, and the philanthropist and Army and Navy CEO did not disappoint. Under brilliant sunny skies, Cohen, along with her daughter Kasondra and mother, Marlene, greeted guests at Jacqui’s posh Point Grey Road waterfront home where Veuve Clicquot flowed all night long, as well as the money on coveted silent and live auction items. Among the most desired: a sleek BMW i8 hybrid and luxe stay at Langara Island Lodge. By evening’s end, Cohen was all smiles as $1 million was raised, bringing the total to more than $16 million raised for local charities supporting women, children and the city’s most vulnerable.
