RECORD HAUL: The Canadian Cancer Society’s 19th annual Daffodil Ball, presented by Silver Wheaton, was staged at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Vanhattan’s movers and shakers piled into the ballroom for an exquisite evening of partying and philanthropy, led by Carly Monahan and Jennifer Traub. The room was transformed into a party palace for the event. Global TV’s Chris Gailus once again held court, joined by longtime CEO Barbara Kaminsky, who unveiled renderings of the new Centre of Excellence in Cancer Prevention. Attendees enjoyed a royal repast prepared by executive chef Cameron Ballendine before letting loose of their wallets and purse strings. A record $1.9 million was raised in support of the society’s fight against the disease that continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada. Proceeds will fund life-saving research, lead prevention initiatives and deliver caring compassionate support and information to people affected by cancer.
LITERARY LUAU: The B.C. Book Prizes, established in 1985, celebrate the achievements of British Columbia writers and publishers. Seven prizes are presented annually at the Lieutenant Governor’s B.C. Book Prizes Gala, recently held last week at the Pinnacle Hotel. More than 250 guests including some 30 finalists attended the awards ceremony dinner emceed by Bill Richardson. The winners of the 31st installment, and a $2,000 cash prize were: Aislinn Hunter, (The World Before Us), Richard Beamish and Gordon McFarlane (The Sea Among Us), Eve Joseph (In the Slender Margin), Cecily Nicholson, (From the Poplars), Roy Miki, Slavia Miki, and Julie Flett (Dolphin SOS), Maggie de Vries (Rabbit Ears) and Courier contributor Aaron Chapman (Live at the Commodore). Betty Keller was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence for her contributions to the development of literary excellence in the province.
GOLDEN ERA: The Arts Club Theatre Company, in partnership with the Wine Institute of California, staged its annual California Wine Fair, a series of winemaker dinners, which culminates in a grand tasting of the Golden State grapes at the Vancouver Convention Centre. More than 350 exclusive and new wines from 100 California wineries were uncorked for the occasion. Fronted by the Arts Club’s Gigi Wong and artistic director Bill Millerd, the wine wingding — sponsored by the Vancouver Courier — generated $80,000 for the venerable arts organization, which will celebrate its upcoming 52nd season and a new theatre and arts complex this September. The facility on West First Avenue will be shared with Bard on the Beach.
