OPEN HOUSE: Vancouver Hospice Society held its eighth Butterfly Gala, presented by Scotiabank and sponsored by the Vancouver Courier. It was an evening of celebration as the non-profit celebrated the recent opening of their $4.5 million six-bed, purpose-built home on Granville Street that provides compassionate end-of-life care for those facing death and bereavement. Hundreds filed into the Hellenic Centre for the festivities that featured fine wine and food, entertainment by the Yellow Pointers and a spirited auction yours truly hosted. A $15,000 cheque presentation from Scotiabank quickly lifted party spirits. Generosity further erupted with a $25,000 donation courtesy of the Vidalin Family Foundation and more than $16,000 for three firemen’s dinner. Proceeds of $180,000 will benefit the society’s programs and services.
UNITED FRONT: The United Way of the Lower Mainland recently staged its Pathfinders Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel. Several hundred attendees gathered for the tribute dinner presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers and hosted by Global TV’s Randene Neill. The annual dinner, which recognizes donors who contribute $10,000 or more to the United Way, paid tribute to longtime supporter Yuri Fulmer, chairman and CEO of FDC Capital. From United Way loan representative to champion of their recent $30 million campaign —F ulmer was recognized for his leadership and commitment to the betterment of the community with the 2014 Joseph and Rosalie Segal United Way Community Vision Award.
FAMILY MATTER: In 2009, Dan and Tina Priest received news their son, Stephen, had a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis or Morquio B. This illness is rare has no known cure. It leads to problems in bone and joint formation and function, causing reduced physical mobility and pain, often requiring multiple orthopaedic surgeries. Among other symptoms, it can lead to heart, lung and hearing complications. With little investment by governments and pharmaceutical companies to search for a treatment, the Priests took it upon themselves to raise money and awareness to help Stephen and those like him. The family fronted their fifth Journey of Hope Gala benefiting The Priest Family Fund for Morquio B. More than 250 guests attended the Black & White Masquerade-themed gala, raising $40,000 towards research at UBC for a treatment for the disease.
