SKYPING TO THE FUTURE: Philanthropists Richard and Heidi Coglon hosted an intimate $250-a-ticket benefit to raise funds for Chat to the Future, an orphanage in Uganda. Founded by educator Adam McKim, the non-profit educates, cares for and provides for orphaned Ugandan children through the generosity of Canadians and school children. Along with fundraising, the students interact regularly with other children at the orphanage online. While fundraising for land purchase and building of a permanent home for the orphanage, partygoers skyped with the Ugandan children they are supporting. More than $50,000 was raised from the inspired evening.
OUT ON THE STREET: More than 30 community leaders and celebrities slept outside in solidarity with the hundreds of young people who call Vancouver’s streets home, to raise funds for Covenant House Vancouver’s crisis shelter program. The group braved -3C degree weather to get a glimpse into what it must be like for youth who sleep outside every night. The sleepers called upon their friends, family and business associates to sponsor their night on the street and raised upwards of $340,000 for the non-profit agency.
CHOWDER KING: Forage executive chef Chris Whittaker was once again crowned the champ of the 6th annual Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown. His Wild B.C. Spot Prawn Chowder finished with a soft-boiled quail egg and pork crackling took first place, besting a dozen competitors that included Vancouver’s Fairmont and Four Seasons Hotels, Edible Canada, Coast and C Restaurant. More than 550 guests attended the soup soiree all in support of the marine centre’s sustainable seafood program.
