HELLO PETER: American actress, singer and dancer Carol Channing was the surprise guest at Variety, the Children’s Charity’s Golden Heart Award Gala. The Broadway legend was on hand to honour longtime friend, philanthropist and former Canfor Corp. chairman and CEO Peter Bentley. More than 400 guests including Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, former premier of New Brunswick Frank McKenna and Bentley’s children Barbie Hislop and Michael Bentley joined Channing in singing Bentley’s praises. The awards dinner, sponsored by Scotiabank and staged at the Hotel Vancouver, generated $318,000 for children with special needs. Bentley, a recent recipient of the Order of B.C. also received congratulations from fellow O.B.C member, billionaire Jim Pattison.
NEWS SCOOP: Nearly a thousand newshounds piled into the Hyatt Regency Ballroom Oct. 29 for the 28th edition of the Jack Webster Awards, the Oscars of B.C. journalism. Trophies were handed out in 14 categories. The Vancouver Courier was among the mix of finalists, nominated for best feature for its 14-month coverage of Vancouver neighbourhoods, a series that has already earned the paper two writing awards this year. Bested by the Vancouver Sun’s Lori Culbert and Tracy Sherlock, the Courier staff did have reason to celebrate, toasting columnist Allen Garr who scooped up the City Mike Award for compelling personal commentary. Freelance writer Frances Bula was the evening’s biggest winner, picking up bookends for best reporting and business writing.
SALMON RUN: Four Seasons Hotel hosted the second exhibit this year from Saltspring’s Blue Horse Gallery. Part of the Vancouver property’s commitment to celebrate local artists and the West Coast, 1 Whale & 50 Salmon, conceived and directed by Anna Gustafson, is currently on display in the hotel’s first floor lobby. The work of art symbolizes the delicate interdependence of our eco-systems, specifically orca populations on salmon. Hotel brass, along with sustainable seafood advocate and chef Ned Bell, hosted a reception for Gustafson, an acclaimed Emily Carr multi-media artist.
STARRY NIGHT: Country singer Johnny Reid was the special guest at the Richmond Hospital Foundation’s 16th Starlight Gala. More than 450 guests enjoyed an evening of fun and philanthropy at the annual charity dinner held at the River Rock Casino Show Theatre. The starry night hosted by CBC TV news anchor Andrew Chang generated a record $529,000 for quality healthcare at the Richmond Hospital. The evening also toasted the Milan and Maureen Ilich family for their leadership and generous contributions over the years.
