FARM AID: Founded in 2008 by brothers Riley and Brandon Mari, Youth Education Farms is a Vancouver-based charity that develops and manages commercial farms in Swaziland and uses profits from the farms to fund schooling for orphans. Nearly 200 kids have benefitted from the pair’s philanthropic efforts. More than 250 pretty young things (most under the age of 35) gathered at Birks Jewellers for the fifth running of the YEF Gala. Yours truly hosted the sparkling affair that featured performances by the Young Executives and a spirited live auction led by Howard Blank. A record $110,000 was raised to provide Swaziland youth the knowledge and skills for a brighter future.
TEE PARTY: More than 600 vulnerable and inner city kids have participated in the YMCA’s First Tee Program since its inception in 2010. Through the game of golf, youth from seven to 18 years of age learn the fundamental skills of the game as well as life-enhancing values. More than 144 players hit the links at Green Acres Golf Club in Richmond to support the one-of-a-kind program in Canada. Yours truly was master of ceremonies and auctioneer at the golf gala chaired by Michelle Collens and sponsored by G & F Financial Group. Proceeds — reported at $80,000 — will support the operations and allow youngsters regardless of their ability to pay to enjoy the game.
CURTAIN RAISER: Arts Club Theatre and Wines of B.C. presented the first major wine tasting of the fall season, Chef Meets Grape. Hundreds filed into the Convention Centre for the annual tipple fest benefiting the venerable arts organization, which kicked off its 51st season on the same night. Artistic director Bill Millerd addressed a full house at the Stanley Theatre before raising a glass at the wine shindig downtown. The largest tasting of B.C. VQA wines saw more than 90 B.C. wineries poured more than 350 award-winning wines. Fifteen restaurants paired sweet and savoury dishes to show off the best of our region.
GARDEN PARTY: Celebrity chef Vikram Vij fronted Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden’s signature soiree. Led by party chairs Lauren Chang and Howard Ma, the CBC Dragon served specialty dishes inspired by the urban oasis. Several hundred supporters filed into the first Chinese or scholars garden built outside of China for an evening of fun and philanthropy. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, cocktails and unique silent auction items, while supporting the Garden’s educational and community programs.
DESIGN HAT TRICK: Architect Tony Robins was the big winner at Western Living’s Designer of the Year awards ceremony held at the London Aviation Centre hangar. Robins was honoured among a dozen design talents at the swish affair hosted by magazine editor-in-chief Anicka Quin. The city architect earned an unprecedented three trophies in Eco, Interior and Architectural design. Other winners included Mike Weinmaster (landscape) and Lorraine Kitsos (fashion).
