"What the Heck is" introduces you to Vancouver organizations and causes you might not have yet heard about, written from an insider's point of view by people working within them. View the archive HERE.
Words: Jennifer Thompson, Volunteer Coordinator
Photos: Courtesy Rare Finds
Rare Finds is a unique event benefiting extraordinary children. Celebrating its 5th year, this annual cocktail party gala benefits the BC Rare Disease Foundation, helping kids with rare conditions. The cornerstone of the event is a friendly yet spirited competition between some of Vancouver's finest chefs. Chefs will prepare a variety of one-of-a kind dishes on-site which guests are invited to try and vote for their favourites.
A feast for the senses, Rare Finds combines delicious food by some of Vancouver’s top chefs and pastry artists, open bars featuring talented mixologists, live entertainment by Girls on Wax, portraits by The Collective You and our signature silent and live auctions showcasing fun and fascinating rare items. Rare Finds will take place Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:00 pm under the living roof of the Visitor's Centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Tickets: $150; early bird pricing: 2 or more tickets - $125 each; available online
Check out THIS PHOTO SET from Rare Finds 2013.
Featured chefs include:
Adam Pegg; Executive Chef, La Quercia
Cooper Green; Executive Chef, Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
Darren Brown; Executive Chef, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Dan Olson; Executive Chef, Railtown Café and Catering
Dana Hauser; Executive Chef, Fairmont Waterfront
Eleanor Chow Waterfall and Slavita Johnson; Pastry Chefs, Cadeaux Bakery
Faizal Kassam; Executive Chef, Ciebo Trattoria
Jon McCartney; Executive Chef, Personas Tapas Restaurant & Lounge
Lee Bretschneider; Pastry Chef, Temper Chocolate Pastry
Louis Gervais; Executive Chef, Louis Gervais Fine Foods
Sean Tisdall; Executive Chef, Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
Steve Fecho; Executive Chef, Match
Now... what the heck is the Rare Disease Foundation?
The Rare Disease Foundation is a Vancouver-based, all-volunteer, registered charity. Using an innovative approach, the Rare Disease Foundation delivers effective and transformative options to those living with rare or undiagnosed diseases. Approximately 1 in 12 Canadians are living with a rare disease, and many more are living without a diagnosis. Nearly one quarter of children with a rare disease won’t live to celebrate their 10th birthday; the Rare Disease Foundation wants to change this. Our translational care model includes a Microgrant Program that kick starts research on patient focused projects for rare, under-studied diseases. Our research programs are coupled with parent support initiatives, fostering organization and empowerment of the rare disease community.
All proceeds raised at the event will directly benefit the Rare Disease Foundation, allowing us to foster vital rare disease research at BC Children's Hospital and beyond, expand our parent resource groups across Canada and raise much-needed awareness. In 2013, Rare Finds raised over $110,000. Within three weeks, all of the money raised went directly to fund our programs.
Rare Finds 2014 – A Feast for the Senses
Date: Saturday, April 26, 7 pm to 11 pm
Venue: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Dress: Cocktail party/semi-formal Tickets: $150; early bird pricing: 2 or more tickets - $125 each; available online
We welcome you to join us for this memorable night, helping us transform the world of rare disease care. Hope should not be as rare as the diseases we treat.
www.the rarediseasefoundation.org
