Fred Lee's Social Network: Philanthropists raise over $700,000 to fight pancreatic cancer

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FASHIONING CANCER: Society darlings Susan Chow and Lisa Dalton backstopped the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s fifth Hope Couture luncheon and fashion show bringing in more than $700,000 for cutting-edge pancreatic cancer research and care to B.C.

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Presented by Legacy Senior Living, this year’s lunchtime luau drew a capacity crowd of 415 well-heeled guests — familiar names in giving circles such as Stephanie Carlson, Monika Deol, Charlotte and Sonya Wall, Stella Chan, Gurmeet Sengara, Pao Yao Koo and event creator Jane Young —  ready to fight cancer.

“Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada, and unless more effective treatment strategies are found, it’s projected to become the second leading cause by 2030,” said Dr. Daniel Renouf, medical oncologist, and co-founder of Pancreas Centre B.C.

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Once again held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, attendees of the fashion show and luncheon were transported to the Serengeti, this year’s party destination. The stylish set was moved to tears when an extraordinary $150,000 gift was shared, received from cancer champion Carol Lai. Lai had intended to attend this year’s festivities, but sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in August.

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MC Chris Gailus would further announce gifts of $50,000 from Judy Hager and an anonymous donor setting the tone for a spirited and most generous live auction.

A Southlands Nursery tour, luxe Air Canada getaway and unique opportunity to create and name a rose would garner more than $90,000 from the philanthropic crowd, pushing the tally beyond $700,000. Following the show of love to create a pancreatic cancer rapid access clinic, everyone was rewarded with a haute fashion show. As always, stylist Tracey Pincott sent out models adorned in must-wear fall and winter ensembles from Chloé, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Stella McCartney, and Giambattista Valli all courtesy of local retailer Bacci and Boboli.

“Our generous Hope Couture community has sparked the future of pancreatic cancer research and care in B.C., directly impacting patients and families in need today,” said a thankful Sarah Roth, president & CEO, B.C. Cancer Foundation.

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Event founder Jane Young mugged with master of ceremonies Chris Gailus. Since its inception six years ago, Hope Couture has raised nearly $5 million for cancer research. Photo Fred Lee.

Clubhouse Gala

CLUB KIDS: Paying it forward, former Canada Safeway COO Grant Hansen once again led the way at the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast B.C.’s annual Clubhouse Gala.

A former club kid, Hansen understands first hand the importance of giving children and youth a place to belong, build confidence and find their purpose, Hansen credits the Boys and Girls Club with helping him be a better person. The successful businessman and Boys and Girls Club champion would sparkplug another successful outing.

Always an entertaining affair, more than 300 supporters made the yearly pilgrimage to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for the evening of laughs, storytelling and fundraising. Sponsored by Scotiabank, the night as always drew many tears — tears of laughter from comedian Erica Sigurdson and tears of hope from the stories of club kids as told by CEO Carolyn Tuckwell. Those heartfelt stories buoyed Hansen and others in the ballroom to step up and help more amazing kids get to summer camp.

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Donations ranging from $100-to $25,000 flooded in. Following the call for cash, A&W’s Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne Bolton would add another $100,000 ensuring a record night. By evening’s end, a sea of high fives and fist pumps erupted throughout the ballroom when MC Perry Solkowski announced a $340,000 haul.

For 83 years, the Boys and Girls Club has been providing children a place to be amazing, safe, and have fun. The firm also provides support services to the most vulnerable youth, Annually, Boys and Girls Club’s dozen clubhouses serves over 10.000 children, youth and families.

Adam Mackay-Smith, aka Johnny Canuck, and Boys and Girls Club of South Coast B.C. board member Sophie Lui were among some 300 guests who helped contribute to a successful $340,000 night. Photo Fred Lee.

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B.C. Food and Beverage Awards

SERVING IT RIGHT: B.C. Food and Beverage (formerly B.C. Processors Association) was founded in 2004 to support the food, beverage and natural health product industry, and be an advocate to help companies grow and flourish. A 550-member driven organization dedicated to helping businesses achieve economic prosperity and sustainable production, the BCFB led by CEO James Donaldson and board chair Rick Gibbs recently presented its annual Food and Beverage Gala, the food industry’s Oscars of British Columbia.

More than 500 guests made the 12th staging of the awards dinner held at Vancouver’s Sheraton Wall Centre. Fabulous food and drink was front and centre at the formal affair. Attendees enjoyed a bespoke cocktail reception and multi-course, locally-sourced meal made possible by some 25-member companies who contributed products and ingredients to the memorable meal. Following the royal repast, eleven statues were handed out during the celebratory night.

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Lita’s Mexican Foods, Moonshine Mama’s Kitchens Tumeric Elixir and Fatso Peanut Butter took home the evening’s top three awards for Products of the Year. Other firms feted included 52° North’s Natural Birch Sap (Innovative Product of the Year); DeeBee’s Organics (Rising Star) and Quesava (Member of the Year). Founded in 1967, family-owned 7 Seas fish company was inducted into the BCFB Hall of Fame.

This year’s winners were selected by a panel of expert judges. Having the herculean task of selecting the industry’s best and brightest were Ken Clark, Overwaitea Food Group; Danny Marcowicz, Executive Chef, White Spot Canada; Daryle Nagata, Premium Brands Holdings; Alexandra Gill, restaurant reviewer, Globe and Mail; Ryan Moreno, head of Joseph Richard Group and Top Chef Canada judge Mijune Pak, who also served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

The largest manufacturing sector in terms of sales and employment, the B.C. food and beverage industry reportedly contributes $10 billion to the provincial economy.

52° North’s Sarah Kendrick Wall and Quesava Food’s Kevin Schneider picked up trophies for Innovative Product of the Year and Member of the Year respectively. Photo Fred Lee.

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