Who’s Who at the Chinatown Foundation’s Autumn Gala, the Crystal Ball and Canuck Place Gala

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s Autumn Gala shatters old record, raising a remarkable $6.3 million

November 1, 2022

Attending one of his first events as newly elected Vancouver mayor, Ken Sim, along with Anson Realty’s Grace and Stephen Kwok, joined 800 community and business leaders for the biggest gala of the season.

Siblings Leslie and Carol Lee organized the fifth Autumn Gala, raising an impressive $6.3 million for the foundation they founded to help revitalize Vancouver’s once-vibrant Chinatown neighbourhood.

Accompanied by his wife Maggie, the Peterson Group’s Ben Yeung was among the evening’s major donors helping to build a brighter future for Chinatown.

RBC’s Martin Thibodeau thanked Lily Lee, a former public health nurse, for her $3.8 million gift to go towards a community health unit at 230-unit home 58 West Hastings serving Chinatown and the Vancouver Downtown Eastside.

Darlene Poole and Sam Feldman chaired the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation benefit staged at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

On point, Goh Ballet Academy Director Chan Hon Goh kept her little dancers on their toes for the charity dinner and dance.

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Crystal Ball raises whopping $4.52 million for pediatric hard-to-cure cancer research

November 5, 2022

Philanthropist Rick Ilich and his wife Lauren capped off the evening with a surprise gift announcement of $1 million to support life-saving cancer research.

Helen Rivero and Timothy Cuffe co-chaired the black-tie affair at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.

Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation’s Hamid and Arya Eshghi were honoured for their unwavering philanthropic support over two decades to help improve the lives of children in B.C. and around the world.

Emcee Chris Gailus acknowledged Rita Horozian of Rodeo Jewellers, the Crystal Ball’s longest standing gala and raffle sponsor.

Laurie Cavanaugh and her mom Maureen Illich were among the generous crowd helping scientists reach new heights in oncology research and care.

Committee members Jennifer Johnston and Tracey Wade saw more than $4.52 million raised from the 36^th edition of the Crystal Ball – one of the city’s preeminent charity fundraisers.

Moms Toni and Kelly offered words of gratitude to researchers, doctors, and donors for the care their children received at BC Children’s Hospital while fighting cancer.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Gift of Time raised a record-setting $1.78 million.

October 29, 2022

 

Global TV’s Sonja Sunger handled the emcee duties at 18^th annual Gift of Time Gala staged at the Parq Vancouver Hotel.

Nicola Wealth’s John Nicola and his wife Claire ignited the record night of giving with a lead gift of $100,000 to help children living with life threatening illnesses and the families who love them.

Gala co-chairs Robyn Lalani, Heather Finlayson and Lucy Greer reminded Gift of Time guests that love truly is timeless and limitless.

Canuck Place parents Erin and Federico Angel shared their son Alejo’s story with attendees. The Angels thanked Canuck Place for the precious time with their son.

Joined by her sister J.J. Rawlinson, stylist Rebecca Rawlinson’s New York Fashion Week live auction package fetched $40,000 for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.