Party Pics: An Arthritis Society Feast and Casino Night With the Canucks

Arthritis Society Canada’s Multisensory Star Chef Soiree, January 21

With this Arthritis Society Canada event, 2025 saw its first major fundraiser in the city. A first in Canada, the inaugural Multisensory Star Chef Soirée took place at the Fairmont Pacific Rim ballroom. Presented by Serein Properties, the exclusive, invite-only event featured Chef Bombana, also known as the “King of White Truffles,” and co-owner of 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong.

In partnership with Montréal-based creative studio Normal Studio—the masterminds behind the globally renowned “Beyond Van Gogh” experience—the gastronomic gala saw a generous group of attendees donate a suggested $25,000 per couple to attend the immersive, eight-course, truffle dinner in support of Arthritis Society Canada and childhood arthritis research.

Arthritis Society’s Western Canada vice president, Carleen Pauliuk, welcomed three-Michelin-star chef Umberto Bombana, dubbed the King of Truffles, to the unique event. Bombana led guests through an immersive culinary experience crafted by the team behind “Beyond Van Gogh.”

Curated by Montréal-based creative studio Normal Studio, table tops and vast wall panelling constantly transformed with brilliant images throughout the evening.

Event chair Cecilia Tse seeded the first of its kind fundraising endeavour benefitting President and CEO Trish Barbato‘s Arthritis Society Canada. The charity dinner would bring in $1.35 million.

Honourary chair Leslie Diamond thanked City of Vancouver’s Darryl Lagerquist for his attendance and Betsy Wen, CEO, Serein Properties, for underwriting the entire event, ensuring all proceeds went to support paediatric research.

Dr. Hilary and Patsy Hui were among the generous patrons who generously donated $25,000 per couple to attend the exclusive truffle-themed eight-course, wine-paired, immersive Michelin dinner staged at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.

Canucks for Kids Fund’s Dice and Ice Gala, January 19

The Vancouver Canucks suited up for the franchise’s annual Dice and Ice Gala. Setting aside their on-and-off-ice woes, the team welcomed a legion of fans that packed the Parq Vancouver to hobnob with their favourite players. The ballroom foyer was transformed into a Vegas-style house of cards—complete with blackjack and poker tables and roulette wheels. The pucksters dealt cards, twirled wheels and mugged with fans before sitting down for dinner and more fundraising games.

The games—which included a spirited live auction and paddle-raise along with the impactful stories of families benefiting from the Canucks for Kids Fund—would see the black-tie affair score a record-setting $1.35 million for the Canucks Autism Network, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, B.C. Children’s Hospital and other worthy children’s charities. Since its inception, the Canucks for Kids Fund has raised more than $100 million for B.C. kids.

The Vancouver Canucks team including forward Kiefer Sherwood once again helmed the gaming tables at the franchise’s 23^rd Dice and Ice Gala presented by Rogers at Parq Vancouver.

Fan fave Brock Boeser mugged with fans and Canucks for Kids Fund executive director Alex Oxenham. The franchise’s off-ice Sunday night fundraiser would raise an impressive $1.35 million.

Al Murdoch, the voice of the Vancouver Canucks and master of ceremonies and Canuck defenceman Tyler Myers thanked nearly 900 fans for their unwavering support and generosity.

Ryan Yao and Britt Andersen’s Canucks Autism Network was one of the beneficiaries of the Dice and Ice event.

Businessman Sean Salem and Stober Foundation’s Keith Brewster were among the legion of generous guests who helped establish a new fundraising record. Since its inception, the Canucks for Kids fund has raised over $100 million for children’s charities across B.C.