SUCCESS-FUL WALK: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation’s annual Walk with the Dragon lived up to its name. One of the longest running outdoor walks in the city, this year’s 32nd staging saw 6,000 participants convene at Lumbermen’s Arch in Stanley Park for the stroll along the seawall while raising more than $400,000 for the continuance and enhancement of important social services at the social service agency. Led by event chairs Chris Chan and Steven Shen and the 100-foot S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Dragon, more than 100 teams marched along the seven-km sojourn around Stanley Park. Music and songs then enveloped Lumbermen’s Arch to a fever pitch with giveaways and prizes at the carnival style game booths that met everyone at the finish. The walk is a great time to meet old and new friends, as well engaged more newcomers and refugee clients, says Sing Lim Yeo, chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation. Founded in 1973, the immigrant settlement agency with offices locally and abroad engages some 140,000 clients annually.
50/50: British Columbia Dental Association’s Save a Smile program, which supports urgent dental care to children of families without public or private dental-plan coverage throughout the province, was the beneficiary of a special garden party held in Southlands. Dr. Dennis and Lydia Nimchuk opened their beautiful estate home for the English country-themed party. Chaired by Grace Li, the event featured premium wine and scotch tastings by World Wine Synergy Group and the Macallan respectively, and a sumptuous alfresco dinner catered by Darren Brown and North Arm Farms. In addition to supporting underserved kids, the 130 guests also raised a glass to the party hosts who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Nimchuk, a celebrated specialist in prosthetic dentistry (prosthodontist), was also recognized for his philanthropy and five decades of practice.
DREAM MAKERS: A full field of players hit the Richmond Golf and Country Club fairways for the annual Dreams Take Flight Golf Tournament and Auction, a national initiative organized by Air Canada employees, retirees and friends who volunteer their time to fundraise and enrich the lives of some very special children. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the special trip to Disneyland for some 100 kids from around the province. Sponsored by Chevron and Catalys Lubricants and led by Megan Livingston, the day of golf and camaraderie supported the upcoming Oct. 17 trip to the happiest place on Earth. It’s a welcome distraction for many of the kids who have experienced medical, physical and social challenges, says Melissa Hance, president of Dreams Take Flight Vancouver. Motivated to help as many kids as possible attendees opened their hearts and wallets contributing more than $50,000 to cover flight expenses — everything from jet fuel to meals to park entrance fees.
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