FAIRYTALE ENDING: PALS Autism School is the only elementary and secondary school in B.C providing year-round schooling for children and adolescents with autism. Founded by Allison Arai, Katy Harandi, Tammy Kalla and Cindy Maltman, PALS opened a decade ago when the foursome converted a post office space into a school that would support the needs of their children and others with autism. The women recently marked PALS’ 10th anniversary at their Imagine Gala. Once Upon a Time was the theme of this year’s party. The Convention Centre-do drew 400 guests to the dinner and auction. While Lady Gaga concert tickets garnered $14,000, the biggest moment came when guests were simply invited to give. Donations from $100 to $10,000 flooded in, contributing to a $300,000 storybook ending.
NEW KIDS IN THE HALL: Since 1966, the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame has inducted 374 individuals and 59 teams. Last week, the hall welcomed its newest members, nine outstanding individuals, a husband and wife duo, and one team as part of its Class of 2017 Inductees. This year’s honourees included Roland Green (Cycling), Mark Recchi (Ice Hockey), Geroy Simon (Football), Michelle Stilwell (Wheelchair Basketball), Mark Wyatt (Rugby) and the 1969-70 UBC Women’s Basketball. The 51st Induction Class was formally inducted at the annual Banquet of Champions, held at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Convention Centre West. The event was fronted by gala chairs Dale Saip, Gina Iandiorio and Marvin Storrow, while Global TV’s Chris Gailus and Squire Barnes served as masters of ceremonies. A party with a purpose, the awards dinner also generated $150,000 towards the hall’s Hero In You Youth Education Programs.
CHILDS PLAY: For more than 50 years Variety - the Children’s Charity has ensured children with special needs in B.C. have the support to reach their potential. The firm recently unveiled its newest fundraiser, One Night in Monaco, in partnership with the Social Concierge — producers of Diner en Blanc and the Deighton Cup. The ballroom of the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel was transformed into one of the most famous and enduring casinos in the world — the Monte Carlo in Monaco. A capacity crowd filled the room for a night of fun and games and a chance to play a hand in support of Variety’s Mobility Program, which provides range of equipment from wheelchairs and custom orthotics to fully adapted vans and coaches. Beyond the abundance of games, glitz and glamour, an impressive $200,000 was tabled from the debut-do. Since 2010, Variety has distributed more than $25 million in funding to families and organizations in communities across BC.
