FLYING HIGH: The YVR for Kids golf tournament and gala brings together the airport and surrounding communities in a unique effort to raise funds for children鈥檚 charities. Originally called the Can-Am Golf for Kids, the tourney began as a casual event for American and Canadian law enforcement officers working at 麻豆传媒映画International Airport. In 1991, the event was overhauled and Canuck Place Children鈥檚 Hospice became the beneficiary after event co-founder Brian Flagel and his wife Audrey, both of whom worked for Canada Customs, lost their young daughter Elise to cancer. The memorial event initially raised $40,000. Since then, the community gathering has raised $3.8 million for a variety of local organizations. 2016 marked the event鈥檚 25th anniversary. Fronted by gala chair Lori Miller and YVR for Kids board chair Cheryl Hendrickson, this year鈥檚 silver-lining-themed effort would bring in more than $200,000, pushing the overall tally past the $4-million mark.
BIG CATCH: The Fishing for Kids Tournament has come to be recognized as the premier fishing tournament in the Pacific Northwest. Presented by Rick Grange and Brian Legge鈥檚 West Coast Fishing Club, the fishing derby has raised nearly $7 million for the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) since its inception in 2005. Another 42 anglers 鈥� business leaders and NHL stars 鈥� filled the roster for this year鈥檚 three-day fishing trip off the northernmost tip of Haida Gwaii, each shelling out $12,500 to compete for the $200,000 cash prize for the biggest catch. They gathered at Reflections Lounge in Vancouver鈥檚 Rosewood Hotel Georgia for the kick-off party and fundraiser. Alan Frew, former lead singer for the Canadian group Glass Tiger, headlined the evening of music and philanthropy, which aimed to surpass last year鈥檚 net of $1 million for recreation, social and vocational programs for children and families living with autism. One in 68 children today are diagnosed with the developmental disorder.
