SUPPORTERS STEP UP: As Canada's longest-serving agency devoted to housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, McLaren Housing Society of B.C.’s vision for the past 30 years is to provide safe, secure and affordable accommodations for those who need it — giving clients the opportunity for health, wellness, independent living and a sense of community. From a private residence offering accommodation to five people back in 1987, the firm has expanded to provide a variety of innovative affordable housing options and support services to nearly 300 clients in the Lower Mainland, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island and the Interior. This year marks the society’s 30th anniversary. A bittersweet time, the charity announced the loss of vital B.C. Gaming funding (reportedly some $90,000) at its signature soiree Sparkle. The news underscored the importance of its annual fireworks fundraiser staged at Scotiabank Tower. President Michael Hoche and executive director Kim Stacey welcomed supporters to the viewing party held at the Scotiabank corporate offices on the 34th floor. With a $5,000 gift from its party host, the night of pyrotechnics and philanthropy looked to net the non-profit more than $20,000 to go towards its portable subsidy program.
HOT TROT: The Southlands Riding Club, a non-profit society that serves roughly 400 riding and non-riding members of all ages and interests, once again played host to the fourth staging of the Pacific Polo Cup, a charity tournament created to further the interest and profile of the sport and riding club. Under sunny skies, attendees young and old put on their finest fascinators, fedoras and weekend ensembles to attend the summer’s arguably most fashionable event. Fronted by Pacific Polo Cup chair Benson Hurlbutt and president Nadia Iadisernia and presented by Nicola Wealth Management, the event hosted hundreds of the city’s well-to-do who took in the sport of kings while supporting programs that allow children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of riding. Enjoying the finest food and endless bubbly, supplied by Veuve Clicquot, revelers viewed the contested matches, which concluded with Nicola Wealth Management edging Team Amacon 7-6 in an exciting polo final.
HOTEL HOOTENANNY: Two hundred special guests recently gathered for an exclusive invitation-only party at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia's Prohibition Room to celebrate the sale of the storied hotel to a local buyer. Pacific Reach Properties' Azim Jamal is the new owner of the iconic, redeveloped 90-year-old property. The Jamal family has been steadily building up its portfolio of real estate holdings, including the Westin Grand Vancouver. Jamal, a former physician and entrepreneur who completed his medical training at UBC first, earned his business chops by helping his parents grow their Retirement Concepts nursing home business to 25 full-spectrum seniors housing communities — selling the empire recently to a foreign Chinese outfit for a reported $1 billion. The Moet flowed as friends, family and even a Hollywood celebrity made the scene to fete Jamal and previous owner Bruce Langereis who helped broker the $145-million sale. The downtown luxury hotel will continue to be managed by Rosewood and will retain its name.
Hear Fred Mondays 8:20am on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @FredAboutTown
