POMP AND PAGEANTRY: The 2016 Miss Chinese 麻豆传媒映画Pageant recently concluded with 22-year-old SFU grad Maria Rincon crowned this year鈥檚 winner. The SFU communications major bested nine other leading ladies in the annual affair presented by the Fairchild Media Group. As usual, CEO and chairman Thomas Fung, along with his wife Amy, welcomed a capacity crowd to the contest鈥檚 22nd staging, which is televised to millions in Asia. Richmond Hospital Foundation was designated this year鈥檚 beneficiary of the much-anticipated competition and fundraising dinner held at the 麻豆传媒映画Convention Centre. Prior to the broadcast, realtor Patsy Hui ignited the night of philanthropy with a $1-million gift crediting the doctors at Richmond Hospital for saving her life. Before the main event commenced, an impressive $1.6 million was raised in support of Richmond Hospital鈥檚 new acute care tower.
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Bosa Family Foundation and the Italian Cultural Centre, along with other kind hearted sponsors, came together to host Renfrew-Collingwood鈥檚 first large-scale community Christmas dinner. Bella Notte was the brainchild of Bosa staff to give back to the communities they serve. With hopes it will become a yearly affair, the inaugural staging saw 300 people including at-risk youth, vulnerable families, new immigrant families and single mothers enjoy a multi-course dinner as well as entertainment, gift cards and a visit from Jolly St. Nick. Bordered by Boundary Road, Nanaimo Street, East Broadway and East 45th, Renfrew-Collingwood is the second most populous neighbourhood in the city with more than 50,000 residents. 鈥淚nspired to give back, Bella Notte is also driven by our desire to connect with people in the community and honour those who work to bridge the gaps and lessen the hardships of those most vulnerable,鈥� says Sylvia Bosa, director of philanthropy at Bosa Family Foundation.
TEA PARTY: The Wellbeing Group, or TWG to tea enthusiasts, opened its first tea salon in Vancouver. This luxury tea brand may be familiar to well-travelled Vancouverites, as the tea salons are located in major metropolitan hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Situated in the space previously occupied by the Urban Tea Merchant, the store鈥檚 North American debut in Vanhattan was a grand affair. The firm鈥檚 founders Taha Bouqdib and Maranda Barnes greeted guests who made the red carpet parade on West Georgia Street. Canadian and international super model Coco Rocha added star power to the invitation-only Tea Party. Much mixing and mingling at the merrymaker, guests were invited to sample a variety of delightful teas and tea-infused canap茅s while exploring the beautifully appointed 50-seat salon and boutique.
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