THE YEAR THAT WAS: Here’s a look back at 2016’s top merrymakers and the good people behind them.
TOP PARTY OF THE YEAR: One of the leading dates on the social diary, this year’s Crystal Ball did not disappoint. BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s flagship fundraiser was a lavish affair. Chaired by society darlings Diane Norton and Arya Eshghi, the 30th anniversary dinner and auction drew 400 of the province’s top philanthropists, business moguls and community leaders to the posh party, an Alice in Wonderland themed celebration that earned an astounding $4.4 million for Children’sHospital.
IMPRESSIVE DEBUT: With support from Jimmy Pattison, Phil Lind, Leslie Diamond, Carole Taylor and other power brokers, was there any doubt Carol Lee’sÂ鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Chinatown Foundation Gala would not be a smashing success? Lee received a huge endorsement for her efforts to preserve and revitalize the once-bustling neighbourhood of Chinatown when a capacity crowd of supporters showed up for her inaugural fundraising dinner, and tipping the Harvard and UBC grad $1.5 million for her efforts.
TOP ART PARTY:Wind warnings forced the postponement of Splash, Arts Umbrella’s premiere party on Granville Island. Undeterred Splash 2.0 went off three weeks later at the Hotel Vancouver. Art enthusiasts happily rearranged their schedule to support the performing arts school for youth. The herculean effort paid off when the sale of 100 works by B.C. artists netted $500,000 to help serve 22,000 kids annually.
BEST SMALL GALA: The third annual Night of Wonders Gala benefitting the B.C. and Yukon chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation truly lived up to its name.Chaired by Jessica Hollander, the party attracted 200 of Vancouver’s most glamourous and generous partygoers to Mike Wood’s Autoform Showroom for an evening of wish making. The magical night netted the charity $242,000 to make the dreams of children living with life threatening illnesses come true.
BEST HOUSE PARTY: Imagine 60 charming tail-coated singers as hosts, serving epicurean delights paired with fine wines, serenading guests with exquisite choral music in the most magnificent mansion. Such was the scenario for 150 fortunate guests who snapped up tickets to Chor Leoni’s At Home Gala held at Maureen McIntosh’s historic Casa Mia property. The night of sweet music supported Chor Leoni’s MY Voice program, a youth initiative providing free music aspiring male singers in the Lower Mainland.
MOST FASHIONABLE AFFAIR: Husband and wife team of Bill and Jana Maclagan held the prestigious position of party chairs welcoming 700 fashionistas and philanthropists to Brilliant, a spectacular, multi-media fashion show at Rocky Mountaineer. The yearly fundraiser drew fashionistas and tastemakers to the show-stopping night of fashion, art and dance. The runway party fashioned a record night as $1.5 million was designed for mental health programs and services at St. Paul’s Hospital.
BEST KIDS PARTY: Fostering philanthropy and leaders of tomorrow, society darling Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf fronted her yearly Face of Today Gala. Wanting to help turn dreams into reality for underserved youth, young entrepreneurs, aspiring CEOs and brash upstarts filed into the Rosewood Hotel Georgia for the Alice in Wonderland-inspired evening. The fashionable crowd, many under the age of 40, delivered a happy ending raising $250,000 to support local charities helping youth.
BEST OUTDOOR PARTY: More than 20 choirs convened for Gastown’s Yuel Duel, the city’s largest outdoor caroling competition. The event drew hundreds to the historic area to enjoy pitch perfect performances. Gassy Jack Square was transformed into a musical wonderland as choral groups sang for vocal supremacy. A block party with a purpose, the night of Christmas tunes benefitted May’s Place, a hospice providing compassionate end-of-life care to vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside.
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