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IMPRESSIVE DEBUTS:  Anyone who has ever attempted to open a new business or organize a new event knows about the incredible amount of time, energy and effort required to pull off a successful affair. Here’s a second look at those who made an impressive first impression in 2015 and who we will undoubtedly hear from again in the new year. Congratulations to everyone. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.  

A REAL SHINER: Cecilia Tse and Aya Primbetove’s first outing was a real sparkler. Their Time to Shine Gala, presented by De Beers Jewellers, for VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, drew a well-heeled crowd to the Fairmont Pacific Rim Ballroom. The black-tie affair generated a jaw-dropping $1.35 million for much needed CT scanners for the hospital’s emergency unit.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Jeff Parr and owner/chef Michael Robbins’ new Kitsilano eatery AnnaLena, an ode to Robbins’ grandmothers, already had local critics singing its praises when the resto was named one of the country’s top 10 new restaurants in enRoute magazine. It’s one of the most prestigious culinary lists in the country.

HIGH WATERMARK: Water or our lack of it was a headliner in 2015. The inaugural Waterkeeper Gala, a fundraising initiative for Fraser Riverkeeper, drew attention to our precious resource. With acclaimed author Wade Davis in attendance, $100,000 was raised in support of B.C.’s swimmable, drinkable and fishable future.

CHEERS TO LAUREN: 2015 was a banner year for celebrated mixologist Lauren Mote. Mentor to up-and-coming barkeeps and beverage consultant to restos including UVA and Yew Seafood + Bar, Mote picked up Bartender of the Year accolades from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Magazine and tied the knot with her main squeeze and Bittered Slings co-founder Jonathan Chovancek.

CARE GIVERS: Cause We Care Foundation is a Vancouver-based charity created by women for needy single mothers and their children. Founder Andrea Hill and stylist Susie Wall organized the foundation’s first cocktail party at the Equinox Gallery in support of after-school programs at inner-city schools.

BIG REVEAL: Canucks Autism Foundation founder Clara Aquilini and CEO Katy Harandi saw their first REVEAL Gala make known the challenges, possibilities and hopes of families and individuals living with autism. The ice level luau at Rogers Arena generated an inspiring $785,000.

GRAND OPENING: Vanhattan’s first Nordstrom store was one of the most highly anticipated openings this fall. Marking a retail renaissance in the city, the high-end specialty retailer opened with a charity fundraiser that saw four charities — Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery, Covenant House, BC Childrens’ Hospital and BC Women’s Health Centre — net $100,000 each.

AFTER GLOW: Michelle Rupp and Jill Schnarr chaired the inaugural GLOW Gala, which raised funds for the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation’s newborn intensive care unit. Armed with a $500,000 goal, the pair saw their benefit dinner’s final tally more than double with a remarkable $1.2 million raised to purchase life-saving equipment for the tiniest and sickest babies.

BLACK OUT: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­artists Graeme Berglund and George Vergette organized Ce Soir Noir, an alternative to the widely popular, always sold-out Diner En Blanc party. Their free, black-clad, not-at-all-a-secret picnic at Crab Park attracted hundreds for its inaugural running.