SUMMER GARDEN: Celsia Floral, Flower Factory, Granville Island Florist and the Social Concierge transformed an outdoor tent into a lush floral oasis and party palace for 400 guests who convened for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Art Gallery’s much anticipated summer soiree. Chaired by Pamela Richardson and Priscilla Lam, the event attracted the city’s top philanthropists and champions of art and creativity to the pricey $1,000-a-ticket affair that included an exclusive preview of the VAG’s Claude Monet’s Secret Garden exhibition. Eleven of the 38 Monet masterpieces were hung in time for the lush luau that began in the VAG galleries before spilling outside. Attendees descended the grand staircase of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Art Gallery to enter the tent assembled to resemble Monet’s fabled gardens. After a sumptuous dinner, live performances and spirited auction yours truly conducted, $1 million was raised for the venerable art institution. The Monet pieces will be on display until Oct. 1.
SUMMER SOLSTICE: The Canadian Diabetes Association became Diabetes Canada this February to shed light on the growing diabetes epidemic. Eleven million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Shedding a spotlight on the issue, the organization hosted its inaugural fundraiser Midsummer’s Eve, staged at the Roof of the Fairmont Hotel Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and sponsored by the CRS Group of Companies. Several hundred guests made the ascent to the party in the sky to support the charity’s effort to deliver on its mission to lead the fight against diabetes. Led by gala chair Cheryl MacKinnon, and hosted by Riaz Meghji, the elbow-rubber featured a delectable array of healthy hors d’oewuvres, exclusive auction items and a host of inspiring speakers. The debut-do would generate $75,000 from the night of mingling and fundraising.
PAYING IT FORWARD: A firm believer in the principles of paying it forward, philanthropist and community leader Saeedeh Salem, along with her husband Sean, principals of Le Vieux Pin and LaStella Wineries, founded Neekoo (Persian for providing goodness and kindness) as an opportunity to bring the Persian community together annually to support the next generation of leaders succeed in the pursuit of their hopes and dreams. The couple, along with board members Tandar Tanavoli, Bita Ghassemzadeh, Atussa Heravi, Delaram Shafagh and Setareh Amiri, welcomed guests to the philanthropic society’s annual summer mixer held at Telus Garden’s panoramic rooftop. The Salems’ winning Okanagan wines would flow as freely as funds. The wine, along with the night’s sweet music, ignited some grand giving culminating in more than $110,000 collected from the group of social do-gooders.
CHEERS CANADA: Marking Canada’s milestone birthday, Joey Restaurant Group and Steam Whistle Brewing teamed up to offer a unique taste of Canada to commemorate our nation’s 150th. The beverage of choice for many Canadians when celebrating, the Joey Steam Whistle partnership seems like the perfect party toast to our country. The collaboration kicks off with a series of patio parties across Canada. Foodies, beer enthusiasts and select media received a preview of the good times ahead at a patio party at Joey Bentall. The party will continue all summer long with new globally inspired menu items recommended to pair with the premium pilsner says concept development chef Ted Anderson.
