MUCH SPIRIT: This year’s Lower Mainland United Way campaign raised more than $25 million. The final tally was announced at the 15th Scotiabank United Way Community Spirit Awards, staged at the Hotel Vancouver. Campaign chair Kathryn Young and co-chair Mauro Manzi fronted the gala that recognized top donors, volunteers and organizations for their extraordinary service and commitment to building stronger communities. Among the winners: Pacific Blue Cross, TD Bank and BCIT. Gwenne Farrell, president of MoveUP, received the President’s Award of Distinction for her involvement with the United Way for the past 10 years. Monies raised this year will be put to work in the community to help 340,000 children, families and seniors.
JUST FOR LAUGHS: Yours truly, along with Howard Blank, hosted Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»TheatreSports League’s 11th Grapes of Laugh at the Improv Centre. The company’s signature soiree generated a record $26,000 for the 36-year-old arts organization. One of the world’s oldest improv companies, VTSL has seen the likes of improv superstars Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles get their start on the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»stage. Boasting six International Improv Comedy Awards, VTSL entertains more than 60,000 people per year. Proceeds from the night of hilarity and fundraising will support the firm’s community outreach and youth programs, bringing laughter to some 35,000 children annually.
LIGHTING IT UP: Four of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks lent some blue magic to help create arthritis awareness and honour those living with arthritis. B.C. Place, Science World and Canada Place were all lit up in blue just in time for the Arthritis Society’s 10th annual gala-do, sponsored by the Courier. The Olympic Cauldron at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Convention Centre was also a blaze in blue to help draw attention to the cause. The cocktail party at the Stanley Park Pavilion led by executive director Lisa Westermark aimed to generate $50,000 towards research, advocacy, education and a future without arthritis.
FLOWER POWER: Even though her mammogram 14 years ago missed her own cancer, Lenora Gates realized how critical technology is in catching tumors early. Gates staged her first fundraiser and raised $5500,000 for a state-of-the-art digital mammogram machine. Since then, Gates has become one of the most committed advocates for the cause. Serving as a Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation board member since 2002, the mother of two has been a tireless champion and fundraiser, drumming up some $2.5 million during her tenure in the hopes of creating a future without breast cancer. Gates chaired the foundation’s second annual Wild Lilies Gala at the Fairmont Waterfront where $330,000 was raised from the charity dinner.
