CAKE TOPPER: A Champagne and truffle cake created by Thomas Haas garnered a jaw-dropping $17,000, sold three-times over, at the British Columbia Dental Association’s 16th Toothfairy Gala, staged yearly at the conclusion of the Pacific Dental Conference. Yours truly presided over the 10-cake live auction — the main event at the BCDA’s flagship fundraiser. The sweet creations pulled in a whopping $103,000, contributing to the night’s final tally of $141,000 and change, in support of the B.C. Cancer Agency’s Oral Cancer Detection Project. Emceed by BCDA president-elect Rob Staschuk, the festivities began with a sparkling reception, followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner and awards presentation, which recognized the industry’s best and brightest. Among this year’s honourees: doctors David Ciriani, Allan Hovan, Chris Wyatt, David Zaparinuk, Angelique Leung and Ray Fong.
SIGHT & SOUNDS: Seva Canada is a Vancouver-based charity whose mission is to restore sight and prevent blindness in the developing world. Focusing on sustainable, community-driven projects that reach the most underserved and remote populations, Seva provides life-changing goods and services — from the most basic of eye care needs such as eyes drops and glasses to cataract surgeries. Seva is currently working in 13 countries, bringing its mobile eye care units to those in need. The organization was the beneficiary of the 14th Motown Meltdown charity concert, sponsored by the Courier and held at the Commodore Ballroom. Local musicians and artists took guests on a grand tour of music from Motown to Memphis to help Seva reach places such as Nepal, Cambodia and Tanzania. Led by Kendra Sprinkling, Penny Lyons and Nancy Mortifee, the event raised a reported $40,000, ensuring 326 people will get the power of sight.
NADA NOD: Barbaresco is an Italian wine made with the Nebbiolo grape. Barbaresco is produced in the Piedmont region, one of the most historically important wine regions of Italy, and one of the country’s top exports. Several family estate producers — Gaia and Nada — have put Barbaresco wines on the map and in the psyche of wine collectors and enthusiasts. Fifth generation winemaker Enrico Nada recently made his Canadian debut to the delight of local oenophiles at an event presented by Grace Li and Richard Loo’s World Wine Synergy Group. The 30-something winemaker uncorked his portfolio of treasured and coveted wines he has steered since taking over as winemaker in 2008. A capacity crowd filled the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Oru Restaurant for the much-anticipated winemaker dinner.
