MORE HOPE: Hope Couture, chaired by Marcella Cusano, raised $460,000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation. The sophomore edition of the runway romp staged at the Fairmont Pacific Rim attracted 350 guests who attended the power lunch and fashion show in support of breast cancer research. Emceed by Global TV’s Chris Gailus, and orchestrated by stylist Tracey Pincott, the event kick-started fundraising efforts for the purchase of three vital pieces of equipment that will directly link patient diagnosis and treatment to lab-based research. Attendees enjoyed a Japanese inspired luncheon before getting a first look at the fall and winter collections from Vancouver’s boutique retailers Bacci’s and Boboli. Founded by past chairwoman Jane Young and presented by Peterson Development, the event has generated nearly $2 million towards the fight against cancer.
MORE PASSION: For the 12th annual Scotiabank Passions gala, more than 300 foodies from the business, media and philanthropic sectors filed into the Roundhouse Community Centre for one of the city’s top epicurean galas, sponsored by the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Courier. The Yaletown space provided larger digs for the popular culinary event that featured 25 participating restaurants and chefs delivering tasty plates to partiers. Yours truly and Sophie Lui emceed the unforgettable evening of music, wine and cocktails, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Event founder Nathan Fong, gala chair Michael Barker Fyfe and Dr. Peter AIDS Centre executive director Maxine Davis hosted a special champagne reception kick starting the record evening that generated more than $140,000 for the Dr. Peter Centre, the West End residence dedicated to providing world class care to those living with HIV and AIDS.
MORE CORNUCOPIA: Off the heels of a banner summer season, Whistler Resort, which celebrates its 40th anniversary of incorporation as Canada’s first resort municipality, prepares to keep the good times rolling with its 19th staging of Cornucopia, 11 days of food, drink and wellness offerings Nov. 5 to 15. At the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, one of the village’s venerable properties, Michelle Leroux, public relations manager for the grand old luxury hotel, hosted a preview of the celebrations to come. They included the hotel’s signature marTEAni Party, a sellout every year, Bubbles & Brunch, a classic favourite, and winemakers dinners showcasing Stoneboat Vineyard, Masi Agricola, Quails’ Gate Winery, Blasted Church Vineyards and Craggy Range Vineyard. More than 6,500 foodies are expected to the legendary festival of food and drink, presented by BlueShore.
