Fred Lee’s social network

HONG KONG ANNIVERSARY When the British handed Hong Kong back in 1997 to become a special administrative region (SAR) of Mainland China (for 50 years), many wondered how long the arrangement would last.

Prophecy of Hong Kong’s imminent demise circulated wildly.

Yet, since reunification two decades later, the territory continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong still has its own currency, rules of law and taxation, and the ability to control its own borders.

Weathering SARS and the global economic crisis of 2008, Asia’s world city continues to thrive as an international financial hub and prosperous metropolis, serving as a gateway or docking point to China.

July 1 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Not to get lost in the hoopla of Canada’s 150th, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office recently hosted a gala celebration to commemorate the one-country, two-systems rule at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Led by HKETO directors Kathy Chan and Catherine Yuen, a capacity crowd of politicos, business and community leaders and expats filled the ballroom to commemorate the special occasion.

Under the theme of “Together, Progress, Opportunity,” attendees and a marathon of speakers took stock of what has been achieved, and what is still possible for a better and stronger Hong Kong.

GOLF HELPS HOMELESS First United Church’s Golf for the Homeless Tournament marked a significant milestone.

Created by Bob Burrows, the church’s community minister, and

David Kimpton, a social worker, the tourney celebrated its 10th year. Over the decade, the event has become a flagship of support for the work the organization does for residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside — from legal advocacy to financial aid and emergency housing in a safe and inclusive environment.

Held at the University Golf Club, a roster of 124 golf enthusiasts came out swinging in support of First United.

Under sunny skies, golfers enjoyed a fun-filled day connecting with the ministry’s staff, clients and volunteers before meeting up with spouses and friends at the banquet reception and auction.

Greeting everyone at the clubhouse was newly appointed executive director Carmen Lansdowne and reverend Jim Hatherley.

Following a sumptuous dinner, guests heard from Mary Mootrey, a downtown resident who credited the church for helping her get off the streets. Mootrey’s remarkable story of hope and resilience ignited a wave of giving, resulting in $80,000 raised. The record haul would push the tournament’s 10-year tally beyond the $500,000 mark.

TOASTING CANFAR The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) is the only national foundation that raises awareness to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV infection and AIDS.

The Toronto-based charity, which funds leading-edge HIV/ AIDS research right here in Vancouver, launched its inaugural West Coast fundraiser with an elegant cocktail party. Chaired by Vancity’s Ryan

McKinley, TD’s Grant Minish and the Lazy Gourmet’s Kevin Mazzone, the event welcomed 100 guests to the posh event held on the rooftop at Telus Gardens.

While marvelling over the city, ocean and mountain views from the 24th floor, business and community leaders heard from Dr. Helene Cote, a member of CANFAR’s Scientific Advisory Committee, to learn more about the firm’s work and research efforts to eradicate the disease.

After enjoying a variety of bites, drinks and live music, supporters contributed more than $25,000 to the cause.

B.C. has the third highest number of people living with HIV in the country — nearly 12,000 — with one-third of those comprised of people who inject drugs.

PHOTOS: FRED LEE/PNG Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office directors Catherine Yuen and Kathy Chan fronted a gala that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong gala

Liberal MLAs John Yap, Teresa Wat and Michael Lee were among a gaggle of politicos on hand at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel to commemorate the one-country, two-systems rule.

MP Alice Wong, Senator Yuen Pau Woo and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Liu Fei helped commemorate Hong Kong’s reunification with China.

Nick Hays, vice-president of Cathay Pacific, and Kenneth Tung, director of SUCCESS, were among business and community leaders at the gala.

Fairchild TV’s Eileen Fong and Anson Realty’s Grace Kwok took in the gala festivities at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Vancity’s Ryan McKinley, The Lazy Gourmet’s Kevin Mazzone and TD’s Grant Minish chaired CANFAR’s inaugural West Coast fundraiser that welcomed 100 guests to the rooftop at Telus Gardens.

PHOTOS: FRED LEE/PNG Golf for the Homeless founders Bob Burrows and David Kimpton marked the tourney’s 10th anniversary at the University Golf Course. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $500,000.

Rev. Carmen Lansdowne and Rev. Jim Hatherley flank Mary Mootrey, a Downtown Eastside resident who credits the inner-city ministry for helping her get off the streets.

Responding to the challenge of homelessness, Robert Brown and Alek Arsenault hit the University Golf Course in support of First United Church.

Sea Star Vineyards proprietor David Goudge and interior designer Robert Bailey were among the community leaders at the posh cocktail party.

Telus staffers Eliott Wilkes, Graham Lockie and Ryan Bazeley hosted CANFAR’s inaugural cocktail party that raised more than $25,000.

Gourmet Warehouse’s Christina Valagao and realtor Deanna Lawrence were among a mighty group of guests who convened to support CANFAR, a Torontobased charity funding HIV/AIDS research.

Kyle Winters, CANFAR president and chief operating officer, and Dr. Helene Cote, a member of CANFAR’s scientific advisory committee, shared research efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS.

Brendan Bailey accompanied his partner Gregg Baker to the $250-a-ticket CANFAR benefit at Telus Gardens.

Elizabeth Kerklaan and Joanne Barker were all smiles after the Golf for the Homeless benefit raised $80,000.