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CHART-TOPPING NIGHT Philanthropy drives innovation, and VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation’s Night of a Thousand Stars Gala is the definitive example of what can be achieved when difference makers come together for the betterment of all.
Led by Noordin and Nancey Nanji, and a powerhouse committee of 10 women who included Naz Panahi, Devi Sangara and Nancy Stibbard, more than 900 philanthropic and health care leaders convened at the Vancouver Convention Centre to improve the care and outcomes of those with cancer, and to solidify VGH as a centre of excellence for surgical cancer treatment.
The 22nd staging — presented by Telus — would see a record setting $5.95 million raised in support of a new surgical robot, innovation that will offer patients many benefits, from reduced pain and shorter hospital stays to faster recovery times and a better quality of life.
Health-care visionary Darlene Poole led the way, igniting the night with a near $2-million gift to realize the hospital’s dream of bringing the next generation of surgical robots to VGH. Poole and her late husband Jack brought the first surgical robot, aptly named Jack, to Vanhattan a decade ago.
Jack the Robot will now retire and we look forward to welcoming Jack Junior to his new home, said Barbara Grantham, the president and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
Celebrating the passion and dedication to medicine, the starry night also featured a special presentation to Ben Yeung and his family. A board member of the foundation since 2010, the Peterson Group patriarch was bestowed the Leadership Award, the foundation’s highest honour in recognition of his family’s exceptional philanthropic leadership and contribution to health care.
Ben and Peterson have contributed to B.C. health care in so many ways, says Grantham. The leadership and generosity they have demonstrated over the years have been invaluable for health care in the province, she adds.
BEAUTIFUL HEARTS On Nov. 15, communities around the globe celebrated the spirit of giving by hosting events to recognize the efforts of donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations and others engaged in philanthropy.
The 20th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day in Vancouver culminated with the 11th annual Giving Hearts Awards, sponsored by Scotiabank.
Presented by the Vancouver chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, president David Love, along with vice-president Heather Altas and National Philanthropy Day chair Kyle Tiney, welcomed 900 philanthropic fans to the noon hour luau at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where they raised a glass to the more than 40 individuals and organizations making a positive impact in our communities. Hosted by Breakfast TV’s Riaz
Meghji, trophies were presented in six categories. Andrew Teel received the afternoon’s first of two standing ovations.
Recipient of the Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award, Teel was recognized for his commitment to giving back.
Adopted at the age of six, Teel was DINNER FOR DAN’S LEGACY The Dan’s Legacy Foundation was created in memory of Dan Snook, who died of a drug overdose at the age of 19 resulting from childhood trauma and abuse.
In the past three years, the charity has helped more than 150 youth overcome obstacles to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Culinary talents Sean Cousins, Dino Renarts, Theresa Nicassion, Shay Kelly and Saskia Nollen fronted the foundation’s fourth annual Chef’s Charity Dinner at the Vancouver Club.
Yours truly served as master of ceremonies at the multi-course royal repast that drew 120 supporters to the dinner and auction.
Special guests included: B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth Bernard Richard; former B.C. finance minister Carole Taylor; Jan Grude, president and CEO of Pacific Blue Cross; and
Brenden Graham of Coast Capital Savings.
Before the call for support, the charity launched its film Passages, telling the stories of people whose lives have been helped immeasurably thanks to Dan’s Legacy.
The telling stories of young lives saved would unlock nearly $50,000 for the foundation. Proceeds will go toward the charity’s counselling and life skills programs for youth affected by trauma-based mental health and addictions challenges.
“We’re over the moon at the phenomenal outpouring of support,” says Barbara Coates, executive director of Dan’s Legacy.
“Our message of harm prevention, especially in the context of the ever-escalating opioid health crisis, found a receptive and responsive audience,” she adds. compelled to help kids less fortunate, and for the past four years has collected donations to help the homeless.
Teel’s Twoonies for Teens campaign this year raised an impressive $50,000 for Covenant House. To roars of approval, visionaries
Joe and Rosalie Segal had everyone on their feet a second time. Widely recognized in B.C. for their entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit, the couple received the Lifetime Philanthropist Award.
Other luminaries who were feted included environmental champion
Ross Beaty and arts doyenne Martha Lou Henley.