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MEANINGFUL MISSION Celebrating 25 years of investing in those who make their homes in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Mission Possible welcomed more than 300 guests to their ninth annual dinner and auction, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Founded 25 years ago by Rev. Liz Wall, the humanitarian agency has walked alongside people challenged by homelessness and poverty, providing them with opportunities to achieve a renewed sense of dignity and purpose through meaningful work.
Working with businesses and other organizations, the registered charity based in the gritty neighbourhood strives to create jobs that lead to lasting change, and support those who face barriers to employment.
Mission Possible currently runs two social enterprises, MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours, employing an average of 50 individuals per year in transitional jobs, offering them a paycheque and the opportunity to discover their fullest potential.
Mission Possible CEO Mathew Smedley, along with committee members Brittany Farquhar, Shannon Hoolsema, Helen Jackson, Angela Kirkham, Rachel Nelson, Jennifer Ottevangers and Sarah Swanson fronted the recent holiday hootenanny welcoming supporters who came out to help those burdened with the hardships of living in one of the country’s poorest and toughest communities.
Together, attendees helped raise $176,000 to support the organization’s ongoing efforts. A Roaring ’20s themed-affair, the ballroom was transformed into a stunning speakeasy where revellers imbibed and celebrated the organization’s many achievements.
Radio personalities Nat Hunter and Drew Savage were the masters of ceremonies. The sparkling night also saw attendees raise a glass to Violet Bittern, Mike Divine, Kelsey Duncan and Chris Reed, recipients of Mission Possible’s Comeback Awards for their courage, determination and faith in overcoming great challenges and adversity in their life.
EVENT-FULL PARTY Behind the boldface names of gala chairs — those who generally receive public praise for a successful affair — is an army of unsung heroes who helped execute the magical event.
As most chairs will attest, no successful gala, conference or party would be possible without the supporting cast of event planners, technicians, sound people, suppliers, caterers and entertainers — not to mention a legion of volunteers — who seamlessly, effortlessly and quietly behind the scenes work together to make it happen.
Taking a break from the manic fall schedule of socials and conferences, industry insiders came together to celebrate their own as well as support those looking into getting into the event planning and hospitality sector.
Fronted by the local chapters of Meeting Professionals International, Professional Convention Management Association and the International Live Events Association, party hosts Heather Sharpe, Alex Bickers, and Robert Porter welcomed some 400 members and friends who convened for the second staging of the now annual year-end party.
The visually stunning Through the Wardrobe-themed party held at Parq Vancouver — the city’s newest event and gala destination — was a fantastical affair, featuring mystical beasts, ice queens, and decked out attendees partying down at the holiday schmoozer and elbow-rubber.
Between exchanges of air kisses and business cards, attendees enjoyed delicious offerings from Parq’s culinary brigade while contributing to scholarships to support the next generation of event planners and hospitality professionals.