LOVING TRIBUTE

In 2008, Andrew Dolejsi died from injuries sustained in a car accident just days before he was going to turn 27.

Driving four friends home, Dolejsi died when the vehicle went off the road in icy conditions. His family would bury him on his birthday. Turning tragedy into something positive to help others, Andrew’s parents Eva and Ladislav Dolejsi began hosting an annual fundraiser every January as a means of coping with their loss.

At first, a modest gathering of friends and family at the Shark Club, the celebration quickly outgrew the social confines of the downtown bar and lounge. Five years later the couple moved the event to larger venues, eventually settling into a dinner and auction format at a hotel ballroom.

Since its inception, the Kitz4Kids event has raised $50,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation, helping kids living with life-threatening illnesses, and $50,000 for their son’s second passion, dogs — and the B.C. Guide Dogs’ Autism Support Dogs program.

This January, on what would have been Andrew’s 37th birthday, 200 guests — family as well as two- and four-legged friends — gathered at Richmond’s River Rock Resort for the dinner and dance.

Organized by Dolejsi’s parents, and a committee of friends, the night marked the 10th anniversary of the fundraiser, dedicated to remembering Andrew and supporting his passion for dogs and helping others.

A popular DJ and outgoing person, he was always the light of any event, recalled Shayna Desrochers, one of Andrew’s best friends.

“He looked after everyone, and wanted to ensure everyone had a good time,” added Kristen Nash, one of four persons in the vehicle that tragic night. Always a family affair, Andrew’s younger brother Doug Dolejsi handled the hosting duties, welcoming gala-goers at the door.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous meal by River Rock Resort’s culinary team, fuelling everyone to bid on a wide variety of auction items. The night of remembrance and celebration would net another $25,000 for the autism dog program.

Keynote speaker Margaret Kay, accompanied by her four-legged friend Walter, addressed the capacity crowd, thanking them and sharing the positive impact a support dog has had on her autistic grandson. Currently, there is a three-year waiting list for the canine companions, says Bill Thornton, CEO of B.C.’s Guide Dog Services.

Andrew Dolejsi died in a car accident in 2008. His generous heart and openness to help others is remembered annually at the Kitz4Kids benefit.

Margaret Kay, accompanied by her four-legged friend Walter, addressed Kitz4Kids’ capacity crowd, sharing the positive impact a support dog has had on her autistic grandson.

Turning tragedy into something positive to help others, Eva and Ladislav Dolejsi created the Kitz4Kids fundraiser in memory of their son Andrew. The event has raised more than $125,000 for local charities.

Bill and Linda Thornton’s B. C. Guide Dogs’ Autism Support Dogs Program was a beneficiary of the dinner, dance and auction. The night of remembrance and celebration netted $25,000.

Family and friends gathered to remember Andrew Dolejsi. Doug Dolejsi welcomed Andrew’s friends Shayna Desrochers, Kristen Nash and Ramtin Jamshidi to the fundraising dinner at the River Rock Resort in Richmond.

Volunteers Kevin Lorage, Ali Hondl and David Fletcher helped mark the 10th anniversary of the family fundraiser.

Family friends of the Dolejsis, Montecristo’s Marcella Cusano and Dr. Panos Andreou, lent their support to the annual fundraiser.