SMALL MIRACLES:

Dr. Millan Patel helped create the Rare Disease Foundation to work toward curing conditions that affect fewer than one in 2,000 individuals. There are around 7,000 diseases that can be defined as rare. Many don’t even have a name, and research into most is overlooked in favour of major diseases such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis. But for families of children living with a rare disease, time and research is precious. Patel, a University of B.C. professor, geneticist and clinical researcher, created the Rare Finds Gala, a unique cocktail party pairing the talents of top chefs and mixologists, to help fund the foundation’s efforts. This year’s party at the Sheraton Wall Centre saw nearly 300 supporters raise a reported $100,000, which will be made immediately available to researchers.

Want more photos? See more of the party at theprovince.com/galleries

Gala chair Dawn Patel and Rare Disease Foundation executive director David Cox welcomed guests to their flagship fundraiser.

Chef Steve Fecho of Match Eatery and Public House in Squamish, left, was among the culinary talents that took part in Dr. Millan Patel’s seventh Rare Finds Gala.