Party faithful bask in the fundraising glow.
Variety, the Children’s Charity’s Gold Heart Gala
Variety – the Children’s Charity honoured philanthropists and community leaders Ian Telfer and Nancy Burke at their Gold Heart Gala, one of the season’s buzziest fundraisers of the year. Synonymous with kindness, generosity and philanthropy, the husband and wife team have given their time, talent and treasure to a host of charitable causes for the past 25 years—from healthcare and education to arts and culture, and children with special needs, in B.C. and the Yukon. Fronted by Mary Zilba, along with Vancouver Luxury Living editor-in-chief Fiona Forbes, and a gaggle of influencers, the committee welcomed a crowd who made the scene to raise a glass to the night’s honourees, as well as support Variety’s ongoing efforts. A special Hearts of Gold painting by Athena Bax and five Variety kids truly got the party started. Fetching a heart-stopping $33,000, the show of love and philanthropy would continue the night. Even the gala’s guests of honour got into the game—generously putting up $150,000 in matching funds during the call out for cash. Attendees would rise to the challenge contributing to a record-setting $550,000 night.
Glacier Media publisher Peter Kvarnstrom with his wife, Susan.
Now former Variety BC CEO Kristy Gill, centre, with philanthropists and community leaders Ian Telfer and Nancy Burke.
Committee member Rosemary Siemens and gala chair Mary Zilba.
BC Cancer Foundation’s Hope Couture
In three short years, BC Cancer Foundation’s Hope Couture has raised $2.9 million for leading cancer research. The 2017 staging would add to the already impressive tally. Staged at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, this year’s sold-out fashion show and luncheon benefited ovarian cancer research. A stylish $600,000 would be posted from the London Calling-themed, Lazy Gourmet-catered affair, led by gala chair Janet Hiebert and hosted by Global TV’s Chris Gailus. A silent and live auction, as well as a $200,000 donation from Rob Collins, in memory of his wife Janet Cottrelle bolstered fortunes. For their generosity, supporters were royally rewarded with a fashion show from Vancouver’s exclusive boutique retailers Bacci’s and Boboli.
Jane Young created BC Cancer Foundation’s Hope Couture fashion show and luncheon.
BC Cancer Foundation CEO Sarah Roth and Global TV’s Chris Gailus sporting the British colours.
Gala chair Janet Hiebert and BC Cancer Foundation chair Andrew Sweeney.
Hublot Grand Opening
Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot opened its first Canadian boutique in grand style. Located in the Vancouver’s Rodeo Drive on Alberni Street, the boutique is in great company nestled with other luxury retailers lining the tony block. The city’s who’s who and well-to-do packed the two-storey boutique to get a first glimpse of the luxury digs and meet Lang Lang, piano virtuoso and Hublot Ambassador who helped christen the store. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed a champagne reception, where guests mingled with the piano-playing phenom and witnessed the unveiling of Hublot’s new Classic Fusion Chronograph Canada timepiece, launched especially for the grand opening and to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Hublot principals Oleg Minchenko and Aya Primbetova.
Hublot brand manager Suzette Hernandez and pianist Lang Lang.
Vancouver Luxury Living editor-in-chief, Fiona Forbes and managing editor, Lise Boullard.
