Vancouver, BC – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation’s 2014 Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala triumphantly raised $532,448 in support of important S.U.C.C.E.S.S. services that lack adequate government funding, particularly senior services.
“2014 signifies the beginning of the FIFTH decade of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. serving the Metro Vancouver communities. Clients that we had served in the early 1970’s may be grandparents or even great-grand parents by now. We are most proud of the strides S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has made in the area of senior health care service,” said Jason Lam, Vice Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.
The annual Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala is one of the most celebrated charitable social events in Metro Vancouver. Perennially the Gala draws the attention of elected officials, community and business leaders and philanthropists. This year is no exception. The Hon. Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of BC, along with other notable dignitaries including The Hon. Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors); The Hon. Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism; and Mayors from Vancouver, Richmond and Fort Saint John, were among the luminaries that attended the event.
The evening began with the Vancity VIP Reception where guests mingled and strolled through the Lugaro Silent Auction Pavilion, where over 200 items were on view, including a wide selection of wine, dining certificates and other exquisite items donated by local businesses.
“Senior service has always been and will remain in the forefront of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Tonight we salute the seniors in our communities. They are the pioneers in paving the way for us,” said Jason Lam. “S.U.C.C.E.S.S. shall dedicate May 2014 to be S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Senor Health Care Month with activities and health education for seniors in the Metro Vancouver communities.”
In the 40 year history of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., only 7 individuals had been selected as Patrons of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. At the Gala, a special presentation was made by Doug Purdie, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., naming Maggie Ip, one of the founders of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., as a new Patron for the significant role she played in the growth of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and contributions to the community.
Linda Wong, Doug Chiu and Jonathan Lai, Co-Chairs of the 2014 Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala, gave thanks to Maria Cordero for travelling from Hong Kong to lend a helping hand to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation and giving a rousing performance at the event.
The annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Raffle Sale, a companion fundraising activity along with the Gala, had the winning numbers drawn during the dinner.
This year the top three financial institutions who received raffle sales awards are: Scotiabank, HSBC Bank Canada and RBC Royal Bank.
Air Canada for the 18th continuous years took helm as the Official Airline Sponsor of the Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, incorporated in December 2001, is a charitable foundation responsible for raising funds for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations to support their mandates for the betterment of the community. For more details, please visit: www.successfoundation.ca<http: