[/one_third]
[two_third_last]
Update from our chair, Richard Carras
“As we welcome autumn, we can look back on an amazing past year for the BC Hospitality Foundation. Especially after reflecting on our most successful BCHF-run special events ever, including two sold out golf tournaments (Vancouver and Victoria), an amazing Dish ‘n Dazzle evening featuring Wines of Argentina, and an incredible list of 3rd party events that donated proceeds to BCHF:[/two_third_last]
- Aburi Restaurants proceeds from Vivreau water Sales
- Clefs d’or Charity Cruise
- Hotel Association of Vancouver-Fall Fundraisers
- Restaurant Association of Whistler-Golf Tournament
- IVSA new product salons
- Predator Ridge Hospitality Cup Golf Tournament (Vernon)
- Taste Victoria
- Vancouver Tequila Expo
- Top Drop Vancouver
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Golf Tournament
- Culinaire
- Brewery and the Beast
- Victoria International Wine Festival
Since our inception in 2007, we are now up to more than 90 beneficiaries with over $400,000 paid out in benefits. And now there is more than $25,000 being paid out in annual scholarships at BC colleges and universities to develop future industry leaders.
While behind the scenes we have been undergoing an in-depth strategic review to develop clear direction for our future development including retaining the services of a passionate and committed consultant in charity society management: a major thank you to Ray Sawatsky from Hatch Philanthropic.
The BCHF hired a full time director of fundraising and development – welcome to Jim Irving; and retained the services of Town Hall Brands to oversee our marketing and communications. I must give a huge shout out to the incredible work of our executive director, Alan Sacks who has done an amazing job of pulling together all the dreams and aspirations of our passionately committed board of advisors.
It’s thanks to the ongoing support of everyone in the hospitality and related industries, along with our amazing suppliers and sponsors, that we are really making a difference to the lives of our colleagues in need. We are truly, ‘working together to help our own!’”
[one_third]
[/one_third][two_third_last]
Summer 2015 Activity Highlights
BCHF Vancouver Golf Tournament
This year’s event was held on July 13 at the magnificent Westwood Plateau, and raised $83,000. The day included brunch, on-course food and beverage stations, hole-in-one and other skill and non skill competitions, a post golf reception with silent auction and raffle and a wonderful dinner buffet.
[/two_third_last]Vancouver International Tequila Festival
The Vancouver International Tequila Expo aims to raise the profile of Mexico’s most famous spirit with British Columbians and with all Canadians. The Expo’s Main Event was accompanied by a Trade Tasting, Seminars, and exclusive Tasting Menus at participating restaurants around Vancouver. On May 12 the Tequila Expo raised $5000 to support the BCHF.
Top Drop Vancouver
Top Drop Vancouver was a unique, two-day consumer and trade event, bringing together international, terroir-focused wineries, craft breweries, cideries, & more. During Top Drop, proceeds from the Main Event are to be donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation. We’re awaiting the final tally of how much the BCHF will receive but are thankful to have been a part of this unique Vancouver event!
TOTA Golf Tournament
We were thrilled to be the charitable partner for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament, which was held on August 26. This annual, engaging day of golf was played at the award-winning Talking Rock Golf Course at Quaaout Lodge & Spa in Chase, BC. The course offered a wonderful opportunity to connect for hospitality and tourism colleagues while challenging their golf skills, and included cocktails, dinner, prizes and much more. We’re still awaiting the total donation from TOTA from this event but thank them for choosing us as their charitable recipient!
SYSCO-Kelowna Golf Tournament
The Annual SYSCO Golf Tournament held on September 15 at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon, BC raised $10,000 for the BCHF.
SYSCO’s important and continued support over the years has allowed the BC Hospitality Foundation to continue to give support to those in the Hospitality Industry when they need it.
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[two_third_last]
BCHF Victoria Golf Tournament
This year’s event was held on September 21 at the amazing Westin Bear Mountain Resort, a fabulous golf course. The Victoria Golf Tournament raised close to $20,000 at this sold-out event.
Les Clefs d’Or Cruise
The 4th Annual Les Clefs d’Or Cruise in support of the BC Hospitality Foundation took place on September 9. The evening was filled with laughs, drinks & dishes, dances and prizes all in support of hospitality workers and Dreams Take Flight. Since Les Clefs d’Or raises funds for multiple charities and the BCHF was thrilled to receive $5000 from this event.
[/two_third_last]Canadian Resort Conference Live Auction
The CRC live auction held at The Pan Pacific Hotel on September 10 raised nearly $15,000 for the BCHF.
Culinaire, Victoria
Victoria’s Premier Food Tasting Experience; offers guests the opportunity to experience a selection of the most unique restaurants and purveyors of fine food and beverage our region has to offer. This year’s event brought in $3,600 for the BCHF.
Brewery & the Beast, Vancouver & Victoria
Brewery & The Beast is a premium culinary experience that features the highest quality meats through the vision of an extraordinary line-up of chefs. Only the finest selection of locally sourced products are featured at their events. The Vancouver and Victoria events each raised $2,500 respectively for the BCHF.
See these and more events on the BC Hospitality website.
Who Have We Helped Lately?
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[two_third_last]
Shannon Elmer (New Westminster): Injured while snowboarding in Whistler, Shannon was a server at The Bourbon and broke her spine. Shannon received $24,440.00 from the BC Hospitality Foundation, BC Paraplegic Foundation, The Bourbon and Fantasy Food 2000 to help her on her road to recovery.
[/two_third_last]Irvin Walkes (Vancouver): On July 6, the BCHF joined forces with the Roxy Cabaret to match funds raised up to $2000 for popular bartender Irvin Walkes, as he recovered from ankle surgery. Cumulatively, the event generated $7000 in critical funding for Walkes.
Don Martyn (Kelowna): Don is a hotel worker at the Manteo Resort in Kelowna and received $5000 to help him in treatment of a charcot foot where his bones were weakening due to nerve damage.
Build your Legacy with the BC Hospitality Foundation Industry Scholarship
The beginning of school brings the ever-present challenge of keeping the budget in check. If you’ve been working in the hospitality industry for at least five years and have a child following in your footsteps you may qualify for the BC Hospitality Industry Scholarship. The BC Hospitality Foundation extends this opportunity to the children of hospitality workers who are planning to study any hospitality diploma or degree including hotel/restaurant management, bartending, sommelier, or culinary institutions.
There are three $1,000 scholarships available each year. The deadline of November 1st is approaching but there is still time to apply and build your legacy in the hospitality industry.
Application is simply as follows:
- A 400 word essay on why you want to work in the hospitality industry
- Academic transcripts
- Two reference letters from non-family members
Apply now:
https://bchospitalityfoundation.com/scholarship-application/
More information on Scholarships:
https://bchospitalityfoundation.com/portfolio/scholarships/
Where are they Now?
Have a look at the update from a few of our recent recipients.