We are proud to announce the naming and sponsorship for one of our Industry Scholarships.

Starting in 2017, the Pat Gaudet Memorial Scholarship will be given out annually to the child of a hospitality worker that wishes to follow in their parent’s footsteps. The scholarship, worth $1,000, will support higher education in hospitality-related programs.

Applications for one of three Industry Scholarships are open now. Please apply on our Scholarships Page.

The Pat Gaudet scholarship is sponsored by the BC Wine Appreciation Society, which holds an annual tasting event and live #BCWineChat “tweet up” in February, co-hosted by Sandra Oldfield (Tinhorn Creek Winery). The proceeds of which will be donated to the BCHF.

Originally from Prince Edward Island, Pat Gaudet was most recently a resident of Oliver, BC, and was a certified sommelier and formally-educated oenologist with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and beverage industry, including positions at Road 13 Vineyards, Tinhorn Creek Winery, BC Food & Wine Trails Magazine and more. His life was cut tragically short when he succumbed to injuries sustained after being trapped in a crashed semi truck in March 2017. He leaves behind his wife Yvonne, an executive chef, along with his two beloved daughters, Kiera Jack and Maura Kendall.

“When we heard about the Gaudet family’s loss, we knew we wanted to help in whatever way possible,” says BCHF Chair Christine Coletta. “This scholarship celebrates family, education and wine, things that were known to be important to Pat.”