Spring brings fresh new ideas and people to the BC Hospitality Foundation.
Outgoing message from chair, Richard Carras
I am coming to the close of my two-year term as chair, and am proud to look back on our accomplishments.
Since the BCHF’s inception in 2007, we can now report that we have helped more than 234 people in hospitality and related industries, with financial support and scholarships worth more than $674,020.
As the Foundation becomes better known, we have more and more people reaching out to us for help. This in turn increases our need for fundraising, and to meet that need, we have restructured to allow us to move strongly in this direction.
Our focus over the past two years has been on strategic planning to take BCHF to the next level. A huge thank you to Alan Sacks, who continues to put his heart and soul into his role as our executive director and has become the true face of the Foundation. Town Hall Brands has renewed their contract with us to continue providing marketing and communications support (such as this newsletter), and Ray Sawatsky, who served as a consultant to help us with our strategic planning over the last two years, now takes on a direct role overseeing our fundraising development. Bing Smith, our past chair, has agreed to carry on permanently in his role as beneficiary liaison – working closely with all applicants in need of last resort financial support due to health or injury. And most recently, we welcome Annabel Aspler, who worked at the Westin Bayshore as a meeting and event manager for the past 10 years. Annabel has joined us to provide administrative and special events support.
And spring brings us to our first major fundraising event of the year: Dish ‘n Dazzle, featuring the wines of Australia on May 18 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets are still available but selling fast.
I look forward to our AGM in early June, where my term will finish, a new chair will be elected, and we will embark on the next chapter of our development as the hospitality industry’s charity. 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!
Who have we helped lately?
Mike Watson, national viticulturist for Constellation Brands who lives in Penticton, was in desperate need of a liver transplant. With the help of the BCHF and additional fundraising, he was able to fly to Hong Kong and receive life-saving surgery. More about Mike can be found here.
Rachel Krumpholz, server at The Belmont in Vancouver, was in a severe car accident, and needed multiple surgeries. She spent 40 days in the hospital and is now recovering in Fort St. John. The Belmont hosted a fundraiser that the BCHF matched, to help Rachel until she is able to return to work. More about Rachel can be found here.
What have we been up to? Fall and Winter Activity Highlights
Chinese Restaurant Awards
On March 2, the BCHF announced its partnership with the Chinese Restaurant Awards to fund culinary scholarships for students enrolled in Vancouver Community College’s Asian culinary arts program. Three scholarships will be funded through spring 2018. With the Chinese culinary scene thriving in Vancouver, this is one more way for the BCHF to raise awareness in a key sector of the industry.
Vera’s Burgers spread the burger love
For two weeks at the beginning of March, 50% of every delicious Vera Burger sold at Vera’s Davie and Denman locations went directly to the BCHF.
Scotland vs. Japan Charity Whisky Tasting
On April 3, Moonsine Tastings held a tasting and presentation at Chicha Restaurant featuring rare drams from both Japan and Scotland, with proceeds donated to the Foundation. The sold-out event raised more than $1000.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
For the 5th year, the BCHF was an industry partner to the wine festival
The BCHF had a booth at the trade tastings, and presented the 2016 Sommelier Scholarship winners with their scholarships during the ‘Celebrating Excellence: the 13th Annual Award Lunch’. Winners of the 2016 Sommelier Scholarships are: Christina Hartigan (AnnaLena Restaurant), Sean Nelson (Vij’s Restaurant), and Jayton Paul (UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar).
Guild Freehouse Community Brunch
John Watson, former Guild owner, wanted to contribute to the Foundation. His idea opened the doors of the Guild Freehouse on February 20 for a community brunch, with donations collected for the BCHF. This community open house raised $1150.
Significant Donations Received
In January, the Professional Convention Management Association presented the BCHF with a cheque for $25,000 USD ($34,800 CAD) during its annual Convening Leaders congress.
This follows on the heels of the donation from the Canadian Resort Development Association in September 2015 for $15,000 during their annual Canadian Resort Conference.
Both donations came from outside the province and will help us continue to give to those in our industry who are in need.
As well, the Hotel Association of Vancouver once again supported the BCHF’s through its annual campaign with nearly $25,000. The Victoria Hotel Association made a generous donation of $5,000. The ongoing support of the Hotel Community is a very important part of the BCHF’s fundraising.
Continued support from the Truffles Group
Throughout 2016 the locally owned and operated group of companies will dedicate in-house fundraising activities to the Foundation. This carries over from 2015, where in September the Cascadia Liquor Stores raised more than $1300 for the BCHF. October saw $300 raised at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens with an additional $500 for January and February from their wishing well and gift shop donations. As well, the Canoe Brewpub raised $260.50 amount through partial proceeds of their Panko Breaded Cod & Chips.
PLUS Cascadia Liquor stores contributed an additional $553.82 in January.
Mark Your Calendar!
Upcoming events to benefit the BCHF
May 18: Dish ‘n Dazzle with Wine Australia
May 28: Vancouver International Tequila Expo
July 11: Vancouver Golf Tournament
July 14: Taste Victoria
July 24: Brewery & the Beast, Vancouver
September 19: Victoria Golf Tournament
To stay up to date on all upcoming events visit the calendar, and follow us on social media @bchospitality!