It’s summertime in BC and the BCHF has lots of news to share!
Note from incoming Chair, Christine Coletta.
As I got my start as a waitress at the age of 15, the hospitality industry is near and dear to me. A passion for high-paced work, an undying work ethic, and a sense of camaraderie was formed from that first job, that has stayed with me throughout my career. 2016 marks my 10th year with the BCHF and the start of my two-year term as chair. The BCHF is seen as a model for how industry can formalize and organize to help their own. We are the first of our kind in Canada, are proud to lead hospitality giving, and hope to encourage other provinces to form similar support networks.
I am truly blessed to be taking this role over from Richard Carras, as he has left the BCHF business in an immaculate state. Anyone who has ever worked with Richard understands his high level of commitment to excellence and his unwavering attention to detail. It was also very emotional to see Tim Pawsey (another BCHF original board member) and Bing Smith retire from the board. I am confident that they will not stray far from our grasp, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement.
Richard left the BCHF chair role with three key messages for us: fundraising, fundraising, fundraising. For the first five months of 2016, the BCHF has supported more people with critically-needed financial support than we did in the entire 2014 year. Needless to say, our need to raise funds to meet the financial needs of people in our industry is pressing and real.
How can we meet this need? The BCHF is well positioned to move forward with a very aggressive fundraising and sponsorship campaign. Many of the other pressing business issues have been solidified, freeing us to look at this single issue as a top priority.
How can you help? Join a committee; make a donation – big or small: offer a venue for one of our events, suggest that hospitality-related fundraising groups or events donate proceeds to the BCHF, and spread word of the good work that the BCHF does. Follow us on social media, attend one of our events, and ask everyone you encounter if they know someone we can help.
I have forged close relationships with the people I work side by side with and we treat one another as valued family members. Thank you to my new executive committee: Richard Carras (immediate past chair), Dana Lee Harris (vice chair) Kurtis Kolt (secretary) and Jeff Giraurd (treasurer) for stepping up to help me lead a strong program over the next two years. A big round of applause for our executive director Alan Sacks, and the rest of our team. I look forward to working with everyone to make a significant difference.
To read about the new BCHF board members click here.
It’s Time to Hit the Greens!
On Monday, July 11 the BC Hospitality Foundation hosts the Vancouver Golf Tournament at Westwood Plateau. The day will be fun-filled with contests, silent auction, brunch, lunch and buffet dinner, great people and great laughs. The Foundation hopes you are able to join for a day on the greens whether it be as a golfer or a sponsor. Want to register? Click here. Want to sponsor? Click here. All the money from this propriety event goes directly to scholarship funding or helping beneficiaries.
Who have we helped lately?
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is matching funds raised at the Hands For Rick Fundraiser on Sunday, June 26, 2016, from 5-10pm at Woody’s Pub (935 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam). The event supports Rick Thompson, a veteran foodservices employee from Coquitlam, observed by doctors in 2015 to be the “sickest person in BC”. Every dollar raised for Rick will be matched by the BCHF, up to $7500. Read more about Rick here.
What have we been up to? Winter and Spring Activity Highlights.
The 7th Annual Dish ‘n Dazzle took place on May 18th at the Vancouver Convention Centre and raised $50,000. To view photos of the event check out the BC Hospitality Foundation Facebook album.
The support from third party events is always much appreciated and we’d like to extend thanks to the Vancouver International Tequila Expo for once again raising funds for the BCHF.
Negroni Week took place at various venues across BC and the world from June 6-12, 2016, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. Several restaurants and bars in Vancouver have designated the BC Hospitality Foundation as their charity of choice, including The Cascade Room, CinCin Ristorante + Bar, Distillery Bar + Kitchen, Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Shameful Tiki Room, Siena, Timber, and Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar. Total amount raised is being tallied.
The Foundation also hired Anabel Aspler to help with project deployment. You can read all about Anabel here
Mark the calendar!
Upcoming events to benefit the BCHF
July 11: Vancouver Golf Tournament
July 14-17: 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!