FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 10, 2010

2010 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala Raised over $480,000

Vancouver – The 2010 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala was successfully held this evening at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver.  Over 700 guests, including community leaders and elected officials, attended this charitable event and raised $481,271.

The annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala is one of Vancouver’s premier charitable events. The evening began with the Vancity VIP Reception where guests mingled and strolled through the Lugaro Silent Auction Pavilion with over 140 items on view, including a wide selection of wines, dining certificates and other fabulous gift items. Guests were then seated for an exclusive banquet followed by an intimate concert with acclaimed Hong Kong music sensation Bianca Wu.

As in previous years, the Gala attracted a host of notable dignitaries, among them Hon. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and  Official Languages; Hon. Mobina Jaffer, Senator; Hon. Dr. Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; Hon. Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizen's Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism; Hon. John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action; Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport; Hon. Murray Coell, Minister of Labour; His Worship Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver; His Worship Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond and His Worship Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam.  Although Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia could not attend the Gala, the Premier offered a video greeting and congratulatory message to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation and the dinner guests. 

 “Tonight we have successfully met our fundraising target. Proceeds will benefit critical S.U.C.C.E.S.S. programs that are under-funded or non-funded by the government for those in need in the community, particularly seniors, youths, women and families,” announced Maggie Ip, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.

Mrs. Linda Wong and Ms. Winnie Leong, Co-Chairs of 2010 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala, gave thanks to the star performer Bianca Wu who flew in all the way from Hong Kong to perform for the event.  The Co-Chairs also gratefully thanked Official Airline Sponsor, Air Canada, for their unwavering support to the annual Gala since 1997, and to all sponsors, media and individuals for making the Gala a memorable night.

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 were: Scotiabank, HSBC Bank Canada and Vancity.

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: http://www.successfoundation.ca/

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