S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala 2008

Vancouver – Today, Mrs. Linda Wong and Mrs. Betty Funston, Co-Chairs of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala 2008, officially announced the return of the annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala to General Motors Place on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 7th Day of the Lunar New Year.

With an annual audience of over 13,000, the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala is one of the premier and most anticipated community events in North America. Since 1997, the annual Gala at GM Place has a total attendance of over 120,000 people and has raised in excess of $5,000,000 for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to provide and continue to provide essential social services and programs to those in need in the community.

“This year, our fundraising target for the Gala is $380,000. Proceeds will benefit S.U.C.C.E.S.S. diversified program and services for youth, women, seniors, and family counseling,” Mr. Lawrence Woo, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation told the media.

“With continuous support from the community, especially the sponsors, we are very proud that it is the 11^th year that the Gala is held at GM Place”, said Mrs. Linda Wong.  For the 2^nd consecutive year, TELUS takes helm as the Presenting Sponsor of the Gala. Air Canada also returns as the Official Airline Sponsor.  Toyota BC Dealers joins the Gala as the Vehicle Sponsor for the very first time.  

In her remarks, Ms. Florence Lin, Communications Manager, TELUS, highly spoke of the outstanding achievements of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.  “It is our honor to join with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to give back to the community.” said Ms. Lin.

Susannah Kloegman, a graduate of “A Chance to Choose”, an employability skills project offered by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., shared her story on how she grasped her Chance and gained a new and fresh perspective of her future.  

As in the past, the Gala begins with an exclusive banquet followed by a star studded variety show with the brightest and most talented performers and artists from the Asian entertainment arena, including Justin, Edmond Leung, Theresa Fu, Eric Suen, Hins Cheung, Fiona Sit, Kenny Bee, Niki Chow and Shino Lin.   

“2008 is a milestone for S.U.C.C.E.S.S.. It marks the organization Innovatively Integrating New Canadians for 35 Years”, announced by Kenneth Tung, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “Approximately 33% of the agency’s $22 million annual operating budget is raised from the community through donations, membership dues, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events organized by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, such as the annual Walk with the Dragon, Charity Golf Tournament and the Gala.”

As a companion fundraising effort, the annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Raffle Sale has begun.  Raffle tickets are $3 each, or $15 for a book of five tickets plus store discount coupons.  The total value of prizes is worth over $39,000.  The Grand Prize is a 2009 Toyota Corolla LE donated by Toyota BC Dealers.  Raffle winning numbers will be drawn at the Gala on February 13 at General Motors Place.

The 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: www.successfoundation.ca

Contact:

Tony Moy                                                                     Eileen Lao

Director of Resource Development                            Public Affairs Manager

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation                                        S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Tel: 604-408-7232                                                       Tel:  604-408-7243