Party Pics: The Daffodil Ball and Heart and Stroke Foundation Gala 2024

Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball (April 27)

Celebrating its 28th year, the Daffodil Ball raised more than $4.4 million for the Canadian Cancer Society. Bringing together some of the city’s most prominent business leaders and philanthropists, patrons truly took the event’s theme— The Sky’s the Limit—to heart, opening up their wallets and raising a record haul for innovative research projects to help people diagnosed with cancer live longer and fuller lives.

The glittering affair, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., was once again led by co-chairs Jennifer Traub, Jill Arias and Meghan Brown.

Corus entertainments Fiona Forbes and Sophie Lui emceed the formal fundraising dinner, staged for the first time at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Singer Sarah McLachlan was among the 700 guests that joined Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) CEO Andrea Seale for the organization’s marquee fundraiser, with proceeds to fund novel research ideas that will change the way we prevent, diagnose or treat cancer.

Notable attendees included British Columbia’s Premier, the Honourable David Eby and his wife Cailey Lynch.

Sharing her journey with breast cancer, Global news reporter Julie Nolin attended the CCS fundraiser with her partner Pete Cline.

Jack and Adam Lundin ignited the paddle raise with a gift of $250,000 made in memory of their dad Lukas, who passed away from brain cancer in 2022. The Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation would match all gifts ensuring the record-setting night.

Canadian Cancer Society co-chair Shachi Kurl celebrated with artist Athena Bax after the charity raised a record setting $4.4 million—the biggest haul to date in B.C. Since 1997, the Daffodil Ball has raised more than $26 million for the cancer cause.

Heart and Stroke Foundation Gala (May 4) 

Hearts helping hearts! The Heart and Stroke Gala, presented by the BC Lions, reached the $1 million mark for the very first time. Marking heart health month, some 450 guests came together to raise the record haul for women’s heart and brain health research.

Gala chairs Adrienne Martin and Virginia Morgan and a committee of seventeen dedicated volunteers orchestrated the evening of fine food, inspiration and philanthropy.

Heart and Stroke Foundation Vice-President Robyn Jones-Murrell thanked presenting sponsor Amar Doman, owner of the BC Lions, for their longstanding support of heart health.

Emily Carr University’s Joshua McVeity mugged with the CFL Grey Cup in attendance at the Heart and Stroke Gala celebrations. Vancouver will host the Grey Cup on November 17.

Community leader Lisa Hudson accompanied her friend, Canadian tennis great Grant Connell, to the fundraising dinner. The former number-one doubles player in the world had suffered a stroke at the age of 54.

Addressing the distinct risk factors women face, guest speaker Barb Hess’ personal story sparkplugged the night of giving. With heartfelt thanks, Hess was thanked by Dale Oughton, Vice-President of Philanthropy at Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Stroke survivor Ann Broomfield of the Squamish Nation joined stroke neurologist Dr. Lily Zhou for the evening of storytelling. This year’s event shined a spotlight on women’s heart and brain health and the inequity that women face.

BC Lions president Duane Vienneau escorted his wife Andrea attended the formal gala-do at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.