PHOTOS: Arts Umbrella Splash Art Auction and Music Heals Strike a Chord Gala

Splash Art Auction & Gala – October 21, 2023

Arts Umbrella’s marquee art auction and gala sets a new standard generating $1.8 million. Philanthropists Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa add another $2 million to the organization’s endowment.

Community champions Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro Wright once again co-chaired the Nicola Wealth-presented event. In the past seven years, under their leadership, $7 million has been generated for the arts organization for youngsters.

Artist Hank Bull auctioned 31 works in the live auction that included a beautiful painting by Bobbie Burgers.

Foundation chair David Sung, his wife Tassan and Arts Umbrella president and CEO Paul Larocque, who announced a gift of $2 million from Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa to ensure the vibrancy of Canada’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to youth arts education.

Held at the Hotel Vancouver, Arts Umbrella co-founder Carol Henriquez and her husband Richard were present for the 41st edition—the biggest Splash event to date.

Community leaders Claire and John Nicola were among the many generous guests who contributed more than $375,000 to the Arts Umbrella bursary to ensure more underserved kids have access to arts education.

Supermodels Heather Marks and Hannah Donkers paraded Holt Renfrew fashions at the after-party.

Trevor Linden and his wife Cristina were among attendees and artists who helped generate a whopping $1.8 million for Arts Umbrella.

Accompanied by her partner ZLC’s Garry Zlotnik, contemporary artist Jolinda Linden saw her porcelain panel sell for four times its value.

The sold-out soirée drew many arts leaders and patrons including Indian Summer Festival co-founders Laura Byspalko and Sirish Rao.

Arts Umbrella chair Tom Ferries and his wife Lisa Pankratz. The organization reaches approximately 20,000 young people every year, with nearly 75 percent participating in programs at no cost.

Arts Umbrella students Clara, 10 and Lillian, 12 sketched while others sang and danced at the annual fundraising event presented by Nicola Wealth.

Strike A Chord – October 19, 2023

Juno award-winners the Arkells headlined Music Heals’ latest Strike a Chord charity fundraiser at the Commodore Ballroom. Hundreds gathered to celebrate the healing power of music.

Music Heals founders David Barnett and Sara Ferguson netted $350,000 from their latest Strike a Chord fundraiser. Since its inception 12 years ago, nearly $4 million has been raised for music therapy programs.

Vancouver-based rapper Prevail joined a sold-out crowd for the 12th staging of the charitable foundation’s marquee fundraiser at the Commodore Ballroom.

Canadian media personality and Apple Music host George Stroumboulopoulos emceed the annual evening of live music and fundraising.

Beatbox champs Vino Cuenca and Jonathan Calvez got the party started.

Rapper Kardinal Offishall (centre) along with Solitair (left) and Mastermind (right) celebrated 50 years of Canadian hip hop, performing some of their greatest hits.

The Arkells, six-time Juno-Award winners for Group of the Year, capped off the evening of special performances.

Arkells frontman Michael Kerman jammed with Paul Meehan of Meehan Family Investments, a major sponsor and benefactor of this year’s fundraiser. Other boosters included Dayhu, RBC and Vancouver magazine.

Vancouver musician Dayton Cahill, 19—backstage with Music Heals gala producer Rob Calder—before performing a moving rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now to a sold-out crowd, fulfilling a childhood dream.

Bocci’s Anna Schmidt and Guava Apparel’s Ashley Jeans joined fellow music lovers to raise money for Music Heals and support music therapy programs across Canada.

Chef Lucas Syme of Autostrada Hospitality offered an at-home catered Italian dinner which fetched $15,000 in the live auction. A Jonas Brothers and U2 Vegas package fetched $10,000 and $42,000, respectively.

Nine Point Agency PR team Tiffany Soper, Kaya Arai, Kerry Hittinger and Malania Dela Cruz partied with music fans while advocating for music therapy services.

William Wong, associate director at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, with Jacey Saulog. BC Children’s Hospital receives funding from Music Heals to support music therapy programs for patients.