The Roof at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
$330,000 raised to support arthritis research
More than 250 guests attended the ARThritis Soirée 2018 on May 17 at the Roof at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Presented by City Square Shopping Centre, the event raised over $330,000 to support life-saving arthritis research. Featured guests included JUNO award-winning Canadian musician Colin James giving an unforgettable performance, RBC Olympian and snowboarder Spencer O’Brien, and keynote speaker 16-year-old Elisa Boisvert who shared her story of being diagnosed with arthritis at the age of four.
The evening began with a champagne reception supplied by Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and gourmet hors d’oeuvres from its restaurant, Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek. There were also delectable oysters compliments of Coast and caviar from Northern Divine . A silent and live auction topped off the evening with CBC’s man about town Fred Lee as auctioneer.
The ARThritis Soirée brings together the Vancouver’s business and community leaders, philanthropists, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals and all those who sfhare an appreciation of art and a desire to support arthritis research.
In its more than 100 forms, arthritis affects over 5.6 million Canadians including more than 700,000 British Columbians and is both the most costly chronic disease and the leading cause of workplace disability.
Shauneen Kellner, Arthritis Research Canada executive director; Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada scientific director; and Jocelyn Cruickshank, Arthritis Research Canada board chair
Kim D’Eith, Fortius Sport & Health integrated services manager; Spencer O’Brien, RBC Olympian and snowboarder; and Bob D’Eith, MLA Maple Ridge/Mission
The Honourable Linda Reid, MLA Richmond South Centre; and Sheldon Friesen, aerospace specialist
Emcee Fred Lee, CBC’s man about town; Naz Panahi, ARThritis Soirée chair; and emcee Sonia Deol, Global BC anchor
Mary De Vera, ARC research scientist; Amanda Girling, ARC board member; and Don Elkington, board vice-chair
Albert Chee, Coast Restaurant operations manager; Oscar Galdamez, bar manager; and Frenchie, maître d’
16-year-old speaker Elise Boisvert and her mother, Louise Boisvert, Angel Award producer
Speaker Elise Boisvert
Colin James performs for guests
Colin James performs for guests
Colin James performs for guests
Catherine Backman, occupational science and occupational therapy professor, UBC, and ARC senior scientist; and Wayne Parker, retired
Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada scientific director
John Fuller, Gold Key Auto Group VP; and Bryan McCready, Trudell Medical Marketing Ltd. manager
Chris Kostyal, Dead Famous owner; and Carita Kostyal
Paul Lee, investment advisor; and Linda Li, ARC scientist
Patti Nakatsu, ARC director of development; and Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada scientific director
ARThritis Soirée volunteers Claire Skolos and Barbara LaRoche
ARThritis Soirée 2018