BC Business
Diabetes Canada's Midsummer's Eve Gala raises over $111,000 toward awareness of the fight against diabetes
The Polygon Gallery on the North Vancouver waterfront
More than 200 people attended the Diabetes Canada Midsummer’s Eve gala on June 20. Held at the new Polygon Gallery on North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay and presented by the Sandman Hotel Group, the event raised over $111,000 for diabetes research.
Celebrating summer solstice overlooking the lights of the city with emcee and CTV Vancouver reporter Sonia Beeksma, guests enjoyed a silent and live auction by Howard Blanks, entertainment by the Max Zipursky Band and a program recognizing the diabetes research breakthroughs. Gala chair was Cheryl MacKinnon, CtoC Production executive producer.
Diabetes Canada leads the fight against diabetes by helping those affected by the disease live healthy lives, preventing the onset and consequences of diabetes, and discovering a cure. Diabetes Canada is the national voice for millions of Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Sunita Geevarughese, Sandman Hotels senior marketing co-ordinator; and Kayla Hepworth, Sandman Hotels media and marketing manager
From Naz Pharmacy: Shawn Sharma, marketing manager; Nafisa Merali, owner; and Mabel Yan, GM
Andrew Stonkus, Teck SVP marketing and logistics; and his wife, Nancy Stonkus
Mary Ann Azzarello, Daibetes Canada head of fundraising from Toronto; and Cheryl MacKinnon, Diabetes Canada Gala chair and CtoC Production executive producer
Tara Davis, Nordstrom personal stylist; and Tyman Stewart, Characters Talent Agency president
The Diabetes Canada Midsummer’s Eve gala at the Polygon Gallery on theNorth Vancouver waterfront
Wynn Kenny, Horizon North chef; Cathy Kolmansberger, FedEx Express Canada managing director; and Shane Kolmansberger, actor
Rusty Goepel, Raymond James Ltd. SVP; Deanna Turton, A.E. (Ted) and Deanna M. Turton Charitable Foundation co-founder; and Lindy Goepel
Mario Miceli, Diabetes Canada advocacy chair (third from right) with his friends and family
Robin Chen, Chaton Enterprise president; his wife, Anita Chen; Ping Lau, physician; his wife, Jeannine; and Qi Wan
Ping Lau, physician; his wife, Jeannine; Qi Wan; and Peter Chung, physician
The Young and Type 1 Group: Ramya Hosak, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada manager of corporate and individual engagement; Kristen Eng, UBC OMD 2021 student; Duke Grimbeek, business student; and Mark Antczak, RCC Canada regional clinical counsellor
Jan Fishman, Fishman Lawyers principal; Carol Konkin, provincial crown counsellor; Judi Angel, retired; and Colin Mallet, Diabetes Canada long time volunteer
Micheala Eaton-Kent, Diabetes Canada development co-ordinator; Alex Thompson, Wardrobe Apparel owner; and Sonia Beeksma, CTV Vancouver
Heather Denroche, diabetes research BC Children’s Hospital post-doctoral fellow; and Søs Skovsø, UBC post-doctoral
The Diabetes Canada Midsummer’s Eve gala at the Polygon Gallery on the North Vancouver waterfront
Sara Turcotte, volunteer; Sam Bissonnette, Diabetes Canada co-ordinator; Micheala Eaton-Kent, Diabetes Canada development co-ordinator; and Shelia Kern, Diabetes Canada regional director BC/Yukon
Auctioneer Howard Blank, Victory Square Technologies board member and strategic adviser
Tariq Hudda, Nespresso territory manager, provided free Nespresso to guests
Delicious food was provided by Truffles Fine Foods
Krista Constantineau, Diabetes Canada manager community engagement; and Fiona Kern, volunteer