Major love for mentorship at the 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée

The 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée marks our most successful fundraiser to date,
and raised over $660,000 for at-risk girls in our community.

On Friday, November 2, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland gathered with 535 of our community supporters to celebrate the power of mentorship at the 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée. Since then, we have been reveling (and pinching ourselves, too) over the results of our most successful fundraiser to date.

The evening was presented by the Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation and held in a historic ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. It kicked off with a captivating rendition of Hallelujah performed by Rosemary Siemens, followed by a speech from longtime supporter and honourary patron, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Our delightful emcees and committee co-chairs, Carol Robinson and Julia Hibbard, presented this year’s Luminary Award to Andrea Thomas Hill of Cause We Care Foundation, who was recognized for her dedication to supporting single mothers and their children in our community. Guests had the pleasure of hearing from Andrea firsthand during her fireside chat hosted by her close friend, Trevor Linden.

Learn more about Andrea’s incredible accomplishments here:

Each year, Big Sisters illustrates the profound relationship that can develop between a Big and Little. At this year’s Soirée, Big Sisters presented the story about Little Sister, Elissa, and her Big Sister, Tracey. It’s a story that is still being written 19 years after it began. Guests were moved to tears when Elissa shared with them her experience as a Little who, at just 11 years old, lost her mother to a drinking and driving accident.

“Every young girl needs a Tracey,” she told us.

Learn more about Elissa and Tracey’s touching story here:

And the room of 535 supporters agreed. Led by Howard Blank, everyone came together to make sure that every at-risk girl who needs a mentor has a mentor, and raised over $290,000 in 10 minutes.

Guests then danced the night away thanks to the wonderful music provided by Sideone.

The 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée marks our most successful fundraiser to date, and raised over $660,000 for Little Sisters in need in our community. We are deeply moved and incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters. Thank you, to each and every one of you.

Big Sisters is so appreciative of the Soirée committee members and all volunteers for putting on such an incredible evening that was enjoyed by all. Thank you to you all!

   

Big Sisters would like to thank the Luminary Award Soirée Sponsors: Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation; Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.; John and Dana Montalbano First Light Foundation; Aritzia; Chopard; Windsor Plywood Foundation; BlueShore Financial; Norton Rose Fulbright; Scorpion Technologies; HNW Services; Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management; Teck Resources Limited; TD; Cassels Brock Lawyers; The Conconi Foundation; Credential Wealth; Primex Investments Ltd; Business In Vancouver; Global BC; CKNW; Vancouver Courier; Cathay Pacific Airways; Art of the Party; Donnelley Financial Solutions; Eclipse Awards; Fairmont Hotel Vancouver; Flow Smart Living + Interiors; Inhale Floral Design; Media Button; PSAV; U.S. Consulate General Vancouver; Petite Photography; Photography by Gunner; Skoah Lower Lonsdale; Skoah Park Royal; Soirette; Stanley Park Ecology Society.

  

Click here for the Luminary Award Soirée photo gallery. (And check back often as photos are still rolling in!)