Our Record Breaking Luminary Award Soirée

First things first – THANK YOU.

We had the most incredible time celebrating Mentorship and all the amazing people contributing to bettering the lives of our Littles, Bigs, and our communities all over the Lower Mainland. Here’s a little recap of how the night went: 

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was alight with our big-hearted community. Guests had the opportunity to network with over 470 guests, including individuals from: the Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation, Windsor Plywood Foundation, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., HNW Services, John and Dana Montalbano’s First Light Foundation, and so many more!                                    

   

A champagne reception, generously sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, welcomed guests with an invitation to peruse the selection of unique silent auction items. There was a heart-felt performance by The Mayday Club Youth Choir for Neurodiversity—a professional choir consisting of youth impacted by autism. They performed a cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” and help set the inspiring tone as we began our night in the BC Ballroom.

   

Our Big and Little Sister video this year featured three pairs of Big & Little Sisters showcasing the value that these relationships have and how impactful they’ve been to not only the pairs themselves, but the communities they live in. Then – Dinner was served! A stunning three-course dinner prepared by the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver chefs, accompanied with wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle Wines provided through the US Consulate Wine Program.

   

Then it was time for the Big Award! Our second-annual Luminary Award was presented to Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia, Founders of the Pacific Autism Family Network, for their generosity and involvement that is changing lives in our community. Guests enjoyed a fireside chat and Q&A with Sergio and Wendy led by Janet Austin, CEO of the YWCA. We have a special place in our hearts for Janet as she was the Executive Director for Big Sisters 15 years ago and is currently a member of our Honourary Advisory Board.

   

Our Little Sister, Marley, who also works at Big Sisters, eloquently shared the impact her Big Sister has had in her life. She brought attention to the number of girls on our waitlist and the challenges they are currently facing. 

The Sponsor-a-Match pledge campaign held at the Soiree raised an outstanding $275,000. While an exclusive raffle with two Air Canada Flights and a Lugaro pearl necklace, raised $14,300.

   

Once our Sponsor-a-Match campaign wrapped up, guests were invited to unwind and socialize in our Bourbon Lounge, kindly sponsored by UniTrust. Back by popular demand the Famous Players Band, sponsored by BlueShore Financial, started up the dance party, and the dance floor was packed!

 

A grand total of $550,000+ was raised at the 2017 Big Sisters Luminary Award Soirée for our mentoring programs. Breaking all the records previously held! These funds will help us make and support new mentoring matches for one full year and give at-risk girls the positive female role models they need to reach their full potential and we can’t thank everyone who contributed enough!