Vancouver, BC, January 15, 2015 – Guests gathered today to get a taste of what they can expect on February 21, 2015, during the inaugural De Beers Time to Shine Gala, benefitting VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. A kick-off celebration was held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, where guests and sponsors learned more about the Foundation’s goal to raise $1 million towards a much needed CT scanner in the Emergency Department at VGH.

The event represents the Foundation’s first Asia Pacific community event and will carry the theme of East meets West, including a special menu created by three renowned chefs.

“We know the important role VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation plays in BC’s health care. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Gala and to partner with the Foundation to make a difference in specialized adult health care for this province,” says Aya Primbetova, Vice President of De Beers Jewellery.

In addition to serving as title sponsor, De Beers has designed a special piece that will be the only one in the world as a priceless auction item for the event. “We hope it will raise as much money for this great cause as possible,” Primbetova adds.

“The Foundation’s goal for the Gala is to create an opportunity for Vancouver’s philanthropists and businesses, especially new Canadians, to get involved with the Foundation and support the specialized care provided through our hospitals and health centres,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

The Time to Shine Gala will draw together 400 guests, many of whom have roots in Asia Pacific countries, and will feature a live auction, special entertainment, and an extraordinary culinary experience featuring Chef Bruno Tison from Sante Restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn (California) and Chef Mickael Le Calvez from Raffles Singapore who will be joining Chef Atticus Garant, Executive Sous Chef of Fairmont Pacific Rim, to create a unique East meets West dinner, paired with wine.

The Gala Committee, led by Cecilia Tse, Senior Vice President-Asia Pacific, Colliers International, recognizes the many donors and sponsors who have made this event possible, some of which include: Alligga, the exclusive Banquet Sponsor of the gala; Colliers International, the Champagne Reception Sponsor; and the leadership of Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel; as well as philanthropists, Ian Gillespie of Westbank Projects, Ben Yeung of Peterson Group, Mr. David and Mrs. Alice Chung, and Mr. Jason and Mrs. Emily Ko. Additionally, the committee thanks Rolls Royce Motor Cars Vancouver, Sau San Tong Slimming and Beauty, Scotiabank of Canada, KPMG, RBC, Kingmark Currency Exchange, BMO, Showcase Piano and DCD Design.

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Media Contact
Pam Whitworth
Director, Marketing & Communications
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
604.875.5196