by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)

Daffodil Ball co-chairs Jennifer Traub, Meghan Brown and Jill Arias.

THE DAFFODIL BALL

What a splendid evening it was as the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) presented “Flourish,” their 27th annual Daffodil Ball at the Hotel Vancouver. The fundraiser — which raised an amazing $3 million dollars plus — will benefit those suffering from brain cancer right across the country. The ball attracted more than 600 of Vancouver’s business leaders and philanthropists in formal black tuxedos and glittering gowns.

Working hard to reach their goal were the ball’s three co-chairs, Jennifer Traub, Meghan Brown and Jill Arias in gorgeous sleek black, while TV’s Fiona Forbes emceed, welcoming the evening’s guests in a spring floral gown.

Jeweller Simon Yaghdjian caught everyone’s eye as he displayed the glittering one-and-a-half carat diamond ring that Fred Lee was auctioning off. It was exquisite! Simon’s artistry showed just how talented he is. He’s the owner and lead designer of Astranova on Seymour…

Lovely to see former premier Gordon Campbell at the gala-gala-do. He looks in great shape, lives in Victoria and loves his home there. He isn’t sure what he wants to do but he is having fun.

As were Andrea Seale, the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, and CCS Board Chair Shachi Kurl. Shachi is the head of the Angus Reid Institute, and the research she oversees reveals startling truths about how our own values, beliefs and priorities shape the future of our country.

Her fitted scarlet gown was perfect.

Also very happy to see the distinguished realtor, lawyer, world traveller and author of the best seller, Laundering The Dragon, John D’eathe and his lovely wife Lane, who looked stunning in her slim, elegant black sheer. An extra treat for the attendees was the wonderful music of the talented Jim Cuddy, who deserved the outpouring of love and affection …

Legendary Vancouver broadcaster Red Robinson.

REMEMBERING RED ROBINSON

On Sunday April 16, an enormous gathering of invited guests filled the Commodore for a tribute to the late Red Robinson. Over 300 guests came out to the ballroom — the late Drew Burns’ pride and joy — despite traffic delays heading into downtown Vancouver following the Sun Run.

Emcee was Al Murdoch, who broke into radio as a shy fifteen-year-old with Red’s help and guidance.

The Hon. Wally Oppal was the first speaker on stage, followed by old friends Terry David Mulligan, Larry Hennessy, Michael Sicoly and a very emotional Bruce Allen. Jim Byrnes spoke via video, as did Red’s old pal Wink Martindale.

Red’s daughter Kelly wrapped things up with a sincere thank you to everyone on behalf of the family.

Spotted in the crowd were Ron Toigo, Michael Buble and his dad, Lewis, Vicky Gabereau, Tamara Taggart with musician husband Dave Genn, Global’s Colleen Christie, Greg (Dr. Sport) Douglas and wife Dee, Katyann Davidson, Bruce Allen’s partner Dale Walters, John McKeachie, Jeff Palmer, Tom Jeffries and Julie Brown, David Pratt, Phil Legree, Joe Leary, Jim Gordon and Darren Parkman of The Travel Guys.

Also on hand was Diana Tchakalian, the late Jim Hault’s partner of 54 years. Jim passed away on February 3 and a Celebration of Life was held last week to honour him at the University Golf Club …

Joy and Bill Metcalfe on their 70th wedding anniversary.

A THANK-YOU TO MY READERS & FRIENDS

I would like to thank everyone who sent sympathy cards, notes, flowers, emails and letters following the death of my beloved husband, Bill.

Bill, who was 94, died peacefully at home in my arms of congestive heart failure a month ago. He had been with the Vancouver Fire Department for more than 30 years, retiring in 1981.

I met the man of my dreams when my family moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver to Boundary Bay. I was 14 years old. We were married when I was 18 in the quaint Catholic Church in Ladner, had the kids, grandkids, and seven great-grandkids, and we were never apart.

After 70 plus years of marriage, how could I be sad?

My thanks and peaceful blessings on you all…

Cheers!