Since 1980, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has partnered with donors to provide the funds essential to ensure that their hospitals and health care teams can deliver BC’s best, most specialized care for adults. Since 1995, the Night of a Thousand Stars Gala has been a significant contributor to the funds raised annually with donor support helping power the transformation of healthcare!
The gala raises funds for VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services. Together, these hospitals deliver the “plus” for a healthy continuum of care known for excellence right across the health care spectrum – from patient care to research, rehabilitation and local community health services.
An event with over 900 guests was definitely not a small affair. The silent auction, dinner and live bidding auction was hosted by Chris Gailus, news anchor for Global BC, and all components contributed to a successful $3.3 million raised that will go towards a hybrid operating room at Vancouver General Hospital.
The gala began with a reception in the foyer of Ballroom BCD – a floor to ceiling space facing Jack Poole Plaza. The foyer was lined with exclusive silent auction items. In 2015, an electronic bidding platform was introduced which made bidding a breeze and fed a healthy competition among guests.
The reception set the tone for the evening. To offer guests a hint at the décor, the venues featured wood wall was lit with a purple gobo of bursting stars – which matched the client’s logo.
Upon entering the main ballroom dining space, guests gazed upon two significant main stages – both presenter stages each on opposite sides of the room – to ensure all guests felt as though they were VIP’s. Both stages were distinctly designed and, while cohesive in theme, still stood out from one another.
