Three years after the Government House Foundation revived the annual balls that were a regular occurrence until the early 1980s, another gala is on the horizon.
Although this year’s black-tie fundraiser on Nov. 5 at the lieutenant-governor’s official residence, 1401 Rockland Ave., will differ somewhat from traditional balls, its host and chairman, Eric Charman, says it will have one big thing in common.
“This is the social event of the year,” said the philanthropist, who still has 50 tickets left for the gala, which includes dining, dancing and music by Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums, and the Midnights.
“We’d like to hear from people who’ve never had a chance to go to a ball at Government House,” Charman said, emphasizing that the $300-a-ticket charity ball being held to raise funds for past and present lieutenant-governors’ programs is more accessible than many might think. “It’s not a stuffy formal thing where everyone’s stuck at a table. It’s a mix-and-mingle thing — a sumptuous party with wonderful food, wines and liquor.”
Gala-goers who support Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon’s programs — focusing on land stewardship, leadership, music, the arts and literacy — will follow in the footsteps of recent guests of Government House Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. Attendees will pay what Charman terms a “ridiculously low price,” considering a tax receipt for $150 will be issued in addition to food, wine and entertainment.
“The literacy programs have to be supported, and it is not the taxpayers’ job to do it,” said Charman, referring to Write to Read, the legacy project that previous lieutenant-governor Steven Point developed with Rotary.
Through the project, Rotary clubs throughout B.C. partner with remote communities to build libraries that the lieutenant-governor officially opens, along with other amenities.
Guichon, a Nicola Valley rancher whose priority programs are based on respect, positive relationships and the responsibility every person has for the future, will also likely share her passion for sustainable farming.
While Charman, 84, has repeatedly attempted to retire from hosting community fundraisers in recent years, “they keep asking me to come back,” he said, adding that he just can’t say no to such worthy causes.
“I’ve done 545 of these [local charity events] since 1955, and I don’t think I need to bore the crowd anymore,” said the veteran auctioneer, who hopes to raise $200,000, this time with the help of Givergy.
The interactive silent-auction and pledging technology allows guests to bid electronically, with screens in the ballroom, drawing room and other areas highlighting the auction progress in real time.
In a departure from tradition, auction items will appear online this year during a fundraising campaign that launches Saturday. To bid or purchase tickets, visit bcgovhousefoundation.ca.
“It’s great fun and very exciting,” Charman said of the live auction. “It saves me from having to run around on the night signing pieces of paper.”
One of the most coveted auction items is a Robert Bateman painting that the celebrated Salt Spring Island-based artist created especially for the gala.
“The people connected to this foundation are the ones who do the real work,” Bateman said. “All I have to do is a painting, and I really like doing paintings. If I can do something good with one, that’s a bonus.”
The painting, which was a work-in-progress at press time, features Canada geese, which he describes as being not just “fun to paint,” but particularly handsome creatures.
“They are a bird with a certain amount of nobility and dignity, and they have lived pretty well everywhere that I’ve lived. They, in a sense, symbolize Canada.”
Charman said he was astonished by how many deluxe items will be auctioned off, including paintings by Kathryn Amisson, Elka Nowicka and Alan Hopper.
Luxurious getaways on auction include a Sonora Resort package with travel by helicopter or seaplane; and excursions to Wickaninnish Inn, Stoney Lake Lodge, Whistler and Silver Star Mountain Resort.
“Someone can even buy a snooker party in Government House itself,” said Charman, noting the uniqueness of such auction items sets the Government House ball apart.
Another offbeat item is an Inside B.C. Politics Media Lunch donated and co-hosted by former Royal B.C. Museum CEO Pauline Rafferty (the baker) and retired political pundit and deputy minister Bob Plecas (the cook).
At what is described as “a political junkie’s feast for the mind and the palate,” the successful bidder on the seven-course lunch for 15 will be joined by commentators Vaughn Palmer, Keith Baldrey, Justine Hunter and Norman Spector.
Or how about dinner for six with Guichon in the Rattenbury Dining Room in the lieutenant-governor’s private suite at Government House?
If that isn’t in the cards, you could bid on a journey by L.A. Limousines to Deep Cove Chalet, where you and your guests will be treated to an unforgettable dinner prepared by chef Pierre Koffel.
Other hot items include a private dinner with wine pairings for eight at Bear Mountain Resort; one dinner per month for a year at select Victoria restaurants; and a “cultural lunch” with Jack Lohman, CEO of the Royal B.C. Museum.
Government House Foundation was created in 1988 to fund the legacy programs of lieutenant-governors past and present, and to showcase Government House’s historical and cultural values.
Foundation initiatives to date include revitalization of the gardens, rehabilitation of the Cary Castle Mews, the stained-glass Rogers, Millennium and heraldic windows and the Sir James Douglas statue.