More than 330 people gathered at the Fairmont Empress Hotel earlier this month to celebrate the festive season and help raise money to be used for cancer research in the New Year.
Terry Farmer was master of ceremonies for the Jingle Mingle evening, and the Crystal Ballroom was decorated with stupendous hanging snow-flakes. The holiday crowd was in a generous mood Dec. 12, raising $143,000 in ticket sales and at auction.
"All of that money will be used for research and will stay right here on the Island," said Laura Walsh, development director at the Island's B.C. Cancer Foundation. She also stressed:
"That's a cash total -- we don't inflate our numbers by including the value of in-kind goods or gifts."
A live auction led by Eric Charman raised more than $40,000.
"The event was a resounding success, and a special opportunity for families and foundation supporters to get together," Walsh said. "One in three British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so this is a cause which unites many -- and touches all of us."
