Phantom Creek Estates raises $250,000 at anniversary gala for music and wildfire relief
The Oliver winery's 10th anniversary event in Vancouver drew 500 guests and will support the Vancouver Academy of Music and United Way BC.
VANCOUVER — An Okanagan winery raised $250,000 at a gala in Vancouver for youth music education and wildfire relief and recovery in British Columbia.
Phantom Creek Estates, based in Oliver, held its 10th anniversary Legacy Gala at the Fairmont Pacific Rim on Sept. 20.
The event brought together around 500 guests from government, business, education, philanthropy, arts, media and community organizations.
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Funds were raised through corporate sponsorships, charitable auctions, special fundraising items and direct contributions from guests.
Following final financial reconciliation, net proceeds will support youth music education through the Vancouver Academy of Music and wildfire relief and community recovery through United Way British Columbia.
The wildfire fundraising component included the live auction of a full barrel of Phantom Creek Estates’ 2020 Becker Cuvée, representing approximately 300 bottles, followed by a Fund-a-Need appeal for communities affected by wildfires across B.C.
That initiative raised $44,500.
United Way British Columbia’s United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund was the designated charitable partner for the wildfire initiative.
The fund supports relief, recovery and longer-term rebuilding in communities affected by wildfires across the province.
The contribution adds to a broader wildfire response from British Columbia’s Chinese Canadian community.
In recent weeks, Chinese Canadian individuals, businesses, foundations and community organizations have collectively contributed nearly $100,000 toward B.C. wildfire relief and recovery efforts.
The gala also supported youth music education through the Vancouver Academy of Music.
Proceeds from auction items designated for youth music education will support Academy programs through the Bai Family Foundation.
Young musicians from the Vancouver Academy of Music performed during the reception.
Featured performers included Canadian pianist and conductor Ian Parker, violinist Domagoj Ivanovic, cellist and Vancouver Academy of Music President and CEO Joseph Elworthy, the Amati & Stradivari Players, and vocalists Peggy Dai, Shannon Chang and Andy Stokes.
A congratulatory message from Prime Minister Mark Carney was presented during the gala.
Guests included Senator Yuen Pau Woo; former Senator Victor Oh; B.C. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang; Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim; Prince George Mayor Simon Yu; MLA George Chow; Vancouver City Councillor Lenny Zhou; and Richmond City Councillor Alexa Loo.
Also attending were Vancouver Academy of Music President and CEO Joseph Elworthy, United Way British Columbia Chief Development Officer Sarah Bollozos, and representatives from BMO Private Wealth, the University of British Columbia, Tom Lee Music Canada, Baydo Development Corporation, CHMB AM1320 and other organizations.
The event concluded with a ceremonial cheque presentation involving Phantom Creek Estates founder Richter Bai, Elworthy, Bollozos and representatives of the gala.
Phantom Creek Estates is founded and owned by Chinese Canadian entrepreneur Richter Bai and his family.
The winery’s vineyards draw on a winegrowing history extending back nearly half a century, with Bai beginning the current chapter of the estate in 2016.
Organizers thanked sponsors, donors, charity ambassadors, artists, media partners, volunteers and community supporters for contributing to the event’s fundraising result.
With files from KelownaNow, Castanet and Cantech Letter