On Saturday, February 25, 2023, our Celebration of Care Gala – A Sweet Escape welcomed over 650 of Surrey’s business, community, medical, and philanthropic leaders at the Aria Banquet Hall. We are proud to say that our 6th annual gala raised over $2.4 million for children’s health in Surrey!
We could not have done it without the support of so many. A huge thank you once again to our Gala Committee, our SHF Board of Directors, Event Emcees Dr. Ratanshi and Sonia Sunger, the incredible Auctioneer Fred Lee, Dr. Strangelove Band, Grace and Laura, and of course, our Presenting Sponsors EllisDon and Berezan Group along with all of our other wonderful event sponsors. Lastly, thank you to everyone who attended the event!
A message from our President and CEO, Jane Adams:
“It’s so important to have children’s health care close to home. We’ve seen time and time again that community support is a vital catalyst for change, and Saturday night was no exception. We raised over $2.4 million to bring life-saving health care to our kids. With Surrey being the province’s youngest city, these funds are absolutely critical. I know our city will continue to rally together so Surrey can have the health care it deserves.”
Photos from the Event
We are excited to present this year’s theme, A Sweet Escape. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into the French Court and the Royal Garden, our two reception areas, where guests can enjoy a cocktail and some appetizers.
The night will include a variety of entertainment – live music, stunning performances, and walking human art; as well as a delicious dinner that celebrates the diversity of cultures that call Surrey their home. Bringing a never-before-seen theme to the Lower Mainland, A Sweet Escape is a fanciful and magical event guaranteed to surprise and indulge your senses!
For a sneak preview, check out the event schedule for the evening.
Sonia Sunger
Introducing our event co-emcee, Sonia Sunger! Sonia Sunger is the co-anchor of Global News Morning and has 15 years of experience as a broadcast journalist. Sonia joined Global BC in 2013 and was part of the diligent team that brought BC1 — the province’s first 24-hour news channel — to the airwaves.
Dr. Imran Ratanshi
Introducing our event co-emcee, Dr. Imran Ratanshi! Dr. Ratanshi is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and the Lead Reconstructive Craniofacial Surgeon and Microsurgeon for the Fraser Health Authority. He has traveled extensively to work with world leaders in micro and super-microsurgery in the US, South Korea and Japan, and brings this global exposure to his practice.
Fred Lee
Fred Lee‘s fabulous sense of humour and unique style makes him our ‘Man About Town.’ The Social Butterfly steps out and shares with audiences all of Vanhattan’s A-list happenings, red carpet parties, must-attend galas and fabulous fundraisers. Fred is a regular contributor for the Province Newspaper and Boulevard Magazine. Fred has contributed for the CBC, BBC, National Post, Vancouver Magazine and BC Business. Fred, along with fellow CBC colleague Margaret Gallagher, hosted the national CBC Radio One food show Flavour of the Week.
Dr. Strangelove
Dr. Strangelove is a highly entertaining, multi-faceted, six-piece dance band with five talented lead vocalists, who can cover everything from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, and from AC/DC to Shania Twain. One of the few bands in the country who can confidently take requests all night long, while keeping the dance floor packed, people engaged…and all with a sense of humour and fun!
We look forward to seeing Dr. Strangelove take the stage at our gala after-party!
