On July 30th – August 2, 2018, generous donors from across North America gathered on Vancouver Island to attend the David Foster Foundation’s Simply Spectacular Experience on Vancouver Island. The goal of the event was to raise one million dollars to support the increase in number of families requiring financial assistance during their child’s transplant journey. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we surpassed this goal and raised over two million dollars! The support provided to these families will be invaluable.
The GAIN Group has been a partner of the David Foster Foundation since 2015. Through this partnership, the GAIN Group has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the Foundation and a passion for our cause, families and children. It was this shared passion and commitment that blended the picturesque beauty of Vancouver Island, world-class entertainment, and exceptional hospitality to create an intimate fundraising event at the stunning Villa Eyrie Resort. “When great people come together, miracles happen!” declared David Foster.
Guests arrived at Villa Eyrie Resort, overlooking the breathtaking views of the Saanich Inlet, for a magical four days in the beauty of the wild west coast. Brian McKnight, Angelica Hale, Melissa Peterman, Pia Toscano, Sheléa Frazier, and Fernando Varela all joined 16-time Grammy Award Winner David Foster on stage to share in two very special performances.
It is heart-warming to see so many people come together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. “It would not be possible to do the work that we do without the tireless dedication of hundreds of volunteers who give their time to our Foundation because they recognize the importance of keeping children and their families together,” noted Michael Ravenhill, Chief Executive Officer.
Alongside the GAIN Group and Villa Eyrie Resort, several individuals and organizations went above and beyond to ensure the event was a dazzling success, including local tour companies, sponsorships from local vendors, and a special dinner at Government House hosted by The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
We were honoured to offer several unique and special auction packages to our guests, thanks to the generosity of our auction donors: Prestige Hotels & Resorts, for a Luxury West Coast Vacation at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort; Sylvester Chuang and Peter Trzewik, for a Luxury West Coast Vacation at Cowichan River Outdoor & Fishing Lodge; Magnus Lewin and Edith Carvalho of TradeWinds, for the TradeWinds Aqua Terra Experience on Mayreau Island; Margot Micallef, for a Retreat at Firlands Ranch, combined with Panorama Resort; George and Sherry Schluessel, for A Log Castle Culinary Retreat in Big White at the White Spirit Lodge; and David Knight for his donation of a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet.
Thank you to everyone who gave their time to make the event a success, allowing us to create more tomorrows for children, today.
