Close to 500 people enjoyed a Picnic on the Pier on White Rock鈥檚 waterfront landmark Thursday evening (Aug. 10) in another fundraiser for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
Dozens of tables lined the far end of the pier for guests who paid $225 each for food served by Blank Canvas Catering, live music by a two-man band, a flute of Gray Monk sparkling wine upon entry and sunset views at the end.
鈥淲e have 472 people here, and we鈥檙e sold out tonight,鈥� said Vicki Brydon, public relations director for the hospital foundation.
鈥淲e started holding this event in 2016 when Landmark (Premiere Properties) approached us to partner in it,鈥� she added. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had as many as 600 (guests) but the city really prefers that we keep the smaller number, to allow the public to access at least half of the pier.鈥�
Raffle tickets were sold for a 50/50 draw and prizes including hotel stays, dinners, a helicopter trip, wine tasting and music gear.
At night鈥檚 end, the alfresco event raised $140,500 for the hospital foundation, bringing the seven-year grand total to nearly $440,500.
Nice to see 95-year-old Bob Hall of Langley win $2,500 in the 50/50 draw at Picnic on the Pier then promptly donate back most of the $$$ to Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. Total raised at event tonight was $140,500.
鈥� Tom Zillich (@TomZillich)
Great to share Picnic on the Pier with executive members (and significant others, not pictured).
鈥� Tom Zillich (@TomZillich)
鈥淭his is one of our largest fundraisers of the year, in addition to our largest, the gala held in May,鈥� Brydon explained. 鈥淭his is different, much more casual, summertime, sunsets, a fantastic location on the pier. We thank the City of White Rock so much for allowing us to use it. It鈥檚 a really unique summer experience.鈥�
Fred Lee the master emcee of tonight鈥檚 Picnic on the Pier in , a benefit for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
鈥� Tom Zillich (@TomZillich)
New this summer is Charcuterie on the Pier, a Sept. 2 event that will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest charcuterie board, with a goal of 1,200 ticketholders. The Sheila鈥檚 Catering-hosted gathering will raise money for Sources Food Banks, Friends of the Pier and Semiahmoo Rotary Club.
鈥淥ur event is different than theirs,鈥� Brydon said. 鈥淭his is more of a sit-down, cocktail party dinner, and theirs is going for the Guinness world record, which is amazing. We wish them well with their event.鈥�
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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