Vancouver’s well-heeled will wine and dine to support B.C.’s four-legged friends in the SPCA’s first-ever gala celebration.
Offleashed: A Whole New Breed of Gala is being billed as a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that goes beyond the traditional cocktail party or sit-down dinner to provide guests with a unique experiential evening.
Moving room-to-room, diners are treated to an amazing array of entertainment and delicious, ethically-sourced fare from the city’s finest chefs.
Longtime animal lover and event chair Kristina Matisic — host of Anna & Kirstina’s Shopping Bags — says the gala is inspired by the love we feel for our dogs.
“Think the welcome you receive when you come home; the way dogs love to play; the excitement around mealtime; and the always important nap session when it’s time to re-coop,” she tells Vancity Buzz.
Foodies will delight in ethically-sourced creations from the city’s top chefs, including Maenam owner Angus An, Top Chef Canada contestant and Bambudda chef Curtis Luk, Hunter Moyes, head chef at The Parker, Hamid Salimian, co-founder of NextJen, Thompson Tran, formerly of Bishops, and Paul Haldane, head chef at Trafalgar Bistro.
Guests will enjoy sustainable treats from Maenam owner Angus An (Photo: Maenam)
For the event, the animal welfare agency only approached chefs and restaurants that believe in sourcing food – especially meats – that are ethically raised. It’s a value that’s central to its SPCA Certified food program, which will be highlighted throughout the evening.
Chef Angus An of Maenam will be serving up sustainable fare (Photo: Hamid Attie)
Matisic, who is the Canadian spokesperson for the SPCA’s National Cupcake Day, says it wasn’t hard to get culinary heavy-hitters on board.
“Many of these chefs are already supporters of the BC SPCA,” she said. “Animal lovers are a special ‘breed’ if you’ll pardon the pun. They are always very eager to help.”
Live performances include the Aeroisa dance society, recording artist and former Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba, and Grammy-award winning musician Chin Injeti.
Animal lover Mary Zilba, seen here with her dog George, will perform
There will also be a silent and live auction with prizes including a trip for two to the acclaimed Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and a custom portrait of your furry friend from Athena Bax (who has painted former President Bill Clinton’s dog).
Tickets are $200 and all proceeds fund the critical animal welfare work of the BC SPCA.
The event is slated for November 1 at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call Theresa Blancaflor at 778-968-4657.
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