Party Spreads the Word for BC Hospitality Foundation

PARTY SPREADS THE WORD FOR THE BRITISH COLUMBIA HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION
(Directly from the press release.)


Vancouver, BC (March 2, 2007) ... The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation is pleased to announce that on March 1, 2007, more than 50 people in the media from throughout the lower mainland came together for a cocktail party with a difference. They gathered at beyond restaurant and lounge in Vancouver to hear from the newly-formed British Columbia Hospitality Foundation.

The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation was recently established to offer financial assistance to people who work in food, beverage and hospitality professions at a critical time of need. The foundation was inspired by the desire to financially assist much-loved long-time wine merchant Michael Willingham. In February 2005, Willingham suffered a major stroke, and in the time since has been working his way through rehabilitation, getting stronger each day. He now awaits a costly surgery to assist him in becoming once again self sufficient, by being able to breathe on his own. Willingham was the guest of honour at the reception.

Richard Carras, a wine agent with Authentic Wines and Spirits Merchants, is on the Foundation’s board of directors. He spoke to the crowd about Michael’s story, and explained the Foundation’s role.

“Inspired by Michael’s time of need,� he said. “An opportunity was seen by the members of the foodservice and hospitality trade to come together for a common cause.�

The plan to assist Michael brought to the fore a need to establish a trust fund that could be used to assist anyone within the foodservice, beverage and hospitality industry who requires support in a time of desperate need due to illness or accident.

The first fundraiser for the foundation is the British Columbia Hospitality Classic, a golf tournament and gala on April 30, 2007, hosted by University Golf Course. There are still foursome packages available for those wishing to participate. The golf package, at $1000 plus four bottle of wines per foursome, includes use of the driving range for warm up, a shared power cart, 18 holes of golf on the beautiful UGC golf course, on course activities, contests and refreshments, lunch, dinner (with wine), team and individual prizes and a souvenir photo of your golf swing. The emphasis is on fun! Following a great round of golf, participants will enjoy a reception and a five course plated dinner accompanied by a silent and live auction. The gala will be emceed by Vancouver host and actor, Terry David Mulligan, and is sure to be a great celebration. Limited tickets are available for only the gala dinner for only $75.00.

The fund will act as a safety net for the food, beverage and hospitality industry members in British Columbia including brewers, food suppliers, hoteliers (foodservice departments), media (in the related trade), publicists (in the related trade ), retailers, vintners and wine sales representatives. The criterion for exact eligibility is in development, and will be managed by the board of trustees for the foundation. On the founding board of trustees are Richard Carras, Jeannie Crane, Christine Coletta, Geoffrey Howes, and Harry McWatters.

For more information on the foundation, tickets to the golf tournament and gala, or how you can become involved, visit www.bchospitalityfoundation.com.