It was a night of food, drinks, and extraordinary philanthropy as the 12th Annual Scotiabank Passions – a benefit for the Dr. Peter Centre – raised more than $140,000 yesterday, Sunday, September 13, 2015, bringing the cumulative total to $1.24 million since its inception 12 years ago. During the evening, about 300 partygoers had the chance to taste cuisine and cocktails from 26 top chefs and restaurants.
“To see such a incredible group of culinary professionals, sponsors, and volunteers dedicating their time to making this event a success is a testament to Dr. Peter and his legacy,” said Nathan Fong, Passions founder and committee co-chair with Michael Barker-Fyfe. “Thank you to all those who attended as their generosity has to be applauded.”
The event featured returning chefs and pastry chefs from Beaucoup Bakery, Bella Gelateria, Boulevard, Chambar, Cibo, CinCin, Coast, Forage, Hawksworth, Joe Fortes, Minami, The Observatory, Provence, Savoury Chef, Tojo’s, Urban Fare and West. New chefs participated this year from Beach Bay Café, Chez Christophe, Nextjen, Notch8, RawBar, Secret Location, Torafuku and VCC. The Sparkling Reception was hosted by Chef Lisa Ahier from Tofino’s SoBo Restaurant.
Vancouver Magazine’s 2015 Bartender of the Year and Diageo World Class Canada’s 2015 Canadian Bartender of the Year, Lauren Mote, mixed and poured cocktails alongside West Restaurant’s Sabrine Dhaliwal. Guests also enjoyed beer from R&B Brewing Co., and a selection of wine from New Zealand Winegrowers.
Global TV’s Sophie Lui and ‘Man about Town’ Fred Lee from CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition, Vancouver Courier and the Province Newspaper served as indomitable emcees and auctioneer. Passions will return in September of 2016. For more information, please visit www.drpeter.org.
About the Dr. Peter Centre
The Dr. Peter Centre is a leader in compassionate HIV care for persons living with significant health and social disparities in our community.
About Passions
The history of Passions traces back to 2002, to a small charity cooking class at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks. A year later, in 2004, the event was moved to the Dr. Peter Centre and entitled “Passions.” Organized by Vancouver Food Media Personality, Nathan Fong, the inaugural event featured nine chefs, 100 attendees and raised $7000. Under Nathan’s continued stewardship, Scotiabank Passions has since tripled in size and has become one of Vancouver’s most popular food and wine events, raising much-needed funds for the Dr. Peter Centre.
