Rogers Arena was packed with stars Saturday night when the David Foster Foundation hosted its 30th Anniversary Miracle Gala & live Concert.
Over the past three decades, Foster, a Victoria and Grammy native music producer, used the annual gala to raise funds to support non-medical expenses of more than 1,100 families whose children are undergoing pediatric organ transplants, covering costs such as food , rental payments and flights.
The live concert has attracted entertainers, athletes and philanthropists from all over North America, including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Tyler, Goldie Hawn, Dr. Phil McGraw and Jay Leno.
Carly Rae Jepsen’s performance, which she said would include her hit “Call Me Maybe,” comes just months before she heads on tour with pop star Katy Perry. “I’m very proud to be supporting such an incredible event and on top of that I’m in my home town so all my family and friends are here as well,” she said.
Jepsen admitted she was also star-struck by the gala’s impressive lineup. “I’m just going to spend all night hunting for Oprah,” she said.
Source: Canadian Press
Foundation CEO Michael Ravenhill said the gala was a celebration of 30 years of passion and volunteer engagement, board members, and all those who contributed along the way.
He recognized how some great names helped to grow the event. “Raising money is not easy and creating awareness is not easy, so with David, we’re pretty blessed because was a have a voice that can actually help,” he said.
Vancouver’s Canucks president, Trevor Linden, was delighted to have the Rogers Arena team’s ice event.
David Foster is a “local hero” for his work to support families in need
Linden called Foster a “local hero” for his work to support families in need time and spoke of the importance of becoming a donor of registered organs to save lives. “I don’t know if there’s any greater gift (than) the opportunity to donate an organ,” he said. “I think it’s something we should all think about and think about registering.”
Foster reflected on the achievements of the foundation ahead of the gala. “We’ve come a long way and we’re going to continue, as long as the need is there we’re going to do it,” he said.
He added that he’s bumped his goal to establish an endowment fund for the foundation from $30 million to $50 million by 2018 so that “hopefully long after I’m gone it’ll still be doing the work.”
