Urban Mixer Blog

“When it comes to helping out, I don’t believe in doing it for the media attention. My goal is to support the organizations that need help.” – Paul Allen

Swimwear and summer go together like fish and water. Goldfish Pacific Kitchen added charity to the mix with the Yaletown restaurant’s highly anticipated Summer Splash event on June 16th from 7 to 9:30 PM.  The timely beach fashion and cocktail bash benefited the Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS), a non-profit organization doing much needed work in downtown Eastside.

Goldfish owner and philanthropist, Dotty Kanke, was delighted by the huge turnout and munificent donations, making the event a huge success.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout and grateful for the many generous donations. Summer Splash was huge success, and we thank everyone for their support”

The evening was filled with food, fun and frivolity, which the restaurant is known for. For $60, guests were treated to a lively salsa performance by the Mambo Hustlers, a glamorous bikini fashion show with designs from Sports Illustrated favorite, Anna Kosturova, and a live auction which included a painting entitled ‘Bright Lights Over Only Seafoods’ donated by Tiko Kerr. The painting, which was valued at $6,500, was sold for an amazing $16,800. Aside from the painting, dinner for six to eight people was also auctioned to the guests.

According to David Isaac, Deputy Executive Director of the VNHS:

“The thousands raised at Goldfish Summer Splash will enable the Vancouver Native Health Society to expand our services to help more Downtown Eastside residents. In particular, we are extremely excited about developing a brand new kitchen to serve more than 150 people we already see every single day”

Guests at the event were also treated with cocktails, champagne and some delectable appetizers prepared by acclaimed Chef William Tse of Goldfish Pacific Kitchen. These treats included Pulled Short RIbs Sliders, fresh oysters, Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Banana Spring Rolls, Kaffir Lime Infused Prawns, West Coast Mini Sushi Pizzas, and Miso Sake Marinated Chicken Skewers.

The guest list in the event included Vancouver actress Melanie Papalia, Cornerstone Group Consultant Farhan Rhemtulla, New Zealand actress Emma Lahana, Union Gospel Mission’s Amy Billingsley, Sherani Volberg of Pearls Auto Spa, singer/actress Dawn Chubai, award-winning radio personality Brother Jake Edwards, Curve Communications Client Services Manager Sophia Cheng, media personality Catherine Barr and artist Tiko Kerr.

Other guests at the event were Steve Bickerdike, Hayley Crichton, Jocelyn Soares, Robert Gagne, Christina Tickell, Tanya Greemo, June Iida, Shelley Haratmatny, Patti Colton and Howard Colton.

Initial estimates of the funds raised in the two and a half hour event reached more than $35,000. This is the second annual charity event hosted by Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, which offers diners a contemporary, sophisticated setting to indulge in food, fund and frivolity.