Gala Banquet 2011

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn September 16,2011, 135 members and friends, from all over the Lower Mainland and as far as Chilliwack, Mission, Comox and Victoria, attended our annual Gala Banquet at the Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond. People began arriving at 5:30 for drinks and conversation. The banquet room looked lovely with tables for ten set for a formal sit down dinner and nicely decorated in pink colours . The Heritage Club banner was displayed at the front.

Immediately upon arrival, the chatter started as new and old acquaintances were made. Raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets were sold to raise money for our club's charities and in particular our support of the orphans program in Zimbabwe. Al Miller, our colleague set up a nice display table with artifacts from Zimbawe and gave us an update on his latest trip to the orphanages. He had just arrived back the day before and this year he and his team laid the bases for some dormitories for the children which will be completed on his next visit. He also told us about the last project our club sponsored which was the purchase of a bunch of baby chicks for them to grow and sell with the goal of sustainability. We all continue to be in awe of Al's work and are proud to contribute our little bit to the lives of these children.

Lynn from Johnson Insurance (MEDOC) in Ottawa was a special guest. She set up a display booth and was a tremendous resource for people answering questions about travel and home insurance. Not only,did she assist members with their questions but was able to direct non members/ friends who were attending with referrals to an agency where they could access the wonderful MEDOC program.Even as the dancing was beginning at 9 PM, Lynn had people at her booth with more questions.

Dinner was served at 6:30 and consisted of eleven courses elegantly served one at a time and included crispy chicken,pork chops, sweet and sour fish, deep fried king crab, prawns , pork, beef, noodles, rice, and a delightful appetizer platter with all sorts of goodies. The meal ended with a sweet , pudding and the spectacularly decorated Heritage Club 22nd anniversary cake.People were still eating at 8 :30PM. Many thanks to the restaurant staff who were able to serve so many of us in such an efficient manner.

A highlight for some was another special guest, former BC Lion football player ,Bobby Singh. He had with him two of his three coveted football championship rings that he was a part of winning– the Superbowl ring with the St Louis Rams and the Grey Cup ring with the BC Lions. Many members and friends had their picture taken with Bobby and the rings and in return for the honour they made a donation to the Zimbabwe fund.

This along with the Raffle draws and 50/50 draws made for lots of fun. Thanks to all of the executive who were able to attend and assist with the draws- Stan Wong, Rene Brisette, Ray Goon, Carol Burchett, Jeremy Davy and Jim Steveston. Jim also acted as our MC for the evening and did a fine job keeping the program on time.

Following the dinner and drinks, the live band and singers arrived for hours of fine music and dancing. It was wonderful seeing so many people and a great evening. The mission of the Heritage club is to promote camaraderie and support the community. Our quest was most successful in meeting theses goals.

Thanks to all of the organizers and to those who donated prizes for the raffles.

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