{"id":20079,"date":"2026-09-25T21:21:57","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T21:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca\/?p=20079"},"modified":"2026-09-25T23:13:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T23:13:49","slug":"spark-gala-2026-a-night-to-remember","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca\/zh-hans\/spark-gala-2026-a-night-to-remember\/","title":{"rendered":"Spark Gala 2026: A Night to Remember"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

850 guests. One extraordinary community. $778,000 raised.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hearts are full after an unforgettable evening at the sold-out Spark Gala 2026<\/strong>, held on September 18 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, 850 guests helped raise an extraordinary $778,000 in support of the Chinese Canadian Museum<\/strong>\u2014making this the Museum\u2019s most successful fundraising event to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This remarkable achievement reflects the strength and generosity of our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our every sponsor, donor, supporter, guest, volunteer, and partner who helped make the evening possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating Community, Leadership and Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emcees Fred Lee and Mary Lo<\/strong> welcomed guests to an evening celebrating how Spark has grown alongside the Chinese Canadian Museum\u2014from its beginnings as a community dinner in Chinatown to its official debut on Vancouver\u2019s fundraising gala map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The evening opened with a meaningful Indigenous Welcome from renowned Musqueam and Coast Salish artist Thomas Cannell<\/strong>, who co-created the artwork Embracing Diversity<\/em> for CCM with his mother, celebrated artist Susan Point. It was followed by remarks from the Museum\u2019s founding Board Chair, Grace Wong<\/strong>, and CEO, Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were also honoured to receive special video greetings from the Honourable Gregor Robertson<\/strong>, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, and the Honourable David Eby<\/strong>, Premier of British Columbia. We welcomed government and community leaders, including the Honourable Niki Sharma<\/strong>, Deputy Premier and Attorney General of British Columbia; the Honourable Anne Kang<\/strong>, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; and Ken Sim<\/strong>, Mayor of Vancouver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight of the evening was a special address by featured speaker Brandt Louie<\/strong>, OBC, President and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, and Chairman of London Drugs Limited. Introduced by Co-Presenting Sponsors Martin Thibodeau of RBC<\/strong> and Duncan Wlodarczak of Onni Group<\/strong>, Mr. Louie reflected on family, history, community and the contributions of generations of Chinese Canadians. Before Mr. Louie took the stage, guests viewed a special video celebrating his leadership, values and enduring commitment to community. The tribute beautifully reflected one of the Museum\u2019s central themes\u2014Contributions and Innovations<\/strong>\u2014and the important role Chinese Canadian families have played in building British Columbia and Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watch: <\/strong>A Tribute to Brandt Louie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Evening of Generosity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generosity filled the ballroom as guests participated in the live and silent auctions, bidding on an exciting collection of travel, dining, entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following a special impact video, Gala Co-Chairs Bob Rennie, Martin Thibodeau and Duncan Wlodarczak<\/strong> invited guests to invest in the Museum\u2019s future. The enthusiastic response to the Raise the Paddle<\/strong> appeal\u2014including a generous matching gift from Jack and Sylvia Gin Foundation<\/strong>\u2014was a powerful demonstration of what our community can achieve together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The evening also featured an energetic musical performance by Michael Samson<\/strong>, founder and musical director of D\u2019Topnotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funds raised through Spark Gala 2026 will help the Chinese Canadian Museum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n