“Passions” culinary event celebrates 10 years this September

PassionsLogo- 350More than 20 of Vancouver’s top restaurants and chefs are set to come together on Sunday, September 15, 2013, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Passions – a benefit for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. Proudly presented by Scotiabank, the fundraising gala has raised more than $900,000 since its inaugural launch in 2003.

“I am so honoured to have been able to spearhead such a valued event in the community, especially for a cause that is very close to my heart,” explains Nathan Fong, Passions Committee Chair and Founder. “Who could have imagined ten years would pass by so quickly? None of this would be possible without the amazing support from our local chefs, restaurants, volunteers, and my committee team. Let’s paint the town red this year!”

Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of food and drinks by participating restaurants and chefs Chambar, CinCin, Crave on Main, Coast, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Forage, Fraiche, Le Gavroche, Maenam, Market by Jean-Georges, Miku, MIX the Bakery, Oru, Provence, The Observatory, Tojo’s, Urban Fare, and West. Newcomers to Passions include Beaucoup Bakery, Burdock & Co., Espana, Joe Fortes and Le Parisien.

Passions will once again spotlight a selection of wines courtesy of New Zealand Winegrowers and beer from R&B Brewing Co.

“The unwavering support of Nathan and the Passions team has allowed the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation to provide vital care to hundreds of vulnerable individuals living with HIV/AIDS,” says Maxine Davis, Executive Director of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. “The amount of time and dedication involved in organizing such an event cannot be measured. The 10th annual Passions will be the best one yet.”

Global TV’s Sophie Lui and “Man About Town” Fred Lee of the Vancouver Courier, The Province, and CBC Early Edition will be Passions’ emcees for the evening.

Tickets are on sale now with an early bird purchase price of $200 for general admission until August 1, 2013. Regular ticket prices are $300 for the champagne reception with general admission, and $225 for general admission. Tickets are available now at www.drpeter.org or by calling 604.331.5086.

The pre-event champagne reception, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., gives guests advance access to the event. They can sip bubbly as they preview auction items, mix and mingle with event hosts and Dr. Peter’s friends and family. A limited number of champagne reception tickets are available.

Passions – A Benefit for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation
Date:
 Sunday, September 15, 2013
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Champagne Reception: 5 p.m.
General Admission: 6 p.m.
Where: Dr. Peter Centre
Address: 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver BC
Tickets: After August 1, 2013 – $300 champagne reception with general admission, and $225 general admission.
Tickets are available now at www.drpeter.org or by calling 604.331.5086.

About the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation
At the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, every day is an inspiring reminder of what we can achieve by providing HIV treatment and other supports for people whose lives are impacted by HIV/AIDS and the additional challenges of addiction, mental illness, homelessness, poverty and discrimination. For more information on the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, the Dr. Peter Centre, and Passions, please visit www.drpeter.org.

About Passions
The history of Passions dates back to 2002 when a small charity cooking class was held at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks. A year later in 2003, the event was moved to the Dr. Peter Centre and christened “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, Passions has since tripled in size and has become one of Vancouver’s most popular food and wine events. The 2012 event featured 24 chefs, 300 attendees, and raised over $100,000. In total, Passions has raised $900,000 since 2003.