Innovation Award

Annual Awards Evening

Honours its “Shining Stars” continued from page 5

Public Awareness Award

Dr. Mike Bevilacqua —was recognized as our “media star” for 2017 helping the Branch raise awareness and education about kidney health. Despite a very busy schedule, Dr. B. still took the time to run the media gauntlet with us, agreeing to be our media expert for countless media interviews and helping shine a light on this disease.

11

Inspiration Award

Kiran’s Angels —To honour their beautiful friend, Kiran, who’s life was taken away tragically, a group of very special young ladies—Kiran’s Angels— participated in the Kidney Walk. An inspiration to all, they donned angel wings, wore green t-shirts and raised incredible funds in memory of their dear friend.

President’s Award

BC & Yukon Branch Staff —for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the kidney community.

Special Appreciation Award

Ron Walker —for his dedication, passion, guidance and many contributions to The Kidney Foundation over 30 years. Ron was a force to be reckoned with locally, provincially and nationally, and we could not imagine The Kidney Foundation without him.

National Circle of Excellence Award

Barbara Valentine and Deborah Tucker —these ladies were recognized nationally for their ingenuity and innovation, launching a little grassroots TV show, PLUGGED IN, which is serving as a key public awareness platform for the Branch.

National President’s Award

Anne Schultz —received this National award for her outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and contributions as President of BC & Yukon Branch Board of Directors and for her role serving on the National Board of Directors. Among her many accomplishments, Anne helped drive the “Saving Lives through Organ Donation” campaign to a new level by creating key partnerships for the Branch including BC Association of Chiefs of Police and Royal Roads University. ■

Volunteers Inspire another Successful Kidney Gala

It was a night of glitz and glam as the blue carpet rolled out for the 6 th annual Kidney Gala on March 8—World Kidney Day—at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. More than 300 guests were dazzled by the Agency Girls as they took guests back in time, singing hits from the golden era of

Hollywood while enjoying their 3-course gourmet dinner. The ever-elegant Gala emcee and CTV News Anchor, Norma Reid, opened the evening, and introduced Dr. Adeera Levin, Gala Chair, and internationally respected

nephrologist/researcher. Dr. Levin set the stage for the evening and shared why the Gala is so important to help shine a light on kidney disease. Keynote speaker was kidney transplant recipient and long-time volunteer, Kate Chong. Kate told her heartfelt story and earned a standing ovation, not to mention a beautiful bouquet of roses from her husband!

But this magical evening would not have been possible without the dedication, time and talent of a small but mighty group of volunteers. Indira Gill and Bev Ginder are shining examples of volunteers who have been behind the scenes at the last few Galas ensuring the décor and every last detail of the evening was perfect.

The success of our Kidney Gala is due in large part to our amazing volunteers, from our Emcee to those helping us roll out the blue carpet. Together, we have raised almost $1.2 million to date. Now, that’s something to celebrate! But we are always looking for more volunteers to join our Gala team. Interested? Please contact Janeen Tronnes at

jtronnes@kidney.bc.ca for more info.

13

Thank You to our Amazing March Drive Volunteers

Again this year enthusiastic volunteers canvassed door to door all around British Columbia to raise funds for The Kidney Foundation and awareness about the need for kidney health and organ donation. Over 800 volunteers hit the streets throughout the month of March and brought in a resounding $123,000. Thanks everyone for

your continued support of this campaign.