canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

In Support of CANFAR, Vancouver Entertains Arrives In Spectacular West Coast Style

Vancouver’s inaugural edition of Vancouver Entertains—the West Coast expression of CANFAR’s iconic Bloor Street Entertains gala—unfolded on Friday, October 24, 2025, with a dazzling mix of glamour, emotion, and community pride. The city shimmered under the anticipation of something momentous, as this long-awaited evening brought a fresh wave of energy to British Columbia’s philanthropic landscape. Designed to support HIV/AIDS research and community implementation programs across the province, the event transformed Vancouver into a collection of intimate, immersive, and vibrant experiences that guests will be talking about for years.

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A Citywide Celebration Of Generosity

Even before doors opened, there was a sense of electric anticipation. Co-chairs Christie Garofalo, Jay McCauley, and Candice Sinclair led the charge with passion and vision, rallying the city around a cause that continues to shape lives across Canada. More than 400 guests arrived dressed to impress, stepping into an evening that blended sophistication with heartfelt purpose.

Venues across the city glowed with atmosphere, each offering its own alluring mood. Holt Renfrew dazzled with modern polish, Harry Rosen exuded classic confidence, and Zegna, Max Mara, RIMOWA, Bel Cafe, and TELUS Garden offered everything from contemporary elegance to warm, inviting charm.

Culinary masters Hawksworth Restaurant, The Lazy Gourmet, Savoury Chef, Kanvas Chefs, Edge Catering, Holts Café, and Bon Vivant Catering delivered exquisite menus that matched the luxury of their surroundings. Element Event Solutions, By Yours Truly Floral Studio, Our Little Flower Company, Folk & Faerie, The Granville Island Florist, and Angelica Floral Designs transformed every table, hallway, and backdrop into something lush, glowing, and deeply inviting. Guests found themselves immersed in settings that felt intimate yet elevated, as if each location were its own enchanting chapter of one unforgettable night.

canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

Stories That Inspired And Moved The Room

The emotional heart of the evening came from the voices on stage. Representatives from the Dr. Peter Centre, the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), Kilala Lelum, QMUNITY, CATIE, and Health Initiative for Men (HIM) shared powerful insights, framed by CANFAR’s national spokespersons Valerie Pringle and Muluba, as well as national ambassador Mathew Fleury. Their words were both sobering and motivating, rippling through rooms already charged with compassion. Guests listened closely, deeply aware that their support would meaningfully impact real people and real communities across BC.

canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

An After Party That Redefined The Term

As guests gathered at TELUS Garden for the After Party, the evening’s energy reached a thrilling crescendo. The space pulsed with colour and anticipation before erupting in cheers for Gia Metric of Canada’s Drag Race, who commanded the stage with charisma and undeniable star power. DESTINEAK followed with a high-voltage performance that kept the crowd dancing well into the night. Savoury late-night comfort food bites added a playful, nostalgic touch as the dance floor stayed lively and joyous.

canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

A Night That Sets The Stage For 2026

With more than $220,000 raised—and counting—the first Vancouver Entertains will be remembered as a defining moment for CANFAR in Western Canada. Thanks to generous sponsors including Approval Pathway, Christie and David Garofalo, TD, TPH Canada, Element Event Solutions, Charter Telecom, Candice Sinclair, Mark Anthony Group, The McCauley Family, Vancouver Magazine, and Turner Media, the event set a bold new standard for what philanthropy can look like on the West Coast.

One thing became clear as the night came to a close: this was only the beginning. The enthusiasm, unity, and sheer joy that filled Vancouver’s venues signalled that the city is ready for this event to return—bigger, brighter, and even more impactful. Those who missed the inaugural year will not want to miss it again. Vancouver Entertains has found its home here, and it is here to stay. canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

canfar, vancouver entertains, christie garofalo, helen siwak, folioyvr, jade massie, vancouver, bc, yvr

All photography provided courtesy of Vancouver Entertains/CANFAR via (@georgiaesporlas, @jamieleefuoco, @jayshawphotography and @toddduncanstudio)

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].