Media Release

News Release: 50 Years. 50 Chefs. - a gala fundraiser

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Community College Foundation is hosting a special gala entitled 50 Years. 50 Chefs. at the Rocky Mountaineer Station on November 17, 2015, to celebrate VCC’s 50th anniversary.

The event brings together 50 chefs – all with a connection to VCC. The roster boasts successful alumni and dedicated chef instructors who have made their mark on the Vancouver food scene. VCC chefs can be found in virtually every restaurant in Vancouver and often represent Culinary Team Canada at international culinary competitions.

“This is a fitting celebration for the college’s anniversary – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone who loves food. It really shows how the culinary program at VCC has grown to become one of the top schools in Canada,” says Bruno Marti, a Canadian culinary legend who will serve as 50 Years. 50 Chefs. coach and mentor. Marti was the inaugural inductee into Canada’s Restaurant Hall of Fame, has received the Order of British Columbia, and is an Honorary VCC Outstanding Alumnus.

Along with Marti, chefs unveiled to date include:

• John Carlo (JC) Felicella  – 2016 Culinary Olympics Team Canada manager, VCC chef instructor
• Shelley Robinson – regional executive chef, Coast Hotels
• Scott Jaeger – chef/owner, The Pear Tree Restaurant
• Hamid Salimian – 2016 Culinary Olympics Team Canada captain, VCC chef instructor
• David Wong – product development chef, Earls Kitchen + Bar Test Kitchen
• Tobias MacDonald – Certified Master Chef, VCC chef instructor
• Blair Rasmussen – executive chef, Vancouver Convention Centre
• Paul Cecconi – chef/owner, BRODO Kitchen
• Collin Gill – department head, VCC culinary arts program
• Clement Chan – chef/owner, Torafuku
• Jason Harris – executive sous chef, Fairmont Vancouver Airport

In addition to top chefs, musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by recognized alumni and faculty, featuring: Laurence Mollerup, bass; Bernie Arai, drums; Tom Arntzen, vocals; Daryl Janke, guitar; and Bill Sample, keyboards.

Guests will also enjoy a silent auction and a 1965-inspired fashion show. A 1965 Daytona, restored by VCC’s auto collision repair and refinishing program students, will be on display.

Tickets for 50 Years. 50 Chefs. are $300 with early-bird pricing of $250 until Oct 9. Visit vcc.ca/gala for more information, purchase tickets and receive updates as new chefs are unveiled. Gala sponsors include Vancouver Magazine in the media category.

50 Years. 50 Chefs. is a fundraiser for the Vancouver Community College Foundation to provide scholarships and training materials for current and future VCC students.

VCC celebrates 50 years of inspiring students to reach their career and educational goals, offering post-secondary training in 125 programs including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. With three campuses located on Broadway, Downtown and on Annacis Island, students can choose from hands-on instruction in culinary arts, business, design, health sciences, hospitality, transportation trades and music. Visit: vcc.ca

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Media can contact:

Jane MacCarthy
Associate Director, Alumni Relations
Vancouver Community College
T: 604.360.3325
E: jmaccarthy@vcc.ca

Media Phone: 604.612.2653

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