Flourish - A fusion of food, wine and fundraising

Welcome to a taste of VCC

2025 Flourish

A fusion of food, wine and fundraising
Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Flourish is VCC Foundation's annual fundraising experience. It’s an opportunity to come together to support our students as they change their lives through the power of real learning and hands-on education. Join us for an evening of food and wine, and help our community thrive.

Buy tickets

When

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7 – 10 p.m.

Why

Ensuring students have access to practical, experiential education to achieve real learning for real change.

Sponsorships

Support VCC students through sponsorships.

2024 Flourish Highlights

plated dish from flourish gala event

Meet Our Chefs

Our talented chefs bring creativity and passion to every dish, combining tradition with innovation for an unforgettable dining experience.

Chef Edison Antejos

Edison Antejos

Showcase Restaurant + Bar, Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Vancouver

Edison started as a 3rd cook in 2004 and is now Executive Chef, leading Showcase Restaurant & Banquets. With experience across major hotels, he brings expertise, humour, and passion for food.

Chef Shahni Arshad

Shahni Arshad

Supper Club YVR and Sauce Pantry

Shahni has worked at Hawksworth and Boneta, now leading Supper Club YVR, curating luxurious private dining experiences. His passion for hospitality and fine dining elevates Vancouver’s culinary scene.

Chef Leanne Bentley

Leanne Bentley

Vancouver Community College

Leanne, a Red Seal baker and former competitor, has worked at Mission Hill Winery, Delta Hotels, and Fairmont. Since 2015, she has shared her passion for baking as an instructor at VCC.

Chef BiIlly Chan

Billy Chan

Vancouver Community College

Billy has 21 years in top restaurants and hotels across Vancouver, Tokyo, and Paris. Passionate about teaching, he tailors his approach to students and loves exploring the Pacific West Coast.

Chef Joshua Cyr

Joshua Cyr

Sodexo Live! and Vancouver Convention Centre

A global traveller, Joshua brings diverse culinary expertise from cafés to corporate kitchens. Passionate about mentorship, he takes pride in training future culinary leaders and delivering excellence.

Chef Karen Gin

Karen Gin

Vancouver Community College

Karen has 30 years in the industry and has been teaching at VCC since 2012. She connects with students through food experiences and storytelling, sharing her deep passion for the culinary arts.

Chef Sonny Ho

Sonny Ho

Vancouver Community College

A VCC graduate with 20+ years in the restaurant industry, Sonny is passionate about Asian cuisine. Now leading VCC’s Asian Culinary Arts Department, he shares cultural insights and techniques.

Chef Tret Jordan

Tret Jordan

Truffles Fine Foods Catering

With experience from Michelin-starred kitchens to local favourites, Tret creates ingredient-driven menus. He’s a Culinary Director and industry leader, passionate about mentorship and sustainability.

Chef Esther Kosa

Esther Kosa

Vancouver Community College

Esther trained under pastry chef Thomas Haas, honing her craft in pastries and chocolates. Now a VCC baking instructor, she stays updated on trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with students.

Chef Montgomery Lau

Montgomery Lau

Vancouver Community College

Montgomery worked in top restaurants, including MARKET by Jean-Georges and Wedgewood Hotel. Now an instructor at VCC, he’s dedicated to lifelong learning and sharing his culinary knowledge.

Chef Tobias MacDonald

Tobias MacDonald

Vancouver Community College

A decorated culinary competitor, Tobias won gold at the Culinary Olympics and became Canada’s second Certified Master Chef. Now a VCC instructor, he mentors aspiring chefs with expert guidance.

Chef Ronnie Nugent

Ronnie Nugent

Vancouver Community College

Ronnie started at VCC in 2005 and worked at top restaurants, including Crave and Caesars. Now an Instructional Assistant, she supports the Culinary Arts department, helping shape future chefs.

Chef Kishore Rangan

Kishore Rangan

Sodexo Live! and Vancouver Convention Centre

From Bangalore, Kishore blends European cooking with sustainable local ingredients. He has held executive roles at Fairmont and is passionate about mentoring and delivering unforgettable experiences.

Chef Hamid Salimian

Hamid Salimian

Vancouver Community College

A Culinary Olympics competitor, Chef Hamid now teaches at VCC, mentoring future chefs with hands-on training. Passionate about education and innovation, he helps shape Vancouver’s culinary scene.

Meet Our Chefs

Buy tickets

Purchase your tickets to 2025 Flourish below. Please reach out to gala@vcc.ca with any questions. We hope to see you there!

Gallery

Contact


If you have any questions regarding the event or are interested in supporting 2025 Flourish through corporate sponsorship or philanthropic giving, please contact:

Ali MacLean
Manager, Alumni Relations