
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.
When
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7 – 10 p.m.
Where
VCC Broadway campus
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

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


Edison Antejos
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.


Shahni Arshad
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.


Leanne Bentley
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.


Stacy Bestard
With 35 years in hospitality, Stacy has spent 15 years teaching at VCC. She’s committed to food security education, believing food fosters creativity, culture, and deep connections.


Billy Chan
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.


Starri Chow
For 14 years, Starri has led menu innovation, mentored chefs, and ensured excellence in West Coast-inspired cuisine at Sheraton Wall Centre, bringing passion and expertise to the team.


Joshua Cyr
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.


Karen Gin
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.


Sonny Ho
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.


Tret Jordan
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.


Esther Kosa
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.


Montgomery Lau
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.


Tobias MacDonald
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.


Ronnie Nugent
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.


Kishore Rangan
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.


Hamid Salimian
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.
Buy tickets
Thank you for your interest in 2025 Flourish. Our complimentary ticketing site is now closed; however, please call 236.889.7577 to register your guests.

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