On New Year's Eve 2013, approximately twenty people gathered at the Vancouver home of longtime Christ Church Cathedral parishioners/Sorrento Centre Associates, Colin Miles and Winnie Nowell. The gathering was one of several Sorrento Centre’s "Party with a Purpose" functions that have been hosted by various parishes and individuals in recent months, to raise funds and awareness for the current Sorrento Centre 50th anniversary fiscal campaign, Embracing Transformation-The Next 50.
The cost was $100 per person (with a full tax receipt provided), and included: homemade chili, savoury items, wines (aptly bottled in Sorrento, BC and provided by Sorrento Centre), other beverages, deserts, an evening of live music (in the Miles/Nowell music room) and numerous skits (the skits were in keeping with the Thursday night tradition at Sorrento Centre). A witty song, with all Sorrento Centre references, was written by one of the evening’s guests. It was sung to the tune of the well-known British hymn, "Lord of the Dance". Lyric sheets were provided, and all in attendance sang along and had many laughs whilst doing so! Colin Miles, an accomplished string player, along with two other string players led everyone in the singing of Christmas carols, and everyone was able to take home a copy of the Vancouver Chamber Choir Christmas sing-along book, courtesy of party co-host & VCC member, Winnie Nowell.
The Venerable Andrew Pike (Chair of the Sorrento Centre Board) and Andrea Gailus (St. John's Squamish parishioner, and Development employee with Sorrento Centre) were in attendance to thank the party- goers, to provide information about the 2014 program guide, and to hand out brochures on the "Next 50" campaign). Folks who were present that evening included Christ Church Cathedral parishioners: Sue Cruickshank, Neale Adams, Rosalind Kellett, Jane Dittrich, John and Jackie Ross, Donelda and Walter Parker, and Joan Johnston. Representing St. Mary's Kerrisdale was parish organist Susan Ohannesian and her husband Paul. A fabulous, and seasonal time was had by all, and a good amount of money raised for Sorrento Centre!
For more information on Sorrento Centre, the "The Next 50" campaign, program schedule, or on information on how to host a fundraising event, please go to the SORRENTO CENTRE WEBSITE.
Images: Top and homepage, Co-host, Winnie Nowell; Christ Church Cathedral parishioner’s Sue Cruickshank and Jacquie Ross; St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale’s organist, Susan Ohannesian and Christ Church Cathedral parishioner, John Ross. Middle right, Co-host for the evening, Colin Miles; author, photographer and Sorrento Centre Enthusiast, Jane Dittrich; Sorrento Centre Development staffer and St. John’s, Squamish parishioner, Andrea Gailus. Below, The Miles/Nowell Music Room being put to good use.