Virtual event has a real world impact

The notion that virtual fundraisers don’t provide the same financial results as in person events has been solidly dispelled by Okanagan College.

Season’s Eatings, a virtual cooking class and wine tasting fundraiser hosted by the Okanagan College Foundation, raised $315,000 on the evening of Dec. 3, surpassing its $250,000 goal.

The virtual cooking and wine tasting class featured Okanagan College Culinary and Pastry Arts instructors and their students who walked participants through how to cook a gourmet dinner consisting of stuffed turkey breast with cranberries and brie, warm brussels sprouts salad and potatoes pave.

Quails’ Gate Winery Senior Sommelier Louise Dabisza guided participants on a tasting of three wines to pair with the meal.

“We’re still digesting what our community was able to accomplish,” Helen Jackman, Okanagan College Foundation Executive Director said. “We’re so grateful for our community’s generosity. Thanks to our events sponsors and our donors who sliced, diced and donated during the event, we’re now getting closer to our $5-million fundraising goal.”

With expected gifts, the Okanagan College Foundation has raised $3.5 million to help open the doors to a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Centre in Kelowna that will educate eight frontline health care professions.

In addition to the chef and students, Season’s Eatings featured Toby Tannas, co-host of Beach Radio’s morning show, as the host for the evening. Throughout the cooking, Tannas would announce gifts from participants, who would often cite their own health care stories as what inspired them to give.

Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton took part in the cooking class as an apprentice chef.

“I also appreciate everyone who took part in Season’s Eatings,” Hamilton said. “Their generosity will help ensure that our students have the opportunity to study in a world-class Health Sciences Centre, continuing the college’s tradition of providing professionals who play an important role in the quality of life in our communities,” says Hamilton.

The Okanagan College Foundation is planning its next virtual cooking class fundraiser for 2021.