Live Auction Sneak Peak!

We can’t wait to see you at the 2023 Vancouver Gala Dinner & Auction — presented by Wheaton Precious Metals — this Friday, March 31!

Scroll down for a preview of some exciting feature live auction items! Funds raised will enable game-changing efforts by passionate people hard at work for salmon. You are welcome to share this email with other attendees. See you on Friday!

South Africa Safari Excursion for Two

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This is a fixed date itinerary for Oct. 6 through Oct. 13, 2024, for two people to experience the vastness and variety of South Africa with two nights in Cape Town, a night in Franschhoek’s wine country, and four nights at Greater Kruger Park’s Nsala Safari Camp.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, you’ll check into The Commodore Hotel for two nights, which is situated in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and offers a stylish and elegant setting with sweeping views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and Robben Island. Explore the top tourist destinations, sights, and dining experiences that make Cape Town a world-renowned tourist destination.

The next day, you’ll travel on a private Cape Point and Peninsula Tour through Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay to the fishing village of Hout Bay. You travel on drive on the breathtaking route of Chapman’s Peak, leading to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point – which is perceived as the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Visit Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach penguin colony, and end the day at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Next up is a day of wine touring in the Cape Winelands, starting with pick up from your Cape Town hotel. The guided tour includes tastings and pairings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, passing through stunning mountain ranges, vineyards, and Cape Dutch homesteads. Noble and classic cultivars are produced here, including Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Methode Cap Classique sparkling wines. This is a wine lover’s paradise of bars and bistros, Grapes have been cultivated around Stellenbosch for more than 350 years, and the area is recognized for producing South Africa’s finest reds and is best for those curious to try South African Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.

You will stay overnight at the family run AvanRood Guest House, located in the peaceful Franschhoek Valley. It offers a picturesque stay in a Victorian Cape-Dutch home with a blend of French Huguenot culture and modern luxuries.

Following your stay in wine country, you will fly to Cape Town and transfer to Nsala Safari Camp for a four-night chalet stay with all meals, local drinks, and two daily game activities included. The camp is situated in a game-rich private reserve sharing borders with Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, and Kruger National Park. Nsala offers comfortable luxury with an eco-aware off-grid experience, including a swimming pool, lounge, dining area, and boma.

During your stay at Nsala Safari Camp, you’ll experience the thrill of an authentic African safari with twice-daily game drives at Nsala Safari Camp. Witness Africa’s Big 5 and other wildlife species, as well as beautiful landscapes and abundant flora and fauna, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxurious, eco-friendly camp.

Your sunrise and sunset game drives in will lead to unforgettable sightings of these large species, in addition to general game, such as zebra, impala, kudu, gnu, waterbuck, bushbuck, duiker, and steenbok. There is an abundance of elephant in the area and they often approach the camp to drink from the swimming pool. Both buffalo and elephant congregate at the small waterhole in front of camp.

On your final day at Nsala Safari Camp, you will transfer to the Eastgate Airport for a local flight back to Cape Town. International flights, some meals and beverages, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included.

Click here to read the full itinerary (pdf)

 

BUCKLE UP! TASTE OF THE CIRCUIT DRIVING EXPERIENCE FOR SIX PEOPLE

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Experience the race of your life! Your group of six will depart Helijet’s Vancouver Heliport on their Executive Sikorsky S-76 helicopter with its beautifully appointed and luxurious interior, and fly direct to a private helipad at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in Cowichan. Once there, you’ll experience Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit’s most exhilarating driving experiences called “Taste the Course”.

You will learn high performance driving skills, ideal seating and steering position, conquer understeer and oversteer, perfect your braking and cornering skills, and practice on a timed traffic cone course before trying your skills on the track for 2.3 km of laps. You’ll also get to strap in for a hot lap a professional instructor! Finally, unbuckle and enjoy a gourmet racer’s lunch and champagne before buckling up again and be whisked back to Vancouver on your personal Helijet Executive helicopter.

 

World Class Haida Gwaii Angling
for Two People

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Langara Fishing Adventures has built its reputation on providing the greatest fishing and wildlife adventures in the world. At Langara Fishing Lodge, you and a guest will enjoy first-class service, gourmet dining with beer or wine, and comfortable accommodations in one of North America’s most remote and scenic destinations. Your Langara adventure is an all-inclusive four or five day trip, including air travel from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii and a scenic helicopter flight to the lodge.

You will fish from a private unguided 19’ boat with all the necessary fishing equipment, wet-weather gear, and care of your catch provided. Langara Island’s sheltered waters make this a terrific experience for both serious and novice anglers, and guided fishing is available as an option. Reservations are required and are based upon availability during May, June, or September of 2023 or 2024. Fishing licenses and gratuities are not included.

 


Private Whale Watching Adventure for up to 95 People

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Set sail aboard Prince of Whales’ flagship Salish Sea Class Catamaran for a private 4-5 hour cruise for up to 95 people from Granville Island! Bring your family & friends, your team, your best customers or anyone you want to impress for a whale watching adventure of a lifetime while exploring the beauty that is BC! Take advantage of the opportunity to view several different species of whales in the wild as well as species of marine wildlife. The Prince of Whales team will work with you to find the perfect date and a fun route! Date to be determined based upon availability from April 7 through November 5, 2023.

 

Carved Cedar Panel by William Henderson Jr.

Donated By:
William Henderson Jr.

This carved red cedar panel measures 39” by 27” and depicts an orca whale. In northwest coast symbolism, the whale is a communicator and highly regarded guardian of the sea. Whales travel together and symbolize long life. Kwakwaka’wakw artist William Henderson Jr, was born in 1979 and belongs to the Weiwaikum Band of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation of Campbell River BC. William comes from a culturally devoted family of renowned carvers, and is dedicated to teaching song and dance to younger generations, as well as participating in potlatch ceremonies to maintain cultural traditions.

 

Catered Finest at Sea Seafood Feast
for 12 people

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Bob Fraumeni and his team at Finest at Sea Ocean Products not only donated all of the seafood for this year’s gala, they are also offering a West Coast seafood feast for twelve people in your own home! Sit back and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Finest at Sea’s culinary experts, featuring crab, mussels, clams, spot prawns and all the trimmings. All locally sourced and sustainably-focused! Complimenting wine and beer also included. Date to be mutually arranged with the Finest at Sea team.