I was indeed fortunate to be a guest of Combined Painting (The Professional Painting Service for Western Canada Since 1974) this evening, at the annual “Night at the Aquarium” at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.
Held each year as the Aquarium’s signature gala fund raising event, the $250-a-ticket night gives Vancouver’s philanthropic and corporate community the opportunity to wine and dine in style while exploring the fascinating galleries of creatures from beneath the oceans of the world.
Featuring both a live auction of some truly tantalizing items, and a silent auction of over 100 valuable items provided by generous corporate and retail donors, 100% of the night’s proceeds and auction takings went to the Aquarium’s education, research, and conservation activities. The park’s trainers were on hand to ensure attendees are entertained with dolphin and sea-otter shows, while the best of Vancouver’s culinary experts prepared an amazing selection of Ocean Wise™ savoury treats which are washed down with a fantastic selection of wines donated by local wineries.
But perhaps the highlight of the night for most people was the opportunity to have an up-close and intimate viewing of the Aquarium’s newest addition – a 5 day old, 1.5m long, 70kg, female baby Beluga calf. Swimming strongly along side 20-year old Mum, Aurora, the unnamed cutie stole the show as party goers looked on from below the surface of her tank.
Click on the image of Aurora and her calf on the right to view some footage of the two swimming together. You can also view a live webcam of the Vancouver Aquarium Beluga tank here: http://www.vanaqua.org/belugacam/.
A MASSIVE thanks must go out to Greg, Chris and the rest of the Boshard family for extending the invite to me for the night, and a hearty congratulations to the Vancouver Aquarium for putting on such an entertaining event! I had a ball!
Sue Masefield
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