“I would like to thank the students of the Kwantlen event class for hosting this very successful event, and for considering the B.C. Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund as the beneficiary,” expressed Kris Anderson, board director of the B.C. Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.

Kwantlen’s event management class, comprising of both public relations and journalism students, put their knowledge and skills to the test to organize this special fundraiser. The elegant event had the main support of the B.C. Shellfish Growers Association, Channel M and the False Creek Yacht Club.

"The students executed a well-rounded fundraising event and implemented what they learned at Kwantlen to perfection,” explained Amelia Kennedy-Maki, Kwantlen faculty of the event management class. “Overall, it was a fantastic event that brought awareness to the B.C. Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund and their goals and challenges. It was also a great networking opportunity for guests and students alike.”

Global TV’s meteorologist, Mark Madryga hosted the event and a local pianist, Laura Smith, entertained guests with the sounds of jazz music. The B.C. Shellfish Growers Association was also there and donated oysters that were beautifully displayed in a lite giant clam ice sculpture. The success of the event was also attributed to the multiple silent auction donations, ranging from a signed Henrik Sedin jersey, to boat tours, a self improvement workshop and various overnight stays. In all, it was a great accomplishment for the Kwantlen students.

“It was really good to see our hard work make a difference on a larger scale,” explained Tara Flanagan, one of the Kwantlen public relations students organizing the fundraiser.

The Kwantlen event management class is made up of journalism and public relations students who are fulfilling a minor or specialty in public relations. The public relations diploma program has been in place for over 15 years and the event management course teaches students how to organize, plan and execute a fundraising event for a real client. For more information, visit kwantlen.ca/applied-design/pr