We’re all about pulling out the cocktail attire for a worthy cause, and had just the occasion to do so when we hit up the Vancouver Aquarium’s Toast to the Coast party this weekend. With record attendance, a new VIP reception, and an epic after-party that went late into the night, it was definitely an event worth noting in our books.
More than 600 well-heeled guests flocked to this annual fundraiser Friday night. Given it was a perfect opportunity to let loose surrounded by thousands of sea creatures in the aquarium’s newly revamped space, we were admittedly giddy to see it all unfold.
This annual wine-tasting and food-sampling event takes place every fall and ought to be on your agenda. It’s the perfect way to show your support for all the good that the Vancouver Aquarium does while enjoying a night out mingling, eating, and tasting.
The event featured about 20 different OceanWise restaurants showcasing their top culinary creations. We LOVED the flame-seared salmon presented by Hapa Izakaya. Nestled amongst all the food were an equal number of BC wineries to quench your thirst.
Aside from the usual silent auction and raffle you’d expect at such an event, Toast to the Coast featured plenty of other reasons to let loose and have fun. Be it an oyster bar, interactive visit to Tin Can Studio’s Airstream display, the chance to get silly at Flipbook Vancouver’s pop-up photo studio – options awaited guests around every corner.
This year, the organizers had planned an extra-special after-party for lucky guests who scored one of the coveted tickets. The party took place downstairs in a newly designed lounge, featured Russian Standard Vodka front-and-centre (ice bar and all), live music from the Side One Band, and more excitement that kept us dancing until late into the night.
Photo credit: Patrick Boyer, www.urbancowboy.net.
If you attended the Toast to Coast gala, let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.