InnFocus Fall 2022

y Alana Dickson
Courtesy of BCHF Photo by Geoff Howard Photography
Time flies when you are having fun!
In the last six months, the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has
supported beneficiaries with over $15,000 in financial assistance
and awarded 48 scholarships to hospitality, food and beverage,
culinary, wine, and spirits professionals.
But that’s not all we’ve been up to! The BCHF hosted the
first annual Okanagan Golf Tournament on May 10th at Harvest
Golf Club in Kelowna and the thirteenth annual Vancouver Golf
Tournament at Coquitlam’s Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club.
Combined these events netted the BCHF just over $25,000. Funds
from the 8th annual Victoria Golf Tournament at Olympic View Golf
Club in August are still being tallied. Thank you to all golfers, event
sponsors, and silent auction donors.
Throughout these programs, more than 75 industry professionals
donated their time by volunteering to review scholarships, plan
events, manage social media, and recruit participants, sponsors,
and auction items. Our industry professionals never cease to amaze
us, they encompass the true spirit of hospitality at every level.
Sandra started Tinhorn Creek Vineyards with her husband in 1994.
Over the next 20 years as winemaker, she was the first in Canada
to use screw caps and led the way for BC’s first sub-appellation—
the Golden Mile Bench. As CEO, Sandra led Tinhorn to become
Canada’s first carbon-neutral winery and was a recipient of go2HR’s
Canada’s Safest Employers Awards.
In 2017 Sandra began anew, starting Elysian Projects, a beverage
and tourism consulting company. She created the Fortify Conference
in 2018 helping artisan beverage producers better manage their
businesses.
She is an Executive in Residence at Accelerate Okanagan, a board
member of TIABC and the creator of the weekly #BCWineChat on
Twitter every Wednesday night. Sandra was named one of Canada’s
Top 100 Powerful Women in 2016.
What Other Fundraisers Do We Have Going On?
Poplar Grove Winery is donating $1.50 per bottle sold of the
Lakeview Rosé throughout the summer. Partial proceeds will be
donated to our scholarship program. Don’t miss out! This delicious
rosé sells out fast. Wines can be purchased from the winery tasting
room, restaurant, and online.
Other News
We’d like to thank Jeff Guignard, who recently stepped down from
his role as Chair of our Board of Directors. Over the past eight
years, Jeff has given generously of his time and energy, and we are
grateful for the difference he made. Thank you, Jeff!
BCHF’s Executive Board is pleased to announce the appointment
of Sandra Oldfield as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.
InnFocus 29