Just over 300 people were at the Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre to celebrate Festival MOSAIC on November 2, 2015. The 6th annual fundraising gala provided guests with an interactive evening of sight, sound and taste, incorporating multiple cultures in the variety of entertainment presented, and in the types of cuisines represented in the food served.Ninu Kang, Director of Communications and Development, said “We’re very pleased with the success of this year’s Festival MOSAIC. We raised more revenues than ever before and are so thankful for the support of our sponsors, and the participation from stakeholders, which has been growing each year. But in addition to raising funds, guests had a great time and that counts for a lot as well.”Emcee Fred Lee kept things lively throughout the evening and presided over a new fundraising initiative called “Fund a Program” where guests had a chance to “bid,” auction-style, on packages designed to support clinical counselling sessions for refugees; provide hot meals for refugee mothers and their children at the Newcomers Centre for Children and Families; and allow more single newcomer fathers to join the Connecting Fathers program.Teenager and MOSAIC’s 2015 recipient of the Kes Chetty Education Award, Simran Sarwara, gave a heartfelt and moving speech, pledging to honour her parents’ sacrifices in coming to Canada and providing an opportunity for her to become educated.SweetPan Steel Band set up a great ambience for the evening with the easygoing sounds of the Caribbean. Y Belly Dancing, Nahauli Folklore, and Shiamak Indo Jazz Dancers added fun and a touch of the exotic to the line-up, while Atelier Grandi brought glamour and high fashion as the stage was transformed into a runway with a parade of models showcasing beautiful clothing.One of the highlights of the evening, and a crowd favourite, was the fashion parade staged by MOSAIC staff and clients, when special occasion clothing was donned and modelled. Costumes from Cambodia, El Salvador, Mexico, Vietnam, China, India and Moldova were represented in a colourful and elegant procession.Rounding out the list of things to see and do was the creation of the rangoli; learning to make origami, photo booth, and interactive map. Guests also “shopped” at the seniors’ craft table, and at the I Belong program table offering up customized buttons for sale.BC Salmon Farmers Association, returning Gold Level Sponsor for the gala, impressed guests with a visually stunning and delicious Japanese-inspired fusion appetizer created by Chef Dave Ryan and his culinary team. Guests also enjoyed perfectly prepared chicken satay, mini boerewors, sambousas, dumplings, springrolls, and other items.The night was staffed almost entirely by volunteers, who set up, greeted guests, served food and drinks, managed the silent auction and activity tables, and so much more! Dimpel Sandhu, MOSAIC Fund Developer and Event Coordinator, said “The volunteers who supported Festival MOSAIC were integral to its success. With over 60 volunteers donating their time, Festival MOSAIC was truly a volunteer-driven event. Their hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated. Thank you – we couldn’t have done it without you!For more information, including videos and photos, please visit mosaicbc.org/festival.
