A Wednesday Night to Remember: Celebrating Community Champions with the PoCo Community Foundation

Last Wednesday, we had the absolute pleasure of attending the PoCo Community Foundation’s Community Champions & Grant Recipients Reception, and we are still in awe. From the moment we walked in, we were surrounded by stunning artwork that made for a breathtaking venue, setting the stage for an evening filled with inspiration, inclusivity, and generosity. The flow of the event was seamless, allowing space for meaningful conversations, powerful stories, and well-deserved recognition of the many individuals and groups making a difference in our community. And what truly left us speechless was the sheer impact of the foundation’s work. In 2024 alone, an incredible $500,005.00 was awarded to 35 groups and individuals, a reflection of just how deeply rooted the spirit of giving is in this community.

One of the many highlights of the night was Connie Goetz, a past Theatre Society Legacy Fund (TSLF) Bursary recipient, performing her song Hypnosis. It was mesmerizing, and what made it even more special was how her performance transported each of us in different directions; music has that incredible ability to resonate uniquely with everyone.  Another unforgettable moment came when Kevin Layden, CEO of Wesbild, shared his company’s passion for supporting Coquitlam Alternative Balanced Education (CABE), a school that provides an alternative option for students who have struggled in traditional high schools. The impact CABE has had is undeniable, with students going on to achieve remarkable things, from earning their MBA to becoming opera singers. Seeing the principal force behind this initiative, Nezhat Khosrowshahi, sitting quietly in the room amongst all of us listeners made the moment even more special.

The evening also introduced us to Javon, a CABE graduate and LIFT recipient with passion and drive.  He is currently studying business at Douglas College with dreams of opening his own hair salon right here in Port Coquitlam. His talent and ambition were truly inspiring to witness.

None of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of the incredible people behind the foundation; Anna, Dawn, Kathleen, and Jon, just to name those we at Phoenix interact with the most. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to this community shine through in everything they do, and last Wednesday was a true testament to that.

To top it all off, Patina Brewing is celebrating its fifth anniversary and launched a brand-new craft beer, with one dollar from every sale going directly to the PoCo Community Foundation. It’s the perfect example of how businesses in this community continue to find creative and meaningful ways to give back.

We are proud to do business in the Tri-Cities, to be a part of a place filled with such generosity, talent, and heart. Last week as we witnessed the power of collective support and community spirit, we became even more proud.

Thank you to the PoCo Foundation staff, board members and volunteers for extending an invite to us so that we could experience once again the joy you spread around and the impact your generosity has in our community.