Turning Point Gala coming May 12, 2016

I am already excited about the Turning Point Gala.  Brenda Plante makes it the very best event. I love the Four Seasons. It really is an elegant venue and the service has always been superb. The meals are mouth watering delicious.  The stories of the recovered addicts and alcoholics are moving and inspiring.  I love seeing the gracious dignitaries each year. Minister Terry Lake is really a caring and bright fellow who I was blessed to meet one year here.  But there are always many.  The Silent Auction and Prizes  are the best I've seen in the galas I've attended.  The community really supports Turning Point. The generosity of the guests is fabulous.  I've  seen some businessmen, now flush, who once were on their knees, show that recovery really works.  Their reaching back to help the next person up with open wallets speaks admirably of their open hearts. Everyone has a family member suffering from addiction so there are those pillars of society that show the true depth of their souls by their presence and support of Turning Point on this night.  I personally like the glamour.  The ladies and gentlemen that come to Turning Point really prove that Vancouver is more than pack sacks and yoga pants.  And the speakers are the best.  This year it's David Crosby of  Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and Crosby Stills Nash and Young.  My favourite music.  I'm so excited.

Turning Point Gala and Jim Belushi

I love the Turning Point Gala. Turning Point sets the standard for recovery housing and this small grass roots organization has done itself proud since it’s beginning in the 1980’s.  It’s a place where men and women can go and feel supported in their sobriety. They can get back on their feet from wherever they’ve fallen.  The communities where the Turning Point houses exist don’t suffer from their presence but rather their presence enhances the community.
 A few years back a home owner asked me about whether to fight a ‘recovery house’ going up in their neighbourhood. I told them I’d support a house like Turning Point any time but I’d stay away from some of the drug houses masquerading as recovery places because they really did attract  crime and depravity.  By contrast Turning Point Recovery Houses are good citizens and as such make good citizens. They don’t tolerate drug use or crime.  Their sole function is to provide a safe home for individuals to transition back into mainstream society.  Everyone wins.
I’ve been attending their gala for 8 years now. It’s best dinner and speaker event in Vancouver. The Four Seasons is a great venue and serves a fine meal.  The list of dignitaries who attend is always impressive. This year Member of Parliament David Wilks was there, along with Susan Anton, Atorney General and my personal favourite, Terry Lake, Minister of Health.
Randene Neill, News Anchor for Global BC, was again a most delightful mistress of ceremony. Brenda Plante the incredible Executive Director of Turning Point is the moving force who brings everyone together.  Howard Blank again was the most entertaining and quite hilarious auctioneer.  Thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars were raised by his hypnotic personality.  Added to that Terry Lake surprised us all with the Liberal Governments announcement of a million dollar donation to the building building restorations, renovations and making the homes transgender friendly.  Turning Point Recovery Society is also planning another home for men while the Turning Point Women’s Recovery House just opened in North Vancouver.
Jim Belushi was the guest of honour and truly an amazing speaker.  He asked that the media and bloggers like me respect his desire to keep the content of his talk intimate  I can only respect that given the vulnerability he shared speaking of addiction and how this had affected him and his family. He is a truly remarkable man whose wisdom journey I was blessed to hear.
Thank you Turning Point for another wonderful experience in sharing and caring.
I enjoyed sharing a table with George, Jane, and Laura. We were joined by Joanna, Quinten, and Lorinda from Orchard Treatment Centre,  and of course ,  David Berner.  It was also so very good to see Guseppe from Last Door as well as Michelle from Avalon.  Turning Point Gala is always such a very special night.