Recap: CPABC Victoria/SVI Chapter Rings in the Year of the Rat Event Recap

On February 13, 2020, the CPABC Victoria/SVI Chapter hosted their annual Chinese New Year dinner to celebrate the start of the Chinese zodiac with the Year of the Rat.

This long-standing and much anticipated social networking event brought together local CPA members, academics, award recipients and other supporters to ring in the lunar new year while raising funds for the CPA Award Endowment at Camosun College.

This year, a sold out crowd of 190 guests enjoyed a splendid eight course banquet style dinner which was again held at the Don Mee Seafood Restaurant located in Victoria’s historic Chinatown district.

As in past years, a silent auction offered guests a chance to bid and compete to win many fine items – all generously donated by local companies and members.   Proceeds from the silent auction go directly to the endowment that supports student scholarships at Camosun College.

Cindy Choi FCPA FCGA, one of the original founders of this legacy chapter gala event, was again the emcee for the evening.  Cindy introduced the evening’s speakers which included Camosun president Sherri Bell.
Bell along with Jeety Bhalla CPA CA, chair of Camosun College, presented the chapter with a certificate of appreciation to recognize local members for their support over the past 26 years.

Sherri Bell, president Camosun College, provided opening remarks. Photo by CPABC.

CPABC was represented by provincial board member Chris Burnley FCPA FCA and David Chiang CPA CA, CPABC’s vice-president member advice and programs.Sherri Bell, president and CEO Camosun College, with Chris Burnley FCPA FCA, CPABC board member.

Bob Strachan FCPA FCMA and Keri Norrie FCPA FCA FCGA (who is also a faculty member at Camosun College) represented the CPA Education Foundation (CPAEF).

Members, CPA candidates and students can contact the chapter chair if they are interested in getting involved with the chapter.  Volunteering can be a wonderful way to stay connected and involved with the local CPA community.  Watch for upcoming Chapter PD and Social Networking events in chapter emails and visit the chapter website for event details.

Photo by: Oleksandr Pupko / iStock / Getty Images

DONORS

The chapter thanks the following donors for their generosity:

Accent Inn, Best Buy, BMW Victoria, Camosun College, Chan Choi & Company, Coast Capital Savings, CPABC, CPABC Victoria/SVI Chapter, CPA Education Foundation, Craigdarroch Castle, Don Mee Chinese Restaurant, Fisgard Asset Management, Gain Group. Heron Rock Bistro, Highland Pacific Golf Course, Hotel Grand Pacific, KPMG, Lure Restaurant & Bar, O’Dell Slinger Service, Pendray Inn & Tea House, Sarah Slanina, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Victoria HarbourCats and Video Tax News.