Juno winner Bif Naked among Dining for Dreams supporters May 28, 2012 by Camille Jensen
Musician and advocate says it’s important for families to know support is available
VANCOUVER – Juno-award winning musician Bif Naked was among a number of strong supporters attending the BC Centre for Ability’s Dining for Dreams gala fundraiser May 24.
The Vancouver-based musician, actress and activist came with Kari Player to show support for their mutual friend, Tamara Taggart, who is a TV news anchor and Dining for Dreams chair.
“I’m excited to be here,” Bif says, adding she enjoyed checking out the Centre’s website, and was impressed to learn the number of services it offers to infants, toddlers, families and the community.
“I just think that having an organization like this be available to families in the Lower Mainland is a godsend. It’s so imperative for people to gain awareness that it exists,” she says, adding social media is a great tool to get the word out.
Bif, who has more than 55,000 followers on Twitter, tweeted she attended Dining for Dreams and included a link to the Centre’s website.
She says that while Tamara and her husband are fortunate to know and receive services needed for their young son Beckett who has Down syndrome, other families may not be as connected or know where to turn.
“It becomes isolating for many families, I don’t think people realize,” Bif says, adding she experienced a similar feeling when undergoing cancer treatment.
She says events like Dining for Dreams, the Centre’s website and spokespeople like Tamara help to get the word out, which is important.
“(It) helps empower those families and encourages them to seek support from the community and from organizations like this. It’s really powerful, and it can change their lives,” Bif says.
“I’m happy that I’ve been introduced to this organization — and I have a big mouth — so it makes me glad to be here and very grateful that my friend brought me.
“This is my first time here, I am going to guess this is an annual event, and it won’t be my last. I’m very happy to be here.”
This year’s Dining for Dreams took place at Vancouver’s Four Seasons Hotel and raised more than $200,000 — a record — in support of the Centre’s services. The annual event also celebrates Heroes of Ability, people supported by the Centre who demonstrate courage and resilience to live their lives to the fullest despite physical or developmental challenges.
Related Story:
Dining for Dreams celebrates the journey
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