Coming Together: The BMW Store Donates All-Electric BMW iX To The 25th Annual for Children We Care Gala
COMING TOGETHER: THE BMW STORE DONATES ALL-ELECTRIC BMW iX TO THE 25TH ANNUAL FOR CHILDREN WE CARE GALA
$220,000 was raised in the exclusive live auction, contributing to the more than $6 million raised overall for the BC Children’s Hospital’s orthopedic department
Richmond, B.C., June 7, 2022 – On May 29, 2022, OpenRoad Auto Group (OpenRoad) joined 615 fellow community, business, and philanthropic leaders to support BC Children’s Foundation’s 25th Annual For Children We Care Gala. The evening was a huge success – more than $6 million was raised for the hospital’s orthopedic department, with $220,000 from an exclusive live auction featuring OpenRoad and The BMW Store’s 2023 BMW iX xDrive40.
“Giving back to the community is a core pillar of OpenRoad, and we are honoured to have played a part in raising funds for the BC Children’s Foundation with The BMW Store’s generous donation,” says Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “It was absolutely wonderful to be in a room full of inspiring people, after a two-year hiatus, and work with the hardworking gala committee, especially co-chairs Jane Young and Susan Chow, in addition to director Sunny Leung. We are thrilled there was so much interest in the BMW iX and thank auctioneer Fred Lee for electrifying the room.”
The 2023 BMW iX xDrive40 is part of BMW’s highly anticipated new, fully electric BMW iX line. Known as the vehicle of a new generation, the BMW iX is the first all-electric SAV from BMW with all-wheel drive, offering luxury and refined minimalism, combined with cutting-edge engine technology. The BMW iX xDrive40 edition produces a total output of more than 322 hp (240 kW) with a range of 372 – 425 km (WLTP). Using fast charging stations (IONITY High Power Charging Stations), the full range can be restored on a charge of less than 40 minutes.
This year’s milestone gala surpassed its $5 million goal to provide BC Children’s orthopedic team the capabilities to expand and accelerate the clinical and research work they’re doing into new areas so that they can change even more lives. The funding will build on existing efforts through a long-term clinical outcomes research program that will enable these experts to go beyond simply healing children in the moment, and evaluate the best therapies for the entire lifetime of the children they treat. Support will also provide critical specialized and surgical equipment.
“The pandemic did not stop the orthopedics team at BC Children’s from continuing worldwide efforts to pursue the best treatments for children in need, and neither did our community of supporters, who converted their creativity and commitment into action over the past two years,” says Malcolm Berry, President & CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Against a star-studded backdrop, the event theme of constellations represented the collective power of the gala’s community of supporters in making a difference in the lives of kids across the province and beyond. The black-tie event was emceed by Global BC’s Paul Haysom and Phoenix TV’s Lisa Wu. The event’s entertainment was provided by The Tenors. And the pinnacle of the evening was returning auctioneer Fred Lee, who energized guests while inspiring them to open their hearts—and their wallets—during the live auction and the Gifts to Help Kids Shine segment.
To learn more about ways to support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit bcchf.ca.
For more information about OpenRoad Auto Group, please visit openroadautogroup.com.
About BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
BC Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children and youth. It’s one of the few pediatric medical and teaching facilities in Canada with an acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility, and rehabilitation centre all in one place. BC Children’s provides specialized care, innovative therapies and pediatric expertise for BC’s kids, including the sickest and most seriously injured. At BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, we raise funds to provide kids with excellence in healthcare by continuously driving advancements provincially and globally. The generosity of donors fuels our ability to conquer childhood diseases, prevent illness and injury, and prioritize the unique needs of kids in every aspect of their care. Follow us at @bcchf or visit bcchf.ca for more information.
ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP
Founded in 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,700 associates representing 21 quality automotive brands at 37 full-service retail locations, including 28 Canadian auto retailers in B.C. and Ontario, five collision centres, and four luxury automotive brands in Bellevue, Washington. OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on Unlimited Possibilities Ahead. With a focus on innovation and lifelong relationships, OpenRoad offers free memberships in the Club OpenRoad loyalty points program. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards.
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Media Contact:
Sophia Cheng
OpenRoad Auto Group
press@openroadautogroup.com
604-828-3102
