LIVE IT UP! -The Lifestyle Foundation - Vancouver Art Gallery - One month later!

Inside: the gallery was transformed to allow guests to enjoy an evening of celebration 

One month ago today, I had an opportunity to participate in 'LIVE IT UP', a most spectacular evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It was orchestrated by the Lifestyle Foundation, a non-profit organization that I wrote about in a previous blogpost https://gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com/2024/09/designing-for-pets-designing-with.html. 

I was introduced to the organization by former Vancouver City councillor and SUCCESS CEO Tung Chan, a prominent and respected individual in Vancouver's Chinese community, and The Lifestyle Foundation’s Honorary Chair.

The production team recreated the winning entry from the 1976 Vancouver Sun interior design competition for which I had served as a juror.

I must confess, when I first learned about the organization and its ambitious plans, I questioned whether the event would proceed as planned. After all, we often hear about organizations wanting to arrange major community events, only to see the plans watered down as the date draws nearer. In this case, it was the opposite. 

Outside: a red carpet greeted the elegantly dressed guests

Upon arrival at the Art Gallery, I was directed to the rear entrance where a red carpet covered the outdoor stairs. There were a lot of very glamorous people milling around and while I had put on a dark suit and tie, I felt a bit underdressed. But rather than try to put into words what I saw and experienced, below are some photos and a Press Release put together by the organizers, describing the evening and what was accomplished, both for the city, but also for 'Cause We Care' another worthy non-profit organization that had been selected by the organizers as the charitable beneficiary of the event.

2024 North American Lifestyle Awards Night: A Fusion of Creativity and Life

Vancouver, September 24, 2024* — The 2024 North American Lifestyle Awards Night was successfully held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, co-hosted by The Lifestyle Foundation and iQIYI, with event planning by the WeDo team. The event featured top-tier Hollywood photographers and was strongly supported by industry leaders such as Huanli Financial and China Southern Airlines. This gathering seamlessly blended creativity, lifestyle, and philanthropy, drawing guests from various sectors.

Immersive Experience: The Puzzle Journey

The event’s theme was inspired by Georges Perec's novel *Life: A User's Manual*, centered around the concept of a "puzzle." Guests were invited into a mysterious "Paris apartment," where they unraveled fragments of a story about a missing resident through interactive puzzles, exploring complex themes of identity and relationships. This journey of discovery offered guests an engaging experience that combined storytelling, thought-provoking puzzles, and self-reflection, encouraging a deeper exploration of life and identity.

Innovation in Lifestyle

The Lifestyle Foundation’s Honorary Chair, Tung Chan, shared the foundation’s vision of enhancing community development by improving individual quality of life. He emphasized that "vitality, creativity, and aesthetics" are core principles of the foundation, encouraging everyone to inspire change and happiness through small, everyday actions, thereby creating a positive impact on society.

During the event, iQIYI Vice President Geng Danhao expressed excitement about future collaborations, pledging to continue supporting innovation in lifestyle. Michael Geller, a Vancouver architect and urban planner, praised the selection criteria of the awards, highlighting the importance of design innovation in enhancing well-being.

The Power of Charity: Live It Up Foundation’s Commitment to Care

During the philanthropic segment, The Lifestyle Foundation’s founder, Shasha Liu, announced a donation of $10,000 CAD to the Cause We Care Foundation, aimed at supporting low-income single mothers by providing the resources they need to improve their living conditions. Cause We Care Foundation’s founder, Andrea Thomas Hill, expressed gratitude, sharing how the donation will assist more families in achieving a better life.

Huanli Financial: Merging Wealth and Social Responsibility

As the premier sponsor of the 2024 "Live it up" North American Lifestyle Awards, Huanli Financial is dedicated to combining wealth management with social responsibility, offering comprehensive asset planning and management services for high-net-worth families. The company believes that wealth is not just personal accumulation but a source of societal welfare. Huanli Financial actively participates in philanthropic projects, supporting cultural arts and community development, with the aim of creating a better future alongside their clients. The company advocates for sharing and giving back to society, inviting more people to join in this journey of mutual benefit between wealth and philanthropy.

Conclusion

The 2024 North American Lifestyle Awards Night was a celebration of creativity, lifestyle, and charity. Through thoughtfully designed immersive experiences, the event allowed guests to delve into profound themes of identity and life, showcasing efforts from various sectors to drive innovation and social care. The Lifestyle Foundation will continue to collaborate across industries to promote lifestyle innovation and philanthropic endeavors, striving to build more harmonious and compassionate communities.

No celebration is complete without music and dancing!

I was pleased to meet some of the other Lifestyle Foundation staff!

On the left, a prominent influencer in the Chinese community! :-)

Appreciation and Media Coverage

The Lifestyle Foundation thanks the media for their attention and coverage of the event and looks forward to working together with society to create a brighter future for North American lifestyles.