Spring blossoms, garden strolls, cool jazz, hors-doeuvre and wine tasting set the tone for the evening, which also included silent and live auctions to raise money for UCFV scholarships and endowment funds.

The event commemorated the incorporation of both the UCFV Foundation and the UCFV Alumni Association.

The purpose of UCFV's new Foundation is to raise funds for scholarships, bursaries, and learning resources for UCFV students.

While UCFV has run fundraising campaigns in the past and has always welcomed donations, the launch of the Foundation marks a more formal and permanent approach to seeking community support for the Fraser Valley post-secondary institution.

UCFV president Skip Bassford noted that the launch of a foundation and alumni association is a sign that UCFV is truly coming of age.

"Both, in their own way will provide a network of communications and connections with our communities," he said. "Both will help to raise awareness and support for our rapidly growing and changing institution."

Phyllis Stenson, chair of the UCFV Board of Governors, welcomed and thanked the inaugural members of the UCFV Foundation Board, all community volunteers.

"Already this group has done an enormous amount of work in educating themselves about UCFV, learning about the issues and challenges that face our institution. We are thankful that they have offered their very busy time and considerable expertise to help us with future fundraising activities."

Stenson presented a plaque commemorating the establishment of the foundation to Gord Huston, the first chair of the new UCFV Foundation board of directors. Huston is the chief executive officer for First Heritage/Delta Credit Union.

"UCFV is very fortunate to have someone with his expertise and leadership ability to establish our new Foundation," Stenson said.

Huston said that he is "delighted" to participate in the launch of the UCFV Foundation.

"We need a strong post-secondary presence in our communities because it will make an important investment in the future of our communities. I can't think of a better way of supporting UCFV than getting local business people onside. I want to help community people find it in their hearts and pockets to support UCFV, and make it one of the best post-secondary institutions in the country."

The new Foundation will take responsibility for approximately $1 million in endowment funds at UCFV. The commitment of the Foundation will be to work diligently to ensure that this base grows considerably in the years ahead.

Inaugural Foundation Board members include:

    Andrew Purdy (Vice Chair), retired lawyer, community leader from Chilliwack
    Marian Dyck manager of Odlum Brown Ltd., former chair of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and this
    years's Woman of the Year for Chilliwack
    Herman Driediger owner of EZE Rent It, and chair of the Abbotsford Airport Authority
    Dr. Victor Hollister internationally renowned geologist, community leader and an exceptional UCFV supporter
    Barry Marsden CEO of Cascade (formerly Conair) Aviation in Abbotsford
    Brian Minter of Minter Gardens and other related endeavours.
    Peter Podovinikoff the President of First Heritage/Delta Credit Union
    Phyllis Stenson UCFV Board Chair
    Terry-Lynn Stone UCFV Bachelor of Arts graduate and Chair of the new UCFV Alumni Association
    Ian Waters Retired architect from Mission
    Dr. Skip Bassford UCFV President
    Norah Andrew UCFV Vice President of Finance and Administration
    Bob Warick Executive Director of the UCFV Foundation

Several donors were also acknowledged and thanked at the Foundation launch. These included the PoCo Garden Club, John Urquhart, Bill Harris, the Royal Bank Financial Group, the estate of Rosamunde Currie, and Dr. Victor and Hilda Hollister. The total value of the donations recognized was $267,000.

Sponsors of the UCFV Foundation launch were First Heritage Delta Credit Union, Brian and Faye Minter, and the UCFV Alumni Association. Many local businesses and artists also donated auction and raffle items. Live and silent auctions at the launch raised $11,569.