An evening can hold a lot: a story that makes everyone pause, a reason to give, a conversation over dinner, and a song that brings people together.
On September 25, 2026, I was proud to be a sponsor and performing DJ at InspireHealth’s 11th Annual A Night to Inspire Gala at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver. The evening raised $750,000 to help provide free supportive cancer care for patients and their loved ones across British Columbia.
That result belongs to the generosity and collective work of the donors, guests, sponsors, volunteers and InspireHealth team. I was grateful to contribute to an evening with such a meaningful purpose.
A Vancouver fundraising gala supporting people affected by cancer
Presented by Pure Integrative Pharmacy, A Night to Inspire is InspireHealth’s largest annual fundraising event.
InspireHealth provides free supportive cancer care for people with any type of cancer, at any stage, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Its programs and services support patients and their loved ones through the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
The gala brought that work into the room through patient stories, community support and opportunities to give. Patient ambassador Zed Dhalla shared his story, connecting the evening’s fundraising to the people it helps.
What happened at A Night to Inspire 2026?
The gala ran from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a program that moved from a sparkling wine reception into dinner, fundraising, live entertainment and dancing.
Guests enjoyed a chef-curated three-course gourmet meal with wine pairings, alongside:
- A silent auction featuring getaways, experiences, jewellery, gift cards and more.
- A live auction with offerings ranging from private dining and an exclusive after-hours experience to rail travel, coastal and lakeside escapes, and a Northern Lights experience.
- Patient stories and a Fund a Need appeal.
- Two special raffles.
- Live musical entertainment and dancing to close the evening.
The silent auction also welcomed participation from people who weren’t attending the gala, extending the opportunity to support InspireHealth beyond the ballroom.
Hosts and entertainment highlights
Fred Lee and Mi-Jung Lee hosted the evening. InspireHealth’s official recap recognized performers Karla Sax, DJ Pri, Bryan Wong, Herbert Kwan and Shannon Chung.
I was proud to be part of that entertainment lineup and to support the event as a sponsor.
A gala brings together people with different relationships to the cause: patients, families, healthcare professionals, donors, business leaders and community supporters. The music has to consider the people in the room as well as the reason they’re there.
There are moments to listen. Moments to connect. Moments to celebrate. Recognizing the difference is an essential part of the work.
Gala raffles and other ways to give
The 2026 gala included two standout raffle prizes:
A $17,000 diamond necklace: A Timeless Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace featuring a 1.23-carat natural fancy yellow diamond surrounded by 18 brilliant-cut diamonds.
A $9,100 Bruno Mars suite experience: Generously donated by PavCo and BC Place, the prize included admission for up to 15 guests to Bruno Mars’ October 20, 2026 concert at BC Place, plus a $500 food and beverage credit.
Supporters could also purchase InspireHealth’s limited-edition jewellery collection, designed by Anna Nyarady and Isabel Hsieh, in collaboration with Shelley Leonhardt of Fifth Avenue Collection Jewellery.
Together with the auctions, donations and Fund a Need, these activities gave the community several ways to contribute to free supportive cancer care.
Why the music matters at a charity gala
A fundraising gala asks a lot of one room: pay attention, hear someone’s story, understand the need, give generously, enjoy dinner, meet people and celebrate.
Those moments call for different kinds of energy.
As a Vancouver DJ and event producer with more than 15 years of experience, I approach music as part of the guest experience and the event program. I consider when it should support conversation, when it should bring energy into the room, and when the program needs space.
For planners and nonprofit teams, that means working with a DJ who understands that the evening has a purpose, a schedule and many people contributing to its success.
My broader experience includes music direction, hosting, show calling and technical direction. That background informs how I collaborate with event teams and approach the relationship between music, timing and the room.
Proud to support InspireHealth
Thank you to InspireHealth, the gala committee, board, staff, volunteers, fellow performers and sponsors who helped make A Night to Inspire possible.
It was a privilege to contribute as a sponsor and DJ to an evening that raised $750,000 for supportive cancer care across BC.
You can explore the event highlights and access the full gala recording through InspireHealth’s official A Night to Inspire recap.
Planning a gala or corporate event in Vancouver?
I’m DJ Pri, a Vancouver-based open-format DJ and event producer working with planners, corporate teams and nonprofit organizations on charity galas, fundraising events, awards nights and corporate celebrations.
Whether you’re bringing donors together around a cause or celebrating the people behind your organization, I help shape the music around your guests, your program and the experience you want to create.
To enquire about DJ services in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland or a destination event, submit an inquiry through my website with your date, venue and event details.
