Flourish - A fusion of food, wine and fundraising

Welcome to a taste of VCC

2025 Flourish

A fusion of food, wine and fundraising

Flourish is ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµFoundation's annual fundraising experience. It’s an opportunity to come together to support our students as they change their lives through the power of real learning and hands-on education. Thank you to everyone who helped us raise a record-breaking $239,000 at 2025 Flourish in support of ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµstudents. Stay tuned for more information on next year’s event!

When

Spring 2026

Where

²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµBroadway campus

Why

Ensuring students have access to practical, experiential education to achieve real learning for real change.

Sponsorships

Support ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµstudents through sponsorships.

2025 Flourish Highlights

A tray of lollipop cakes

Meet Our Chefs

Our talented chefs bring creativity and passion to every dish, combining tradition with innovation for an unforgettable dining experience.

Chef Edison Antejos

Edison Antejos

Showcase Restaurant + Bar, Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Vancouver

Edison started as a 3rd cook in 2004 and is now Executive Chef, leading Showcase Restaurant & Banquets. With experience across major hotels, he brings expertise, humour, and passion for food.

Chef Shahni Arshad

Shahni Arshad

Supper Club YVR and Sauce Pantry

Shahni has worked at Hawksworth and Boneta, now leading Supper Club YVR, curating luxurious private dining experiences. His passion for hospitality and fine dining elevates Vancouver’s culinary scene.

Chef Leanne Bentley

Leanne Bentley

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Leanne, a Red Seal baker and former competitor, has worked at Mission Hill Winery, Delta Hotels, and Fairmont. Since 2015, she has shared her passion for baking as an instructor at VCC.

Chef Stacy Bestard

Stacy Bestard

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With 35 years in hospitality, Stacy has spent 15 years teaching at VCC. She’s committed to food security education, believing food fosters creativity, culture, and deep connections.

Chef BiIlly Chan

Billy Chan

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Billy has 21 years in top restaurants and hotels across Vancouver, Tokyo, and Paris. Passionate about teaching, he tailors his approach to students and loves exploring the Pacific West Coast.

chef starri chow

Starri Chow

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

For 14 years, Starri has led menu innovation, mentored chefs, and ensured excellence in West Coast-inspired cuisine at Sheraton Wall Centre, bringing passion and expertise to the team.

Chef Joshua Cyr

Joshua Cyr

Sodexo Live! and Vancouver Convention Centre

A global traveller, Joshua brings diverse culinary expertise from cafés to corporate kitchens. Passionate about mentorship, he takes pride in training future culinary leaders and delivering excellence.

Chef Karen Gin

Karen Gin

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Karen has 30 years in the industry and has been teaching at ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµsince 2012. She connects with students through food experiences and storytelling, sharing her deep passion for the culinary arts.

Chef Sonny Ho

Sonny Ho

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A ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµgraduate with 20+ years in the restaurant industry, Sonny is passionate about Asian cuisine. Now leading VCC’s Asian Culinary Arts Department, he shares cultural insights and techniques.

Chef Tret Jordan

Tret Jordan

Truffles Fine Foods Catering

With experience from Michelin-starred kitchens to local favourites, Tret creates ingredient-driven menus. He’s a Culinary Director and industry leader, passionate about mentorship and sustainability.

Chef Esther Kosa

Esther Kosa

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Esther trained under pastry chef Thomas Haas, honing her craft in pastries and chocolates. Now a ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµbaking instructor, she stays updated on trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with students.

Chef Montgomery Lau

Montgomery Lau

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Montgomery worked in top restaurants, including MARKET by Jean-Georges and Wedgewood Hotel. Now an instructor at VCC, he’s dedicated to lifelong learning and sharing his culinary knowledge.

Chef Tobias MacDonald

Tobias MacDonald

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A decorated culinary competitor, Tobias won gold at the Culinary Olympics and became Canada’s second Certified Master Chef. Now a ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµinstructor, he mentors aspiring chefs with expert guidance.

Chef Ronnie Nugent

Ronnie Nugent

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Ronnie started at ²ÝÁñ¶ÌÊÓÆµin 2005 and worked at top restaurants, including Crave and Caesars. Now an Instructional Assistant, she supports the Culinary Arts department, helping shape future chefs.

Chef Kishore Rangan

Kishore Rangan

Sodexo Live! and Vancouver Convention Centre

From Bangalore, Kishore blends European cooking with sustainable local ingredients. He has held executive roles at Fairmont and is passionate about mentoring and delivering unforgettable experiences.

Chef Hamid Salimian

Hamid Salimian

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A Culinary Olympics competitor, Chef Hamid now teaches at VCC, mentoring future chefs with hands-on training. Passionate about education and innovation, he helps shape Vancouver’s culinary scene.

Meet Our Chefs

Gallery

Contact


If you have any questions regarding the event or are interested in supporting Flourish through corporate sponsorship or philanthropic giving, please contact:

Roop Johal
Senior Development Officer