65 Roses Gala: Great cause, great time, making great strides

It's that fun time of year again: dressing down for Halloween parties one weekend, then dressing up for the annual 65 Roses Gala the very next.

The charitable extravaganza, this year celebrating its crystal anniversary after 15 years of raising funds for research into a cure for cystic fibrosis, will once again present an evening of fun, fine food and wines, live and silent auctions, and music and dancing at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel's Grand Ballroom.

The black-tie-optional affair goes down the evening of Saturday, November 7, starting at 6 p.m. with a signature cocktail reception and auction viewing, followed by a B.C. inspired gourmet three-course dinner with wine pairings. (Angus Reid will help with emceeing duties again this year.)

Hilarious live auction

After the spirited (and often hilarious) live-auction bidding for luxury items and spectacular weekend getaways and travel packages—among other great lots—the black ties get loosened or discarded for the live-entertainment and dancing late into the night.

You will have to purchase tickets to this popular and outstanding night out soon, though, as they are not available at the door and sales are cut off as of midnight this Monday (November 2). Go here to buy tickets online.

Help cure common, but little-known, disease

Remember, your tax receipt can ease the purchase price, and you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution to the beneficiary of this event, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, will have a real impact in helping find a cure and improving clinical care for those afflicted with Canada's most common inhertited fatal disease.

If you are unable to attend this outstanding philanthropic evening of entertainment, consider making a donation of any amount to CF Canada, which can be done through the page link above or by supporting the nonprofit organization through it's other traditional (and largest) annual fundraiser, the national Great Strides Walk, which takes place the last Sunday of every May.

Today's CF kids can thrive well past kindergarten

All donations, however small, have an impact with regard to research for a cure or control of CF. Amazing strides, “great strides”, have taken place over the past few decades in terms of scientific understanding and control of the disease, including identification of the gene responsible for CF and achieving a national median age of survival that is over 50 years of age, although far too many young people still succumb to the many physical manifestations of CF. Only 40 or so years ago, a child with cystic fibrosis was lucky to survive until kindergarten.

Although the devastating effects of cystic fibrosis on the lungs and digestive systems of those afflicted are well known, most people aren't aware that the disease also has many potential effects on reproductive ability, can cause a unique type of diabetes, and is often responsible for liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestinal, and eye damage, among other complications.

Research projects funded

Major uses of contributions are investing in research and ongoing improvements in CF patient care, including access to newly developed life-changing (and potentially life-saving) medications and advocacy for initiatives like universal newborn screening programs.

CF Canada will fund more than $5 million worth of innovative research projects, training awards, and partnerships aimed at improving the quality of care received by CF patients, more than 60 percent of whom are now adults, an amazing advance after only a few decades of study.

Dress up, drink fine wines, help save kids—what's not to like?

So get your ticket and treat yourself to consecutive weekends of truly satisfying, meaningful fun: giving out treats to delighted costumed kids one Saturday, then dressing up yourself the next Saturday and having a blast while helping to treat children to the best gift of all—life.