The Okanagan is our home and the jewel of Canada. A region of unparalleled beauty, globally celebrated for its award-winning wines, exceptional produce and vibrant culinary scene. To live in the Okanagan is to experience the extraordinary. We are elevated.
With this pride and passion, the Okanagan College Foundation presents Elevate, a tantalizing fundraising experience.
On October 4, Okanagan College will transform into an Okanagan-inspired piazza where 250 guests will embark on a sensory journey.
Renowned Chef Rod Butters and Mission Hill's Bram Bolwijn will curate an evening of exclusive chef collaborations, premium tastings and a thrilling Black Box Competition.
Move into the theatre to watch a thrilling Black Box Competition between two teams of the Okanagan's most talented chefs and mixologists, challenged to create dishes using mystery ingredients. The teams, led by Chef Rod Butters and Chef Bernard Casavant, will test their creativity, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure as Chef Jeremy Luypen hosts the live competition. While judges deliberate, you will have the opportunity to bid on incredible gastronomic experiences and more!
Following the excitement of the Black Box Competition, guests will gather in the piazza to enjoy the soulful sounds of musician Andrew Johns. There, you’ll be treated to an inspired collection of dishes crafted collaboratively by the Okanagan’s most celebrated chefs—each one thoughtfully paired with local wine, beer, and spirits.
As a lasting keepsake of the evening, you’ll take home a beautifully curated recipe book, filled with dishes from the talented chefs who made the night unforgettable.
Join us for an extraordinary evening!
In 2027, Okanagan College will open a Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism in Kelowna. It will be Canada’s first purpose-built facility integrating food, beverage and tourism education, serving the Okanagan, British Columbia and beyond. Together, we will fuel talent and innovation and elevate our region’s reputation worldwide.
Your support of Elevate will help Okanagan College cultivate the next generation of culinary, beverage and hospitality talents for our region.
People like Brian, who will go on to elevate the sector.
"I won a scholarship, which felt great because it recognized my dedication and work ethic. It made me feel as though there was an invested interest in educating and promoting students within culinary arts. I remember feeling there was a bright future ahead with gastronomy.”
Brian Wawryk, OC alumni and Michelin Star chef, Traube
Hosted by Gord Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Winery.
Supporting the transformative power of education, we inspire giving to transform lives.
We engage community to invest in Okanagan College’s campuses, learning spaces, equipment, and programs, and we create opportunities for donors to help students fulfill their potential through education.
Helen joined Okanagan College as Director Advancement and Executive Director of the Okanagan College Foundation in 2019. She has over 25 years of experience in non-profit management and leadership, fundraising and partnership development gained in roles in the U.K. and Canada.
Helen has a BA in English Literature and Language from the University of Leeds, an MA from Birmingham City University, and executive education from London Business School. Prior to joining Okanagan College, Helen was Executive Director UWSIBC, Executive Director Programs National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts, and Chief Executive of the Macular Society.
When she’s not working with donors who are passionate about education, she’s hiking, skiing or watching her son play soccer.
Pam Prentice joined the Okanagan College Foundation team in July 2023.
With over 15 years of experience in post-secondary and nonprofit fundraising in the Okanagan, Pam enjoys connecting community members with opportunities to make an impact through their philanthropy.
The motivation to give is different for everyone, and it’s the stories behind the giving that Pam is most interested in learning. Whether it be support for students, a specific program of interest or a capital campaign, she guides the process of giving with care and respect for the donor’s wishes.
Pam is a strong believer in the value of post-secondary education and is inspired by the many areas of study available to prospective Okanagan College students. Passionate about student health and wellbeing, Pam understands the impact of having a healthy mind and body and how it drives academic and career success.
Living in Kelowna since 2003, Pam and her family feel privileged to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the beautiful Okanagan Valley presents.
Sasha Carter joined the Okanagan College Foundation team in August 2021. With more than five years’ experience working in nonprofit planned giving and 17 years in the insurance industry, Sasha blends passion and financial acumen to support donors in planning their legacy.
Sasha helps donors with identifying their passions and aligning them with projects at Okanagan College, whether that be for individual student supports and bursaries, estate planning or capital project and program enhancement. There is never one size fits all.
For Sasha, it is paramount that she understands how her donors would like to have their positive impact felt in the world. By understanding the different methods of funding, whether it be through publicly-traded gifts of securities, a gift in a will or other charitable tools, Sasha helps donors maximize their philanthropy.
Sasha is a mom to two young boys, and is an avid competitive curler. She has competed on the provincial, national and international stage; capturing the title of World Champion in both 1995 and 2007.
Samantha Blandon is dedicated to building community and believes deeply in the power of education.
As Development Officer, Annual Giving at Okanagan College, she connects community with meaningful opportunities to support students through awards and impactful programs.
A proud OC alumna (2013 BBA), Samantha brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising and non-profit engagement. Recognized with a Service Excellence Award in 2019, she is known for her thoughtful approach, commitment to student success, and ability to bring people together to create lasting impact.
Samantha was born and raised in Kelowna and is a proud first-generation Canadian with Central American roots. She’s grateful to call the Okanagan home to enjoy all the natural beauty and vibrant community it offers.
