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Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation’s 27th Annual Women’s Media Non-Golf Classic Photos

Vancouver's leading female business owners, community leaders, and media personalities raise $235,000 for the Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation

By Jay Shaw /

Credit: Jay Shaw

Jill Schnarr, Telus VP of community affairs and Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, founder, Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation



Credit: Jay Shaw

Honourable Linda Reid; Linda Thornton, co-founder, BC Guide Dogs Services; Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, co-founder, Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation and Janet Austin, YWCA CEO



Credit: Jay Shaw

Jill Krop, Global BC news director; Sonia-Beeksma, Global BC community reporter and Yvonne Schalle, Global BC meteorologist, with VPD officers



Credit: Jay Shaw

Clara Agopian, Lugaro Jewellers, and her daughter, Sevan, and the Honourable Linda Reid



Credit: Jay Shaw

Barbara Beam, JRFM radio host and Natalie Langston, Canadian TV personality and lifestyle expert



Credit: Jay Shaw

Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation co-founders Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia



Credit: Jay Shaw

Karen Khunkhun, CFOX’s The Jeff O’Neil Show and Fiona Forbes, TV host



Credit: Jay Shaw

Patricia James, Keri Kennett and Debbie Siu of Puzzled Jewellers present Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia with a donation of $50,000



Credit: Jay Shaw

Martina Meckova; executive director of Vancouver Police Foundation; Shelina-Esmail, partner, PFM Executive Search and Brittany Stansfield, senior recruiting associate, PFM Executive Search



Credit: Jay Shaw

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, co-founder, Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation and Wayne Moriarty, editor-in-chief, The Province


Dubbed the “least competitive golf tournament in town”, the 27th Annual Women’s Media Non-Golf Classic saw more than 200 esteemed women (including 60 influential women in the local media industry) brave the rain in support of the Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation (PAFC) and its GoodLife Fitness Family Autism Hub, slated to open in Richmond this fall. Held on June 13, 2016 at the Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, the morning kicked off with attendees sipping champagne during their VIP trolley ride down to the golf course. Shortly before the ladies took to the tee, Telus vice president of community affairs Jill Schnarr presented PAFC with a $100,000 donation—a perfect way to kick off the event.

Following the festivities on the course, the ladies were whisked back to Century Plaza Hotel & Spa where they were treated to a beautiful dinner at C|Prime Modern Italian Steak & Wine. The evening celebration was hosted by Global BC News Director Jill Krop, and TV host Fiona Forbes and CFOX’s Karen Khunkhun took to the stage as auctioneers where attendees had the opportunity to big on amazing items including a chocolate making class at Purdys and a trip for two to St. James Club in Antigua. Through the efforts of everyone involved, generous donations and the live and silent auction, a total of $235,000 was raised for PAFC.

“This year’s Non-Golf Classic was a big milestone for us,” says PAFC founder, Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia. “After 27 years, this tournament finally marks the one before we open our doors at the HUB this fall. We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us today. It was one for the records!”

About The Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation and GoodLife Fitness Family Autism HUB
The HUB is a 60,000-square-foot centre of excellence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), related disorders and their families. The core purpose is to be a Knowledge Centre: bringing together state-of-the-art resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support; while building capacity to address the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD. The goal is to ensure that the HUB builds upon existing lifespan services while at the same time addressing the need for support and services across British Columbia.