“SEEDS OF CHANGE” GARDEN FUNDRAISER RAISES $177,000 FOR VANCOUVER FOOD RUNNERS
INAUGURAL “SEEDS OF CHANGE” GARDEN FUNDRAISER RAISES $177,000 FOR VANCOUVER FOOD RUNNERS
The special event by OpenRoad Foundation and the Panatch Family Foundation was held at Athiana Acres this summer; the funds raised will make a meaningful impact on food insecurity in Metro Vancouver
Our inaugural Seeds of Change fundraiser dinner was made possible by our amazing event committee, shown here alongside Christian Chia (Chair of the Board), Dev Walia (Board Member), Tahir Ayub (Executive Sponsor, OpenRoad Group), and Chef Rob Feenie from Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie.
Richmond, B.C., September 16, 2025 - The inaugural Seeds of Change fundraiser, spearheaded by OpenRoad Foundation (the registered philanthropic arm of OpenRoad Group) in partnership with the Panatch Family Foundation, raised $177,000 in support of Vancouver Food Runners. The special long-table soirée, held this summer at Athiana Acres, brought together more than 150 guests for an evening of community, connection, and culinary artistry.
“Seeing the community gather at Athiana Acres this summer for such an important cause was truly inspiring,” say Simran and Eshleen Panatch of the Panatch Family Foundation. “We thank OpenRoad Foundation for partnering with us and helping us raise awareness and funds for food security.”
Vancouver Food Runners is a registered charity dedicated to tackling food insecurity and reducing the environmental impact of wasted food. Since launching its food recovery program, the organization has redirected more than five million pounds of surplus food to local community partners and those in need.
“With our first Seeds of Change, we are laying the foundation for an annual tradition that combines philanthropy with community connection,” explains Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Group and Chair of OpenRoad Foundation's Board. “We are proud to partner with the Panatch Family Foundation and Vancouver Food Runners to create meaningful change and make a lasting impact for years to come.”
Seeds of Change was part of OpenRoad Foundation’s ongoing commitment to grassroots and community organizations across British Columbia and Ontario. Earlier this year, the Foundation launched its 25 in 25 grant initiative, awarding 25 grants of $25,000 each to non-profits that align with its three philanthropic pillars: community, environment, and education.
“We are incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received from the OpenRoad Foundation and for choosing Vancouver Food Runners as the beneficiary of their inaugural fundraiser,” says Tristan Jagger, Founder and Board Chair, Vancouver Food Runners. “This generous support will definitely make a tangible difference, allowing us to continue transforming surplus food into meaningful change for our community.”
The event, emceed by Lien Yeung and auctioneered by Fred Lee, featured a multi-course dinner by acclaimed chef Rob Feenie of Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, together with award-winning chef Dino Renaerts of Bon Vivant Catering. They sourced much of the produce ingredients directly from Athiana Acres to create each dish.
“We want to thank our sponsors and guests for their incredible generosity. Their donations go directly to supporting Vancouver Food Runners in their mission to create a more sustainable and equitable food system,” adds Shea Studler, Manager of OpenRoad Foundation.
For more information about OpenRoad Foundation, please visit openroadfoundation.ca.
