OPENROAD FOUNDATION’S SECOND ANNUAL “SEEDS OF CHANGE” GARDEN FUNDRAISER RAISES A RECORD $188,000 FOR WEST COAST KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION
SEEDS OF CHANGE 2026
The midsummer long-table dinner, presented by OpenRoad Foundation and the Panatch Family Foundation, returned to Athiana Acres in August.
The second annual Seeds of Change fundraiser, presented by OpenRoad Foundation and Panatch Family Foundation, raised a record $188,000 in support of West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation. Held on August 15 at Athiana Acres this summer, the long-table soirée brought together more than 175 guests for an evening of culinary excellence and philanthropy, building on last year’s inaugural event.
“I’m immensely proud of the team and what they have achieved in just the second annual Seeds of Change,” says Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto and Chair of OpenRoad Foundation’s Board. “The event inspires people to want to learn more about how they can help and give back to the community. We thank the Panatch Family Foundation for standing alongside us in supporting the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation this year – an important cause that helps families through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives.”
West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to providing practical support, resources, and financial assistance to children and families affected by childhood cancer. Its programs, offered free to families, range from hospital freezers stocked with easy-to-heat meals and home-delivered meal boxes to adapted port shirts, peer support groups, and a summer day camp with an on-site medical team.
Seeds of Change is part of OpenRoad Foundation’s ongoing commitment to community charity organizations across B.C. and Ontario. Earlier this year, the Foundation launched its 2026 Community Giving Program, committing $750,000 in total community grants, including 20 public grants of $10,000 to $30,000 for charities that align with its three pillars: community, environment, and education. $250,000 was earmarked for organizations through its inaugural OpenRoad Associate Recommendation Program.
“We are so grateful to OpenRoad Foundation and the Panatch Family Foundation for choosing West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation as this year’s Seeds of Change beneficiary,” says Jeenu Kailey, Executive Director, West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation. “The funds raised will help many families as this support goes directly to families navigating childhood cancer, from meals in hospital and at home to the programs that help kids simply be kids, so that no family has to face treatment alone.”
The event, emceed by Lien Yeung and auctioneered by Fred Lee, featured a multi-course dinner by award-winning and internationally acclaimed chef Rob Feenie of Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, together with Bon Vivant Catering. The menu highlighted locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal produce grown at Athiana Acres, paired with wine from Phantom Creek.
“The generosity of our guests and sponsors is what makes this impact possible. We are especially grateful to Denise Nawata and the team at Farris LLP, our Signature Sponsor, for their incredible support. Together, these contributions will help West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation continue to be there for B.C. families navigating childhood cancer,”
adds Shea Studler, Manager of OpenRoad Foundation.
Since 2023, OpenRoad Foundation has distributed grants totalling $2 million to more than 90 partners across B.C. and Ontario.
To see a full photo gallery from Seeds of Change 2026, please visit this album.