A lush and historic property close to the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam will be the setting for a fundraiser next week to support African grandmothers.
The Coquitlam Gogos — meaning "grandparent" in Africa — will host a Jazz in the Garden benefit at the home of member Denise Townsend who has a modern home on a former homestead that once had a large apple orchard.
Townsend and her husband are opening their home for the June 24 mingle that will include a performance by the Gabriole Sinclaire Trio.
The Gogos hope to raise about $2,500 from the event, with proceeds in aid of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
His grandmothers-to-grandmothers campaign has brought in more than $24 million over the past decade to help grandmoms in 15 sub-Saharan African countries caring for their grandchildren now orphaned after their parents died of HIV/AIDS.
Last year, the Coquitlam Gogos raised $22,000 for the cause through two fashion shows — including one hosted by Vancouver clothing historian Ivan Sayers — a Downton Abbey-style tea and a cooking class.
Its 25 members meet monthly at Parkwood Manor in Coquitlam.
• For tickets at $35 to Jazz in the Garden or to join the Coquitlam Gogos, call 604-475-4180 or 604-464-3298.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
