Last night’s 2012 Pathfinders Dinner reminded people how fun school could be! At the reception, Pathfinders, donors who contribute $10,000 or more to United Way of the Lower Mainland, were served mini corn dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese as appetizers. The event was themed around the playground: United Way helps kids make the right choices by investing in safe places and supportive programs where children feel they belong and can find great role models.

But they were also reminded how tough school can be for others. Case in point: Fatima. She was relentlessly bullied in high school: her possessions thrown in the garbage, her hand clamped in a welding machine, ready to be burned. Fatima triumphed over bullying through the support and guidance offered by United Way-funded Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC. Now she counsels peers helping others develop the skills and courage to counter bullying or to not be bullies themselves.

For their contributions to United Way and to our community, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals were presented to:

• Yuri Fulmer: Mr. Fulmer, Chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, is a passionate fundraiser. His dynamic entrepreneurship and committed volunteerism garnered him the Order of British Columbia in 2011, the Province’s highest honour.

• Tom Malone: Over 18 consecutive years, including six year on the Board and one as board chair, Mr. Malone has been extremely dedicated and passionate about the work of United Way. He won the United Way Canada/Centraide Chair’s Award of Distinction in 2008 and the 2005 CFL Commissioner’s Award.

• Dr. Saida Rasul: Dr. Rasul’s commitment to volunteerism began at the age of eight in South Africa. She has served on the boards of the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, Simon Fraser University and the United Way where she chaired the board and co-chaired the annual fundraising campaign.

The Joseph and Rosalie Segal Award recognizes an individual or family for their outstanding commitment to the betterment of our community through leadership and support of United Way and was presented to:

• Mrs. Mary Jordan: For more than 30 years, Mrs. Jordan fostered critical United Way initiatives that help children between the ages of zero and 12 get the best start in life. Mrs. Jordan is an extremely thoughtful, proactive and generous philanthropist who supports many local organizations.

The reception at the United Way Pathfinders dinner was sponsored by Odlum Brown Limited. Randene Neill, Global BC anchor of New Hour Final, generously emceed the event.

View photos from the event.