ABOUT THE EVENT

In 2014, Canadian Armed Forces reservist Mark Adams and businessman Scott Martin invited a small group of military members and Vancouver professionals to dinner. Their goal: To encourage awareness of those who wear Canada's uniform by giving their civilian colleagues an inside look at customs and traditions that most outside of the Forces never experience. The resulting evening was as educational as it was enjoyable. The Vancouver Military Dinner was born.

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In the years since, the dinner has become one of the city's most unique military-themed events.  Every spring, sailors, soldiers, aviators, veterans, and local professionals descend on the historic Vancouver Club for delicious food, riveting stories, and camaraderie that endures far beyond the evening's end. In addition to bringing Canadians and Canadian Armed Forces personnel together, the Vancouver Military Dinner also raises money for charities that support military members and veterans through silent auctions, donations of proceeds, and the incredible generosity of attendees.

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OUR TEAM

The Vancouver Military Dinner is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers from all walks of life:

MARK ADAMS, CD

CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIR

Both a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force and a proud member of Vancouver's professional community, Mark founded the event, and continues to guide its development.

JEFF LURA, CD

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jeff is a proud officer of the Royal Canadian Navy, currently serving in the National Capital Region in Ottawa. In addition to handling marketing and communications, he is our expert on Naval custom, and serves as president of the dinner.

SCOTT MARTIN

CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIR

Scott is a student of military tradition and a passionate supporter of Canadian military personnel. He is particularly committed to raising awareness of veterans' issues, and to ensuring that servicemen and women are supported

GRANT CARLSON

CORPORATE LIAISON

The newest member of the organizing committee, Grant is a longtime consultant in the mining industry and a regular presence at the Vancouver Military Dinner. As interest grows, Grant ensures warm relations with our non-military partners.

BRIAR SEXTON, MD

FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR

In addition to running her ophthalmology practice in Kitsilano, Briar is also a dedicated supporter of benevolent causes, including the Foundation for Fighting Blindness. She works tirelessly on our behalf to encourage community support.

WARREN KEREK, CD

MILITARY LIAISON

Warren is a former Armour Officer and Afghanistan veteran. He has since made Vancouver his home. In addition to maintaining our relationships with the city's military community, he serves as the society's expert on Army tradition.

FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

The following organizations - all devoted to the wellbeing of Canada's servicepeople and veterans - have been featured at Vancouver Military Dinners:

Honour House

Wounded Warriors Canada

Veterans Memorial Manor

Equitas Society

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Legion Military Skills Conversion Program

Soldier On

Whole Way House

CORPORATE SPONSORS

The Vancouver Military Dinner experience is significantly enhanced by the support, involvement, and generosity of the following organizations and companies:

In Memory of Mark Ford Cooper Sr., USN

VENUE

Established in 1889, The Vancouver Club is the city's professional club of choice. Through their generosity, Vancouver Military Dinner attendees enjoy some of the world's finest hospitality, and food, in the unique ambiance of a class A heritage building.