Gala season is upon us, so pull out those ball gowns and black ties because it’s time to dress to the nines for a number of very worthwhile causes. First, it was the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Heart of Gold gala VIP pre-reception. Held at the very elegant 20,000+ sq. ft. Casa Mia mansion in Vancouver, North Shore guests were treated to an evening of canapes, cocktails and music – all of which helps lead up to the big “Midnight in an Italian Garden” themed gala night to be held on June 10th. Next, it was another invite only VIP reception at the Hyatt hotel in honour of the Turning Point Recovery Society’s gala fundraiser. This intimate pre-dinner gathering gave VIPs a chance to meet the evening’s guest of honour, actress Katey Sagal. Best known for her portrayal of Peg Bundy on the television sitcom “Married with Children”, she was a complete delight to meet in person as she laughed and chatted with guests about her various acting roles and her own struggle with addiction.
01 – Tres elegant! West Vancouverites Mark and Cindi George, left, join friends Tanya and Frank Taleghan at the Heart & Stroke reception at Casa Mia.
02 – Heart & Stroke PR gal Shelley Johnson, left, greets guests like West Vancouver’s famous golden gal and Bon Mot Book Club founder Leah Costello.
03 – Heart & Stroke gala girls Carey Hoogstins Smith, left, and Donna Molby are now getting the last minute details put together for the big upcoming June 10th Midnight in an Italian Garden evening.
04 – This year’s Heart & Stroke gala will also include honourary co-chairs Natallie and Amar Doman, so mark your calendars.
05 – Turning Point Recovery Society volunteers Marnie Plant and Michael McCoy await the arrival of VIPs and guest speaker Katey Sagal at the Hyatt.
06 – Global TV noon news anchor Randene Neill, left, seen here with Turning Point Recovery Society board member James B. Myers, always does a fabulous job as gala MC at this event.
07 – You might not recognize her without the wild red hair and leopard print hot pants, but actress Katey Sagal, right, seen here with Turning Point Recovery Society’s executive director Brenda Plant, is much much more than her often outrageous on-screen personas.
08 – Among the VIPs at the Turning Point Recovery Society’s Katey Sagal reception is former TV newsman and North Shore resident Stu McNish.
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By Catherine Barr – May 5, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on May 12, 2011