A look back on this hot and steamy month reveals a July filled with excitement and special events. Whether it was breaking out the barbecue with friends, the celebration of 100 years of Canada’s naval forces, or the star-studded premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s big top production of Kooza, North Shore faces were in all the right places.
01 – Designer to rock bands and rock stars like Gene Simmons of KISS makes North Van’s Jason “Deuce” Dussault and girlfriend/model Mashiah Vaughn two of the VIPs in the private tent at the opening of Cirque’s Kooza last week.
02 – West Vancouver’s famous news gals Fanny Kiefer, left, and CTV-9’s Pamela Martin could be found in the private Tapis Rouge VIP tent at the opening night of Cirque’s Kooza.
03 – Looking blonde and beautiful at the opening night of Cirque’s Kooza are Global TV’s Randene Neil, left, and “The Guard” actress Sonya Salomaa.
04 – Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of our Canadian Navy at a special reception aboard the HMCS Vancouver are West Vancouver’s Robert Barr, left, and Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Steven L. Point.
05 – They don’t call him “Rockin” Ronnie for nothing. North Van’s Ron Shewchuck, barbecue champ extraordinaire, can be found cooking up a storm every Sunday afternoon this summer down at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
06 – West Vancouver sisters Alexis, left, and Deanna Palkowski cuddle up to FMA TV producer Andy Chu at the recent opening night reception of Burberry’s new beauty line at Holt Renfrew.
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By Catherine Barr – July 24, 2010
Also published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on July 29, 2010
Spectacular – it’s the one word that best describes this week’s two fabulous features. First up, it was the premiere of Disney’s Broadway award winning musical “The Lion King”. Replete with elaborate costumes and stunning sets, not to mention the music/lyrics of Elton John and Tim Rice, this show is absolutely worth the price of admission and then some. A special opening night cast party revealed that these talented performers really do go the extra mile to bring it all to life. Performances run until Aug. 8 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Next, it was a warm welcome to summer thanks to the great folks out at Harrison Resort and Sandpiper Golf Club. All the romance of yesteryear at the Copper Room, plus some stunning new renovations to the pools and spa, make this a destination to die for. Add in some sturgeon fishing, and 18 holes at the nearby Sandpiper Resort and you have a holiday fit for a Hollywood star.
The Whistler Film Fest is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year – and what better way than with their annual gala fundraiser called “Soiree”. Held at Vancouver’s stylish waterfront Nu restaurant, the night included red carpet arrivals, decadent food and live music. Also, the Beach House restaurant in West Vancouver welcomed summer with a special Hawaiian Luau night featuring live entertainment, a bountiful buffet and dancing till late. Aloha!
Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company is known for its fabulous plays and talented performers, but the buzz surrounding the upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross is bigger than ever thanks to Hollywood A-Lister Eric McCormack. The Canadian born actor, known best for his starring role in television’s “Will and Grace” comedy series, will take to the stage starting July 22. Last week, the cast was present at a fundraising pre-gala party at a private West Vancouver home. Invited guests and VIPs got a chance to meet and mingle while enjoying fabulous food from Fraiche restaurant.
As we say goodbye to June, it’s time for a look back at several great summer events. First up, the West Vancouver Library Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament was held at Ambleside Greens Golf Course where mulligans are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. Dressed in Hampton’s whites, teams took to the field to pound it out for glory and charity. Next, it was sexy swimwear by Anna Kosturova and art by Tiko Kerr at Bud and Dottie Kanke’s fashionable Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown. Entitled “Summer Splash”, all funds raised to go support the Vancouver Native Health Society. Lastly, West Vancouver’s Ron Orr rolled out the red carpet at his Roxy nightclub for “Rockshow” a live heavy metal hair band night celebrating the establishment’s 22nd anniversary.
The West Vancouver Chamber’s President’s Dinner was held last week at the newly revamped Gleneagles Clubhouse in West Van. It was the perfect setting as business and civic leaders dressed to impress as the night also included the handing out of the Business Excellence Awards to deserving community nominees. Special mention to the North Shore Credit Union for taking home this year’s “Most Green Business” award.
You know it’s a good party when you get to play with the Belugas and tickle the sea otters. Add in some sustainable seafood, a glass of vino and some lavish auction items and you’ve got “Night at the Aquarium” – the Vancouver Aquarium’s signature gala fundraiser. This year, the gala raised over $300,000 and all of the proceeds go directly toward supporting the Aquarium’s numerous research, education and conservation efforts. Also last week, North Vancouverite and Steamworks proprietor Eli Gershkovitch welcomed guests to his newest installment – Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar – located in the downtown seabus terminal. Formerly known as the Transcontinental, the refurbished room features fabulous new decor and a new menu well worth the trip.
Star-studded arrivals on the red carpet, a champagne reception, beautiful gowns and real-life movie stars. The annual Leo Awards are, without a doubt, Vancouver’s best glitz and glamour night. It’s all about honouring the fabulous local talent that works both on and off the screen here in BC’s movie and television industry. But Vancouver’s “Night at the Oscars” wouldn’t be anything without the hard work of the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin – two men who have dedicated more than a dozen years to promoting and producing the best this province has to offer. Congrats to all involved.
A girls’ right to shoes is now a mantra thanks to the iconic tv-series-turned-chick-flick “Sex and the City 2”. And what better way to celebrate the movie’s debut than with a party in the shoe department of Holt Renfrew. Socialite Christie King and her Women United in Philanthropy group helped raised funds for the United Way this week as the well-heeled turned out in support. Next up, the Turning Point Society’s Gala turned up the glam with a special VIP cocktail pre-party featuring famous A-List actor Martin Sheen who was happy to donate his time. Lastly, the West Coast Fishing Club’s WCFC Culinary Series 2010 was held at the Vancouver Aquarium providing guests with an up-close introduction to the fine cuisine one can expect from this year’s culinary adventure trips to Langara Island.
Unique, artful and fun is the best way to describe “Bust – An Art Social”. Hosted by Global TV weather girl Kristi Gordon and a flock of female friends, this tasteful and titillating evening featuring inspired artworks by artists from all over BC. A silent auction, live entertainment and dancing rounded out the night with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Next, it was time for the Hot Chefs, Cool Jazz event as Bocue d’Or candidate chef Ryan Stone took his bows at center stage amidst the many food and wine stations set up at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Funds raised here go to support Ryans’ bid to compete with the best in January 2011.
Late Night funny man Jay Leno was the headliner last week at Brian Jessel’s 5th Annual Cabriolet Charity Gala. The $500 VIP ticket event was held at the dealership which was transformed into a glittering lounge complete with live music and fabulous food and beverage provided by some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. Proceeds from the night go to support the Canucks Autism Network, ArtsUmbrella and the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. Live and silent auction items galore helped raise funds, but no more so than the grand finale item – four tickets to the Tonight Show and a private tour of Jay’s own personal car collection.
It was fringes, flappers and fun last week as the North Vancouver City Library’s annual “Libations” fundraising gala was held at the new North Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier. The beautiful ballroom was magically transformed into “The Great Gatsby: Boas and Books” theme complete with live Roaring Twenties music generously provided by Clyde Mitchell and his spectacular Sinfonia orchestra. Live and silent auctions, and a chance to rub shoulder with authors and local dignitaries made this night a total success. Congrats. Also last week, West Vancouver’s Leone family played host to invited guests at a special showing of artist Gina Miller’s “Feel the Essence, Hear the Bloom” art collection.
If they had a million dollars . . . well, they do – and a lot more. So it’s only fitting that the Barenaked Ladies help with the VIP opening night party of Vancouver’s newest multi-million dollar property – The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Invited guests were treated to a private concert last week in the lobby of the richly elegant building which is bound to be the new hangout for famous faces. Also last week, it was time for ball gowns and black ties at the BC Cancer Society’s Diamond Ball Gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Entitled “Ole”, a $400 ticket to the 14th annual event featured live entertainment, auctions and more for this very worthwhile cause.
A new hotel, a new restaurant and a new art opening help wrap up the month of March and a busy Easter weekend filled with activities. First, it was a special private party to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new East Side Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Lonsdale Quay. Food and festivities helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Next, it was an Easter visit to the new Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale which features a fabulous chic ultra lounge/restaurant and some of the best view banquet space on the North Shore. And, to wrap up the month, artist Tanya Slingsby’s hosted many North Shore guests at the opening of her “Arcana” art exhibit at her east side atelier.
Eating right, giving back and starting anew doesn’t seem like it could be that much fun – but last week, it was! Three great events full of charity and giving helped start Spring off on the right note. First up, it was the BC Chefs’ Association’s Healthy Chef Competition at the Hyatt. Next, it was a Spring fashion show at Leones hosted by United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy. And finally, it was Persian New Year at the Marriot where the Canadian Iranian Foundation held a glamorous celebration.
The Olympic parties continue with even more famous faces coming out to play.
I was brimming with pride, watching the Olympic torch live on TV as it made its way through the streets of Vancouver when it happened.
Five time Olympian Charmaine Crooks was the perfect host last night at a special Olympic Athletes reunion event in Vancouver’s Chinatown district. It was a royal reception to be sure with names like HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and King Constantine II of Greece who attended along with his wife, Queen Anne Marie of Denmark. Pomp and ceremony aside, the evening also included appearances by former US Olympic gold medal skater Kristi Yamaguchi and teamate Paul Wylie as well as US gold medal Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. Both Yamaguchi and Johnson are also champion Dancing With The Stars competitors which added an unusual but fun twist to the reunion themed evening.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 8 /CNW/ – John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced additional well-known torchbearers who will join other notable individuals and every-day Canadians to carry the Olympic Flame throughout the final days of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
Vancouver’s Olympic snow woes continue, and now they’ve hit the big time.
All month long, West Vancouver’s Mangia e Bevi restaurant has been raising money for oncology research through their third annual “Festa Invernale”. Called B.A.C.I.O (Because a Cure is Obtainable), it is a cause close to the hearts of owners Doug Grisdale, Rob Parrott and Antonio Sauro, all of whom have had family members affected by this cancer. Last Sunday, the final celebration dinner took place featuring surprise musical guests Adam Woodall and Canadian country music star Jessie Farrell. A surprise cheque for $27,000 helped the group raise a total of $50,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital Oncology Clinic.
The recent tragic events in Haiti will not soon be forgotten. Yet, while we attempt to help those devastated by this earthquake, we sometimes forget that there are children in need all over the third world where flood, famine and abject poverty occur every day. Last night, the good people behind the Angkor Hospital for Children (Friends Without a Border) held their “Taste the World” wine benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. With Haiti very much on everyone’s mind, the night was a great success and will go a long way to helping little ones suffering in Cambodia.
