False eyelashes have recently made a huge comeback in the fashion world. But take heed ladies, because when it comes to “falsies”, these are not your grandmother’s lashes anymore. Extensive leaps and bounds in the technology means that not only can you leave those tacky latex glues behind – now you can keep them on night and day. Enter Mara and Lisa – two enterprising West Vancouver ladies who realized that there was a big need for the service here on the North Shore. Together they opened Lash Fabulous on Marine drive with a summer bash that saw friends, family and invited guests toasting the occasion in style. Complete with funky purple decor and luxurious lounge setting, this specialty spa is bound to be a hit with lovely ladies everywhere. Congrats!
01 – Let’s hear it for the girls of West Vancouver. From left: Lori Shea, sister Cindi George, MJ Thompson and Andrea Armstrong.
02 – Guests Ana Knight, left, and Jacqueline Filippone join in the opening celebrations with a toast and some bubbles.
03 – Lash Fabulous owners Mara Uhrle, left, and Lisa Tomanik are batting 1000 with the latest trend in lash extensions.
04 – Misencil lashes and product rep Matt Audet joins PR gal Diana Zoppa at the opening of the spa.
05 – Joining in the friends and family party are Linda van Mook, left, Georgina Marsom and Diana Pascuzzi.
06 – Dropping by with best wishes for the new business are friends Natalie Golan, Yuval Golan and Sandra Weber.
By Catherine Barr – July 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper (Black Press)
Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned show-and-shine car event. And while car owners everywhere pull out the Turtle Wax to spit polish their collector chrome, a small select group of enthusiasts gathered in North Vancouver to toast one of the rarer breeds of automobiles. The Lower Mainland Vega Club got a perfect sunny day for their 23rd Annual Vega Club Picnic event at Waterfront Park. And as they popped their hoods and fired up the grill, it was only a matter of moments before classic car lovers started to appear with their cameras to take a photo with some of the sexy 70s models from a day gone by.
Last week the District of West Vancouver celebrated 22 years of the Harmony Arts Festival. A lot has changed over the years, including the addition of even more arts and crafts, live music nights, a second stage feature and an outdoor wine garden that has quickly become one of the most popular features of the whole festival. Record crowds came out to help celebrate and take in the various lectures, art displays and outdoor activities that lined the waterfront and beach areas between Ambleside and John Lawson Park. And none of it would have been possible without the help of countless volunteers who helped set up behind the scenes. Congrats to all involved.
Wimbledon, London 2012 Summer Olympics, and now Hollyburn! If you’re a tennis fan, then the last few weeks have certainly been a feast for the senses. Still nothing beats seeing it live right from home court. Such was the case last week as the 10th Annual Odlum Brown Van Open Tennis tournament took place at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. An elegant opening night reception was held on the club’s sun filled patio deck to welcome dignitaries and VIPs. Hosted by Floyd R. Hill, the evening also included the opening ceremonies court side, opening round matches and a special appearance by tennis great Martina Hingis.
It was lights, camera, action on the North Shore recently as local celebs, actors, directors and more came out to the Whistler Film Festival’s “On Location” gala. Held at the North Shore Studios in North Vancouver, the evening included a glamorous red carpet arrival, food, cocktails and live entertainment by Cover Me Canada finalist and Whistler singer Ali Milner. But take out your calendars because you won’t want to miss the actual film festival which takes place in Whistler later this year from Nov 28 to Dec 2. Check out all the details and come party with the stars at 
Summer is here which means there’s lots of upcoming family festivals to fill your hot summer days and nights. Kicking things off this past weekend was North Vancouver’s 6th Annual Party-at-the-Pier. Produced by the Lower Lonsdale Business Association, this event has gotten even more stylish over the years as the pier itself has continued to develop into an overall locals scene complete with new restaurants and buildings. Featuring marine-themed activities and displays, along with entertainment on the Shipbuilders’ Square stage, members of the public were also treated to harbour tours and a Vessel Dedication Ceremony for the North Shore Life Boat Society. Congrats to all involved.
The penguins weren’t the only ones dressed in tuxedos recently as the Vancouver Aquarium held its’ 6th annual Night at the Aquarium gala fundraiser. The champagne and caviar were also plentiful, as were the offerings from many of Vancouver’s top restaurants and wineries who all came out to support the many programs and services offered by one of Vancouver’s most popular places. A live mermaid greeted guests at the door and later on, even the dolphins and whales got in on the act before the evening wrapped up with the live auction and dessert. Over $316,433 was raised. Congrats to all involved.
The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held their President’s Dinner and business awards this month at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. The evening was an elegant affair where business owners, council members and friends got a chance to socialize and enjoy a formal night out. An elegant buffet dinner, followed by the awards ceremony was also marked by a special presentation in honour of West Vancouver’s 100 centennial and an additional tribute to long-serving West Vancouver citizen Jim McCarthy. 
It was a night of full throttle glitz and glamour last weekend as the 7th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Charity Gala “Cabriolet” was held. Featuring a live performance by “The Voice” star and musician CeeLo Green, the evening helped raise funds for Arts Umbrella, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Lots of North Shore folks were in attendance to lend their support as they enjoyed a night of food, cocktails, auction items and socializing.
Last week it was a toast to The Meek at one of West Vancouver’s best gala events. “Two Men, No Script: An evening with Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood” was held to celebrate the Kay Meek’s Centre annual gala fundraiser. A Champagne reception, followed by an evening of laughter and comedy improv, had everyone smiling. VIP guests were treated to a special meet-and-greet following the show where the two stars were more than happy to pose with patrons. MC and gala host Vicki Gabereau helped hand out the raffle prizes which included trips from WestJet, gourmet dinner packages and more.
Spring gala events continued all over town this past week as two special events stepped up to raise money for some very worthwhile causes. First up, the Odd Squad Productions Society 2012 Gala Fundraiser was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre with a sold out crowd. Founded in 1997 by seven determined Officers of the Vancouver Police Department, the Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) first started scaring kids straight with the debut of their award-winning “Through a Blue Lens” production. Since then, their educational videos and peer-to-peer programs have been keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble. Next up, it was time for the North Vancouver City Library “Librations” 2012 gala evening. Guests dressed in black and white formal to take part in a circus themed evening which included performances by the talented Public Dreams performance group. Congrats to everyone involved.
Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) played host to over 700 prominent Vancouver business leaders last week at the 7th Annual Business Laureates of British Columbia gala dinner and “Business Hall of Fame” induction ceremonies. Held at the Hotel Vancouver, guests were treated to a five-star dinner and an evening of socializing which included a special segment dedicated to young up-and-coming business minds. Welcomed into the Business Hall of Fame this year were Brian Canfield, Chairman of the Board of the Telus Corporation, Dave Ritchie, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers and the late Milton Wong, Chairman Emeritus of HSBC Global Asset Management. CBC news anchor Tony Parsons played the role of MC and everyone was entertained and inspired by the special keynote address which was delivered by General R.J. Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces. The Hon. Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier also announced a surprise $1 million grant. Overall, the event raised over $600,000 for Junior Achievement business education programs in BC. Congrats to all involved. 
It was a British invasion of sorts last week as Sir Richard Branson was back in Vancouver for the launch of Virgin Atlantic. Branson became one of the city’s most overexposed as he arrived in style on the jet early morning to greet Premier Christy Clark. Then it was lunch with the Board of Trade followed by a charity photo op with Glee star Cory Monteith. A private VIP evening reception was then followed by the party of all parties at the Commodore featuring young UK singer Conor Maynard. Also last week, it was the BC Centre for Ability’s Dining for Dreams gala. Chaired by CTV news anchor Tamara Taggart, the evening also featured Real Housewives of Vancouver star and West Vancouverite Ronnie Seterdahl Negus and her daughter Remington. Congrats to all involved. 
They say all that glitters is not gold, but when it comes to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, that simply isn’t true. Last week, at the stunning West Vancouver waterfront home of Goldcorp CEO Ian Telfer, invited guests raised a glass to one of this year’s most important, and most glittery, upcoming fundraising events. Committee members from the Heart of Gold gala were on hand for a pre-gala toast to emphasize the importance of “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” and remind everyone that every second counts in the event of a heart attack. The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 8th annual Heart of Gold Gala will be held June 1, 2012 and, good news, it is already sold out. Also last week, West Vancouver Mulgrave student Adam Chandani was out with his student committee fundraising for a good cause. The group held a silent auction evening event at the school which raised money for the World Partnership Walk and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). One hundred percent of the money raised here goes towards improving the lives of people living in the third world. Congrats to all involved.
It was a get gorgeous gala last week as the Pretty Please spring cosmetics and fragrance event was held at The Bay, Park Royal in West Vancouver. With designer names like Prada, Chanel, Dior and Gucci, everyone got a chance to feel pampered and glamorous. Makeovers, product displays, samples and demonstrations helped round out the evening which was held in support of the Look Good, Feel Better charity which is Canada’s only national cancer charity helping women feel better about their appearances as they go through treatment. Also, Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba held a special charity event in honour of Purple Day and the fight against epilepsy. As an official “Purple Day Ambassador” and mother, the reality tv star raised money at the launch of her newest single “Hero” – a song she wrote in honour of her son Chase and his battle with the disease. Chase also accompanied her on stage.
Grammy and Academy Award-winning performer Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning live performance for an audience of invite-only guests last month at the Vancouver Opera’s signature gala fundraiser. Entitled “Overture: Aida” the evening included a elegant and delicious dinner event which took place on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Four Seasons chef Ned Bell ensured all the details went perfectly as guests also bid on amazing live and silent auction items, like a trip to the Superbowl in New Orleans which went for a record $250,000. Also last week, the Big Sisters of BC and Lower Mainland were the benefactors of a special “Grapejuice” wine auction and tasting evening at the Ferrari Maserati dealership. Founded by MAC Marketing Solutions and McNeill Nakamoto, the event featured wine, fabulous food and a live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk.
The 16th annual Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball (formerly Diamond Ball) was held last weekend at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. Known as one of the highest profile galas of the year, it is a see-and-be-seen event for many North Shore VIPs. This year’s focus was on childhood cancers and, in keeping with that theme, guests were treated to an evening of young entertainers including the Donna Fishwick Piano Ensemble and 13 year-old Cole Armour, who has made guest appearances singing at the Ellen DeGeneres Show and various Canucks games. Overall the evening raised close to $900,000 bring the grand total to an impressive $7,700,000 dollars since it began in 1997.
Actor Rob Lowe has been a Hollywood heartthrob since the early 80s. But even with a successful career, famous friends and lots of money, he’s the first to tell you that ‘living the life’ wasn’t always easy. In town last week for the Turning Point Recovery Society’s 5th annual gala fundraiser, the distractingly handsome lead man was happy to lend his name to the BC organization that provides residential addiction support and recovery throughout the Lower Mainland. Today, after a long battle with alcohol addiction, he’s riding high on the recent success of his newest tv show, Parks and Rec, – and his best-selling book “Stores I Only Tell My Friends” was the basis of his keynote speech at the gala event. And with the worst of his addictions hopefully behind him, he seems more than ready to become a role model both on and off the screen. Also last week, the tourism folks from Calgary were in town for a special reception celebrating the launch of the Calgary Stampede Centennial 100 Years celebration. White hats and hospitality were on the menu as folks from all over were encouraged to kick up their heels and come on out for “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” July 6-15, 2012. Yeehaw!
Various events and fundraisers taking place this week have kept things busy across the North Shore. First up, friends, family and colleagues of North Vancouverites Pat and Sam Sullivan packed Seymour’s Pub on April 4 for the third annual Team Finn Wine Festival. The Sullivan’s three-year-old son Finn passed away in 2008 from a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, the North Shore community has rallied around the family, helping them raise $1.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital. Next, it was time to reopen a classic as North Vancouver’s Filippone family celebrated the re-opening of the legendary Penthouse lounge and club. And last, but not least, two Mulgrave students hit the books for a very good Canucks cause. Also big thank you to Maria for her contributions this week.
Championship boxing, Las Vegas showgirls, glamorous auction prizes and fabulous food. It was a ten year anniversary to remember for the folks at the Athletics for Kids (A4K) gala last weekend up at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Items up for grab included a Westjet trip raffle and a never before seen trip to Los Angeles to see “Dancing with the Stars” in person. But even after all these years, the message remains the same, and that’s the wish that no child be denied the right to play sports. The A4K organization was started with that goal in mind, and today, they’ve helped countless children take part in all kinds of activities that might otherwise be unavailable to them due to financial constraints or high costs. Congrats to all involved.
Terry David Mulligan is much more than a media music man. North Shore folks everywhere know him from the 70s and 80s thanks to his many radio and television appearances. Today, he spends most of his time in the Okanagan sipping and sampling BC wines on his Tasting Room Radio show and he also co-hosts a wine show called Hollywood and Vines with fellow actor Jason Priestly. Last week, as part of a charity fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank, Terry agreed to be roasted and toasted by his peers at a special dinner and entertainment event. Vancouver comedian Patrick Maliha, organizer and host, helped put the night together which featured many famous North Shore faces including a special appearance by CBC / Double Exposure comedy legends Bob Robertson and Linda Cullen.
Eating healthy can be fun, just ask the BC Produce Marketing Association and the BC Lions. Last week, the 13th annual Healthy Chef Competition took place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. Grey Cup winning members of the BC Lions, including Travis Lulay and Geroy Simon, were among the several celebrities in the room as chefs battled it out for top spot. Guests at the event came away with the biggest winnings however as everyone was given secret envelopes to open which revealed which property would be treating them to their specialty dinner and dessert. Live music, auction items and roses for all the ladies made this a glamorous night out for all.
Hard to believe that in many parts of the world slavery is still an everyday occurrence. Enter West Vancouver Mulgrave students Natasha Virani, Melissa Godin and Hannah Radford who, along with the Mulgrave Student Action Council, decided to do something to raise awareness of this issue as part of their school’s “Spirit Week” activities. Together, they held a special benefit concert at the school to raise money for the “Not for Sale” movement which helps victims of human trafficking after they have been rescued. Congratulations to all those involved. Also, since summer is right around the corner, it seems fitting to mention the arrival of The Bar Method West Vancouver. An opening night party held recently gave locals a chance to tour the new fitness facility that has everyone talking. Part ballet, part Pilates and part yoga, this nouveau workout helps shake off the pounds just in time for beach weather.
It was a double celebration last week as some of the city’s most generous folks got together to raise money for a great cause. First up, it was the United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy annual spring fashion show and fundraiser at Leone’s boutique in Sinclair Centre. The night was also special however because guests got a chance to toast West Vancouver’s Leone family for celebrating the 25th anniversary of their exclusive fashion business. With names like Versace, Dior, Prada and more, it was even more wonderful to know that in addition to the live and silent auction items, Leone also donated a portion of any items sold this night back to the United Way and their “Success by Six” program. Be sure to check out the live video as well. Congrats to all the ladies involved.
Hollywood wasn’t the only place rolling out the red carpet for Sunday night’s Oscars event. The good folks at the Beach House in West Vancouver decided to put on the ritz for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at “Oscar a la Mer”. This seaside celebration included champagne, theme rooms, fabulous food and lots of glitz and glamour. Guests also got a chance to cheer for their Oscar favourites as they watched the broadcast live. Afterwards, it was time to bid on some big auction items and dance the night away. Over $70,000 was raised for charity.
It was lights, camera, action last week at North Vancouver’s Capilano University as TV and film celebrities, dignitaries and VIPs celebrated the opening of the new Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. Open for business, and classes, this past January, the new 69,000 sq. ft. building cost over $34 million dollars and was designed by Vancouver architectural firm Cannon Design. Students here have access to the best of the best including cameras, monitors, two S3D camera rigs and other professional equipment. There is also a 200-seat high definition/3D theatre, sound mixing and recording studios, an 8,000 square foot sound stage, editing labs, costuming studios and more. It’s a legacy contribution that helps to, once again, solidify Vancouver’s place on the international stage of professional movie making for many years to come. Bravo!
The BC Sports Hall of Fame has always been an impressive place of history in Vancouver, but now, thanks to a revamped BC Place, the Hall of Fame has a new home and even bigger legacy to share. Last week, during a special VIP reception, invited guests, athletes and friends were part of an extra special dedication night full of famous memories. The who’s who of past inductees were in attendance as everyone shared stories from a proud past.