Supporting kids in sport, and kids who can’t afford sport, is all part of the fight that the people at Athletics 4 Kids (A4K) believe in. Known for their glamorous boxing gala events here at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club, the gang behind the ring decided that a second battle might be in order. This time, thanks to the good people at the Hard Rock Casino, guests enjoyed another magical night of fundraising and ringside seats to one of the best events around.
The Athletics for Kids (A4K) annual boxing gala was held last week at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Helping raise money for kids who cannot always afford to play sports, the association’s annual event is a glamorous affair complete with Las Vegas theme, sit-down dinner, auction items and live sanctioned boxing bouts. Famous sports names, glamorous showgirls and some knock ’em sock ’em action are all part of the fun. Congrats to all involved who are putting up a fight for kids that want to get in the game, no matter what the cost.
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01 – Glamorous Vegas style showgirls welcome guests to the black-tie dinner and live boxing event.
02 – Past president Chris Obst teams up with Eventful Innovations PR gal Pamela Buck.
03 – Making the predictions for the Kentucky Derby winner during dinner are horse racing expert Tommy Wolski, left, and John Teti of Shark Club and Ginson Hospitality fame.
04 – B.C. Lions centre Angus Reid may have announced his retirement earlier this year, but here he’s ready to ring the bell as event MC.
05 – A4K director Craig Knapton and wife Becky entertain VIPs at their dinner table.
06 – Checking in guests are glam girls Rachelle Perkins, from left, Alexis Dutnall, Naima Abbondanza and Sharon Abbondanza.
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By Catherine Barr – May 2, 2014
Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper
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By Catherine Barr
www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com
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Get out your social calendar and let’s plan to party. As the new 2014 year begins there is lots of fun to be had. Many regulars are back, including wine festivals, art galleries and theatre openings. And there’s lots of places for live entertainment and food too. Pick the ones you like for dressing up, or down, but best of all, there are lots of chances to help give to charity. So let’s get the gala gears going and remember to stay in touch and save me a smile.
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01 – Comedians Brett Butt, left, and wife Nancy joined Leo Awards producer and North Vancouverite Walter Daroshin on the red carpet this past spring. Look for Leos to be handed out again early June 2014.
02 – Putting up a fight for kids in sport are Craig Knapton, left, and boxer Manny Sobral. The Athletics for Kids (A4K) gala will be held on May 2, 2014 at Hollyburn Country Club and includes live sanctioned boxing bouts.
03 – Whistler’s Cornucopia is one of the year’s best food and wine events and now extends to two weekends starting the second week in November 2014. Notables like Olympian Ashleigh McIvor, hubby and Whitecaps star Jay DeMerit, Hy’s Steakhouse owner Neil Aisenstat and Foxtrot Vineyard’s Gustav Allander were all on hand at one of last year’s best dinners.
04 – A toast to the Vancouver International Wine Festival by executive director Harry Hertscheg, left, and Bard on the Beach’s leading man, Christopher Gaze. This year France is the featured country and events run from February 24 – March 2, 2014.
05 – West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts festival has grown in so many ways and now includes fun wine and food nights as well as the week long art show and live entertainment stages. Harmony Arts manager Christie Rosta, left, joined Marnie Wilson and House Wine hostesses Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard for a perfect night on the pier last year. Mark your calendars for August 1-10, 2014.
06 – North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley Days is an amazing community day event and gala dinner evening held at the end of May 2014. Last year, Peter Haigh, left, from North Shore Rescue, Lynn Valley Days committee member Gillian Konst and Lynn Valley Community president and Lions Club member Eric Miura celebrated in style.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 6, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 9, 2013
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It’s been 11 years since the Athletic for Kids (A4K) group got together to put up their dukes to raise money for youngsters to play sports. And with ever increasing costs, more and more families have been reaching out for assistance. This year the board was back with its Las Vegas themed gala at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver where invited guests and VIP athletes were treated to a night of cocktails, prizes, auction items, a gourmet dinner and the main event – a five round sanctioned boxing card that featured an exhibition match by rookie fighter and ex BC Lions star Sean Millington.
01 – Getting ready behind the scenes with the fighters and holding up the coveted big belt are board member Craig Knapton, left, and fight night coordinator / former Olympic boxer Manny Sobral.
02 – Athletics for Kids past-president Craig Knapton, right, welcomes former BC Lions Sean Millington to the ring for his exhibition boxing debut. Don’t worry ladies, he’s still looking good even after taking a few punches.
03 – Athletics for Kids board member and former Vancouver Canucks hero Dave Babych, centre, chats with guests Chris Gray, left, and Barry Pynn before the dinner starts.
04 – Making sure all the feathers and sequins are in place for a perfect Vegas night are A4K director Kimberly MacAulay, left, and PR pro Pamela Buck.
05 – Sitting ringside with their doctor duties this night are Dr Jim Hunter, left, and Dr Marc Boileau.
06 – It’s a true boy’s night out as guests Adam Wicks, left, and Andre Boileau can tell you complete with Vegas showgirls, steak dinner and live action boxing.
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By Catherine Barr – April 5, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 11, 2013
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Happy New Year everyone! And just as you’re finishing putting away the holiday decorations, it’s time to take out your date books and pencil in some spectacular events for the upcoming year. There’s never a shortage of things to do all across the North Shore and charity events are always on the list. The summer months are bursting with community fun and festivals but you’ll want to book off lots of time during May, June, October and November as these are always when the big glamorous galas are held. Check out some of these dates below and be sure to check back with me throughout the year to keep you posted. Best wishes to all.
01 – Kay Meek Centre board member Paul Tutsch, left, West Vancouver councillor Mary Ann Booth and volunteer Barney Ellis were among the many guests at last year’s annual Kay Meek Gala event. This year you’ll want to keep May 31, 2013 clear as they celebrate again with special guest star Holly Cole.
02 – October is a big gala month and they don’t come any bigger than the Gift of Time Gala for Canucks Place Children’s Hospice. Last year lots of North Shore faces were in attendance as Global TV anchor Chris Gailus and radio star Tara Maguire played co-host.
03 – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation gala chair Mary Jane Devine shows us that the Rockin’ for Research Gala is always hot stuff by posing with members of the fire department as they were auctioned off as part of a fabulous dinner and dine package during last year’s live auction. Mark Nov 2, 2013 on your calendar for this one.
04 – Wine, women and . . well more wine. Whistler’s annual Cornucopia may be considered one of the wildest weekends on the mountain with so many dinners, dances, tastings and parties to attend that come November 2013, they are planning on holding it for a whole week. Hold onto your hats for details.
05 – Formerly known as the Diamond Ball, the 17th Annual Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball will be held on April 27 this year. Black and yellow are all the rage at this event as North Shore golden gals Bryanna Baker, left, Elizabeth Dyer and Carey Macbeth can tell you.
06 – Put up your dukes on April 5, 2013 as Hollyburn Country Club prepares to once again host the A4K – Athletics for Kids extravaganza. It’s a Vegas theme all the way as board members Craig Knapton, left, and Dave Babych get ready for their eleventh year.
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By Catherine Barr – Dec 28, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 3, 2013
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Sometimes getting in the game is hard, especially for those living close to the poverty line. Hockey gear, soccer gear, baseball gear and registration fees, are costs that sometimes add up to a young person not being able to participate. Fortunately, there’s the good folks behind the Athletics for Kids organization (A4K). They’re out to even the score by supplying financially disadvantaged youth with access to community amateur sports programs. Last week, the 9th Annual A4K Boxing Dinner Gala helped raise funds via an elegant black-tie night out at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Round one was a martini reception, complete with silent auction items galore. Then it was time for a beautiful three-course dinner, a live auction, and then the main event – five rounds of Olympic rules sanctioned boxing. Congrats to all involved.
01 – Put up your dukes, let’s get down to it. Boxing buddies Bob Leblevec, left, Dave Bird, Todd Wall and Brad Wolgs play it up for the camera during the before dinner reception.
02 – Time for a boys night out as Andre Boileau and his dad, Dr. Marc Boileau, get ready to watch some Olympic class boxing.
03 – A4K President Chris Obst welcomes guests, like former North Vancouver fire chief Tommy Cummings, to the best night of boxing on the North Shore.
04 – QM/FM radio personality and former A4K director Tara McGuire, left, dines with producer Brad Challoner and Crystal Lidemark.
05 – And in this corner, helping with the MC duties for the night, is QM/FM morning show host Mike Shaeffer.
06 – They look just as comfortable in the ring as they do on the ice. Canucks anthem singer (and lucky charm) Mark Donnelly, left, and Canucks hockey hero Dave Babych get ready to raise money for the kids.
07 – He’s the man that helped start it all. Loads of hugs and kisses to A4K co-founder Craig Knapton, seen here with wife Becky, for pouring his heart and soul into helping all the kids.
08 – Leaving everyone shaken and stirred are the beautiful serving duo of Hannah Locke, left, and Nelly Kutle who ensure that the martini glasses are always full.
09 – Hit me with your best shot. Former Super Welterweight Champion of the World, boxing coach and A4K spokesperson Manny Sobral, left, kids with friend Ivano DeCotiis as the boxing matches get underway.
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By Catherine Barr – April 1, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 7, 2011