Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Brian Jessel

Brian Jessel 2014 Cabriolet Gala

Brian Jessel may be known for his luxury car dealerships, but he is also known for throwing some of Vancouver’s best charity parties. The Cabriolet Gala is one of the hottest parties of the year and in the past has featured names like Jay Leno, CeeLo Green, Colin James and the Barenaked Ladies. This year it was time for high fashion to take centre stage as designer Gianni Maanaki showed off his spectacular haute couture line. It was also a night to unveil the new BMW i8 car which was definitely a show stopper. Guests also enjoyed food and drinks courtesy of some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and a live and silent auction filled with super glamorous items. All donations received and fundraising activities in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada.

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01 – Host Brian Jessel, seen here with staff member Catherine Jang, greets guests welcomes VIPs to Cabriolet 2014.

02 – AllWest Insurance’s Devina Zalesky and son Stefan. AllWest is one of this night’s major sponsors.

03 – Glam gals Tammy Moyer, left, from News1130 radio, and Dawn Chubai, of BT television are co-hosts of this evening’s festivities.

04 – Heidi Carton, left, husband Larry Rahn and Susie Bechler sip champagne in the Veuve Cliquot VIP lounge.

05 – Event organizer and PR gal Diana Zoppa, left, stands with Gianni Minaaki model in a tribute i8 dress made specially for this event.

06 – Also spotted in the VIP section, guests Lori Shea, left, Kirk Herrington and Cindi George.

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By Catherine Barr – May 23, 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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June 8, 2014
Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala 2013 with Colin James – Part Two

In years past, Brian Jessel has welcomed names like Jay Leno and CeeLo Green. No wonder his annual BMW Cabriolet Gala is one of Vancouver’s most sought after and entertaining fundraisers.

This year marked the 8th annual event and, as expected, all of this city’s best dressed were on hand to enjoy an evening of celebration and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Posh live and silent auction items tempted supporters to bid their best as go-go dancers and sexy ladies on swings helped add to the decor. Extra special this year was an sultry VIP lounge complete with sleek black lounging couches and a fabulous front row seat for all the upcoming action on stage.

Leading Vancouver restaurants, like Joe Fortes and Hy’s Restaurant, supplied the canapes as guests sipped on everything from Belvedere Vodka to Tavi tequila. Sweet Soul Burlesque dancers then got everyone warmed up with their “cheeky” and flirty performance before Rosette took to the stage to sing her latest hits. The night ended with headliner Colin James rocking out to a filled VIP audience that was more than happy to kick up their heels to all of his biggest hits.

01 – He’s the man of the hour and more. Seen here with the beautiful Lisa Calder, Brian Jessel welcomes friends and guests to his 8th annual gala.

02 – They’re no strangers to the car biz. Dueck Auto Group’s Greg Keith, centre, attends the gala with friends Tyson Motz, left, and Brad Telford.

03 – Blo Blow Dry Bar’s brand officer Hilary Chan-Kent cuddles up to her main man, Chris Johal, CEO of iWood Lumber Products, as guests get ready for the big show.

04 – She’s stunning and elegant and carries her crown like a pro. Camille Munro, Miss World Canada 2013 has a busy year ahead of her.

05 – They’re ready to “Thai” one on. Desmond and Peachy Chen are the proprietors and owners of Vancouver’s delicious Thai House and Pink Elephant Thai restaurants.

06 – Models, actors and dancers Pierson Hayes, left, and Jonathan Kol are always shaking it sexy on stage. This night they are part of Rosette’s famously fabulous entourage.

07 – Joe Fortes’ executive chef Wayne Sych serves up some seriously succulent seafood with assistant Corra-Rose Sitnam.

08 – Dressed in sparkle and glamour from head to toe are guests Carmen Telford, left, Courtney Keith and Jessica Falle.

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By Catherine Barr

www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com

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Vancouver Sun Edition of Cat’s meow

June 27, 2013
Colin James and Rosette headline BMW Cabriolet Gala 2013

It’s where the stylish go to see and be seen. The annual Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala is one of this city’s most prominent fundraisers and it’s well known for high fashion, fast cars, beautiful people and celebrity entertainment. As always, many North Shore faces were among the crowd on this 8th anniversary contributing as both sponsors and supporters. Burlesque dancers and go-go girls helped warm up the room before the live auction. Fabulous food, supplied by many of Vancouver’s leading restaurants, was served during the reception which also included a silent auction. Then it was time to clear the stage for up-and-coming singer Rosette who was followed by headlining musician Colin James. All funds raised go to support the Canadian Cancer Society.

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01 – In the past he’s hosted Jay Leno, CeeLo Green and more. Congratulations to Brian Jessel on putting together another famously successful Cabriolet Gala year.

02 – He’s a hockey scout and she’s been seen on The Real Housewives of Vancouver. BJ and Lisa MacDonald socialze with friends during the cocktail reception.

03 – North Vancouver’s Franco Luongo cuddles up to Allison Nourse, left, and Luba Sasowski as guests get ready to bid on live auction items.

04 – Always generous, gala sponsors Paul and Devina Zalesky, of AllWest insurance fame, are caught dancing to the rockin’ tune of headliner Colin James.

05 – Mike and Leslie Rogers sample some of the goodies offered by Joe Fortes, Hy’s Restaurant and more during the pre-show reception.

06 – West Vancouver’s Lionel Lorence is introduced to PR power gal Diana Zoppa as guests begin to arrive for the big show.

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By Catherine Barr – Jun 15, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jun 27, 2013

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June 24, 2013
Barenaked Ladies and Celebs at Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Fundraiser

What happens when you put high fashion, luxury sports cars and celebrities together in one room? The answer is the 6th annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Gala. Supporting pancreatic cancer research at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), this night featured both silent and live auction items, food and beverage stations (provided by some of Vancouver’s best known restaurants) and a live performance by Canada’s own Barenaked Ladies who rocked the house till midnight. Some of the North Shore’s famous faces walked the red carpet alongside the city’s beautiful people who all came out to support this very worthwhile cause.

01 – Taking a look at the auction items up for grabs are Candace Alderson, left, Alan Gelfand and Lynn Wigen.

02 – Always wonderful to see CTV Vancouver’s Coleen Christie and Farhan Lalji take the stage. This dynamic duo helped MC at the live auction and also introduced the Barenaked Ladies for their performance.

03 – Sexy social gals Traci Myles, left, and Carla Temple get a chance to talk about cars, stars and Carla’s impressive former life as a Canadian bodybuilding champion.

04 – CTV news anchor and North Vancouverite Mike Killeen is all smiles as he gets a chance to cuddle up to his beautiful wife Jill, left, and talented West Vancouver estate lawyer Nicole Garton-Jones.

05 – Former Canucks hero and North Shore resident Dave Babych, seen here with wife Diana, was among the VIPs at the party.

06 – BMW sales executive Dave Griffiths, left, congratulates dealer/owner Brian Jessel on another fantastic gala fundraising night.

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By Catherine Barr – June 11, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 23, 2011

June 20, 2011
Barenaked Ladies at Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Gala for VGH and UBC Hospitals

Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Gala
Saturday, June 11, 2011

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to be a benificiary of the 6th annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Gala. Proceeds from this event support vital pancreatic cancer research being performed at VGH.

Join Canada’s own, Barenaked Ladies, for a live concert at Brian Jessel BMW!

The evening will include an all access pass to sip and savor delectable offerings from some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. A silent and live auction will feature an array of sought after products, services and experiences!

Don’t miss out on the event everyone will be talking about!

The Details:

Saturday, June 11, 2011
Brian Jessel BMW, 2311 Boundary Road, Vancouver
Festivities begin at 7pm
Attire: Vancouver Elegant
Gala Ticket: $200
Patron Ticket: $350
VIP Gala Ticket: $500

April 3, 2011
Jay Leno BMW Cabriolet Gala

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.

01 – Jay Leno has still got it! Seen here with gala co-chair and pr gal Rhoda Rizkalla, the late night talk show host has the audience in stitches with jokes about Obama, US Politics and life in general.

02 – Travel Guys’ host Darren Parkman, left, joins Monk McQueens / Lift restaurateur Bob Lindsay and North Van’s CTV weatherman Marke Driesschen.

03 – North Vancouver’s Jill Kileen, left, cuddles up to hubby Mike Killeen and his CTV news anchor co-host Coleen Christie, both of whom would lead the crowd in a rousing round of “Heads-or-Tails” for charity.

04 – Looking elegant as always, West Vancouver’s Monica and Karim Virani join the VIP reception before the show.

05 – Sporting a new short chic hairdo, West Vancouver’s Sofia Somani and hubby Amin come out to support this great cause.

06 – Main man Brian Jessel has good reason to smile. Seen here with diamond twins Courtney and Kim Helman, this beaming “Bimmer” dealer has raised thousands for charity.

07 – West Vancouver’s stunning Devina Zalesky poses with son Stefan, left, and friend Omar Popat. Allwest Insurance is one of the evening’s major sponsors.

08 – West Vancouver Olympian Charmain Crooks, seen here with husband Anders, is finally finding some time to relax after helping head up the recent 2010 Winter Olympics.

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By Catherine Barr – May 8, 2010

Publishing in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on May 13, 2010

May 10, 2010
Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet 2009

It was time for cocktails, cars and catwalks at the 4th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Fashion Gala. Benefitting BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital for prostate research, the evening featured fashions by Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen as well as a fabulous martini / wine bar, four-star food by some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and more beautiful accessories than you can imagine. Va Va Vroom! (more…)

May 18, 2009