Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

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Harry Hamlin, Terrence Howard, Billy Baldwin Headline Celebrity Variety Car Rally in Vancouver

Hollywood celebrities, sports stars and some of Vancouver’s most beautiful people were all putting the pedal to the metal last weekend as the Variety for Kids rally hit the streets of town. Headed up by honourary co-chairs Kyle & Janelle Washington, the two-day adventure saw each team/car raise $25,000+ each to support the kids. Then, it was time to draft your celebrity driver and head out on the highway. Think “Amazing Race” meets scavenger hunt. The big kick-off party was held at the new Coal Harbour Cactus Club where everyone parked their luxury cars and then walked the red carpet for the cameras. Inside, it was nothing but good fun as celebs met their teams, posed for pics and enjoyed amazing food and drinks courtesy celebrity chef Rob Feenie and his crew.

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01 – Actor Billy Baldwin has good reason to smile as he is drafted by the beautiful ladies of team “In It to Win It” which included members Natalie Doman, Janelle Washington and Heidi Coglon.

02 – Businessman Harald Ludwig, also of Lionsgate entertainment, chats with actress Lisa Rinna of “Days of our Lives” fame. You can see her next in ABC’s “Sing Your Face Off” where she will impersonate both Britney Spears and Dolly Parton. Fun!

03 – Helping raise money for the kids and supporting this very worthwhile cause are Cindy Beedie and Richard Coglon.

04 – Known for “LA Law”, and most recently “Mad Men”, actor Harry Hamlin poses with Variety Rally guest Christie King.

05 – Oscar nominated actor Terrence Howard, of “Ironman” and “Crash” movie fame, sits with model/personality Rachelle Leah as they wait to meet their team members.

06 – Start your engines! Saskatchewan born actor Kim Coates, of “Sons of Anarchy” fame, gets revved up on the red carpet with the Variety Rally Car Girls.

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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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May 30, 2014
Variety Celebrity Car Rally for Kids

Variety – the Children’s Charity is well known for their ability to raise support for kids everywhere. But last week, on the heels of a very successful “Show of Hearts” telethon, the organization held a special VIP party of a different kind. Now it’s time to suit up and start your engines for the 2014 Variety Rally for Kids with Special Needs. Sponsored by West Vancouver’s Washington family and their new EBoost energy product, this night is just the first in a series of spectacular events leading up to the two-day rally later this year. Luxury cars and Hollywood stars are just the beginning as each registered team must raise a minimum of $25,000 to enter. Then, come May, it’s time to pick your celeb and hit the road. Celebrities participating in the past have included Eva Longoria, Gene Simmons, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. So keep that pedal to the metal as many of our local famous faces take to the streets in support of this amazing cause.

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01 – West Vancouver’s Kyle and Janelle Washington are leading the way for Variety Rally for Kids as Presenting Sponsors and owners of the new Eboost energy product.

02 – Former Vancouver Canucks winger Geoff Courtnall, left, chats with Molson Canadian rep Aussie Jiwani after the speeches.

03 – They’re too sexy for their car, too sexy by far. Janelle Washington’s all-girl glam team is bound to blow the doors off their nearest competitors when they hit the road later this year.

04 – West Vancouver’s amazing Richard and Heidi Coglon are well known for their philanthropic support of many Vancouver charities and events.

05 – Vancouver restaurateur Peter Girges, left, plays host to West Vancouver’s Paul Zalesky and more at his stylish West Oak restaurant.

06 – North Vancouver’s Brett Manlove, left, and Mike Falcon, co-owners of Vancouver Visitor TV, lend their support to the event this night.

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By Catherine Barr – January 30, 2014

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 6, 2014

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February 3, 2014
Sparkle Gala is West Vancouver’s Best

It may very well have been the party of the year. Last week, Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdani opened her palatial West Vancouver home and, with the help of an amazing group of local committee members, helped host the first annual “Sparkle” gala event in support of BC Women’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Designed primarily to raise awareness of the needs of the NICU and its families, the night included a spectacular fashion show complete with an elevated catwalk carefully constructed in the pool. Live entertainment, great food, heart-warming stories and silver glitter covered chocolates all helped make this event extra elegant. The best news is the giving has only begun. Stay tuned for more as this campaign heads into high gear with the goal of helping even more babies and their families. Thanks to the many generous donations raised this night. Congrats to all involved.

01 – Adding extra sparkle this night are glam gals and super moms Christie King, left, and Heidi Coglan.

02 – A major force in helping make it all happen, organizer Monica Soprovich and husband Jason also were the top bidders in the live auction.

03 – CTV news anchor Tamara Taggart will help head up the new BC Women’s Hospital and NICU campaign.

04 – The always stunning and fashionable Zahra Mamdani, of Wear Else fame, is a perfect and most generous hostess welcoming guests into her home for the gala.

05 – Committee member Sharlene Ludwig and husband Harald are more than happy to lend their support to this very worthwhile cause.

06 – Selling “Sparkle” bracelets to help raise funds are pretty helpers Sophia Ludwig, left, and Jenna Mamdani.

07 – Kevin England, seen here with Dana Majzub, is also a major supporter of the new “Sparkle” campaign.

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By Catherine Barr – Sep 26, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 3, 2013

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October 1, 2013
Leone Celebrates 25 Years at United Way Charity Spring Fashion Show

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.

01 – West Vancouver’s Janelle Washington, left, of Washington Marine fame, poses with friend and Women in Philanthropy co-founder Christie King.

02 – Damien and Ioulia Reynolds always look so fashionable and are happy to lend their support this night.

03 – Wear Else president/owner Zahra Mamdani, Leone president and owner Alberto Leone, and friend Carey Smith all hail from West Vancouver and are known for their generosity in charity circles.

04 – It is girls night out for the Ciambrelli ladies from North Vancouver. From left, Danielle, Isabella and Pina.

05 – West Vancouver fashionista Alexis Palkowski, left, joins Yvonne Zawadzki, General Manager of Birks Vancouver.

06 – Real Housewives of Vancouver star and singer Mary Zilba, left, and Urban Rush host Fiona Forbes get a front stage view of the fashions on the catwalk.

07 – West Vancouver’s lovely Leone ladies, daughter Patrizia and mom Maria, help celebrate both the United Way charity event and their store’s 25th anniversary.

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By Catherine Barr – Feb 28, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 8, 2012

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March 5, 2012
Jarvis Church Philosopher Kings at Le Stella Winery Osoyoos

The who’s who of the North Shore and more headed east to wine country during the last week of August to celebrate the “Wine Society” gala weekend at the fabulous La Stella winery in Osoyoos, BC. Brainchild of winery owner and hostess Saeedeh Salem, she described the weekend as a “total sensory experience” and paired each of her musically named wines with the food and experience taking place. For instance, during the “Leggiero” Chardonnay course, the Kelowna strings entertained on stage as guest supped on delicate seafood and salad. During the “Maestoso” reds, guests were big into beef and bold opera sung by David Foster’s protege group Classical Nouveaux. Joy Road Catering provided yet another fabulous 100-mile menu on the second night as guests were treated to another sparkling evening of wine and a live performance by Jarvis Church of the Philosopher Kings. Also a special thank you to the great people at the stunning Walnut Beach Resort property – it’s an absolute must see-and-stay with a private licensed beach, luxury suites and more. Cheers!

01 – Cranking out the tunes, newly engaged DJ Leanne and her fiance Jesse Norsworthy play all the big gala gigs both here in town and in wine country too.

02 – Creating a magical memory that will be talked about for years to come, wine goddess and La Stella owner Saeedeh Salem creates the perfect weekend of food, music and wine sensory overload.

03 – Annina and Jorg Hoffmeister, the owners and chefs behind Osoyoos’s delicious Dolci Deli, let the romance and magic of the night sweep them away.

04 – Vancouver socialite/philanthropist Christie King and husband James are no strangers to BC’s wine country and often spend time vacationing at their holiday home in Osoyoos.

05 – West Vancouver realtor Alexis Palkowski, left, and “Face of Tomorrow” founder Kasondra Cohen help make the night even more glamorous in their fashions and furs.

06 – Known for her work with Canuck Place, West Vancouver’s Arezoo Aliperti and husband Fiero enjoy live music by the Kelowna Symphony Strings during the Friday night gala dinner.

07 – Don Brogan will always think of West Vancouver as home. Seen here with “BC Wine Gal” Courtney Mackintosh, he now manages the lavish and luxurious Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC.

08 – Sultry and smooth, singer Jarvish Church, of Philosopher Kings fame, gets ready backstage to entertain inside the ornately decorated outdoor tent at La Stella winery.

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By Catherine Barr – August 27, 28, 2010

Also as published in print by the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on September 9, 2010

September 6, 2010
Martin Sheen, Sex and the City 2, West Coast Fishing Club

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.

01 – Sipping champagne with rose petals in the shoe department of Holt’s, West Vancouver’s Janelle Washington came out in support at the Sex and the City party.

02 – Pretty in pink, left, event organizer Christie King and her Women United in Philanthropy group put on a great Sex and the City party at the Holt Renfrew.

03 – Eleu Kristmas, left, Shaw TV’s Fiona Forbes and model/businesswoman Masiah Vaughn check out the party pumps at the Holt Renfrew Sex and the City party.

04 – It’s a happy belated 50th Birthday for West Vancouver’s Craig Turner as he meets actor Martin Sheen during a VIP pre-party cocktail reception at the Turning Point gala.

05 – WCFC 2010 chef Dino Renaerts has just moved his family to the North Shore and has given up his post at Diva at the Met to taken over at West Van’s Fraiche and newly re-opened Beachside Forno restaurants.

06 – Joining in at the Martin Sheen Turning Point Gala reception is Global TV’s Randene Neill, left, board member James B. Myers and executive direction Branda Plant.

07 – Dr. John Nightingale, President of the Vancouver Aquarium, and West Van’s Margot Paris help host the West Coast Fishing Club’s WCFC Culinary Series 2010.

08 – Chef David Hawksworth, formerly of West Restaurant, is serving it up at the WCFC 2010 event in anticipation of his November 2010 opening of his new Hawksworth restaurant in the newly developed Hotel Georgia / Residences on Georgia.

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By Catherine Barr – May 28, 2010

As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on June 3, 2010

May 28, 2010
Healthy Chef, Leones United Way and Iranian Norouz

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.

01 – Faizzal Fatehali, of the United Way, poses with West Vancouver’s Pamela Martin (CTV news anchor and Women United in Philanthropy member) at Leones.

02 – Women United in Philanthropy member Christie King and husband James welcome guests to the Leone fashion show fundraiser.

03 – This West Vancouver trio knows all about fashion. From left: Wear Else president/owner Zahra Mamdani, Leone president and owner Alberto Leone, and guest Carey Smith.

04 – Eating right at the Healthy Chefs Competition are North Vancouver’s Amanda Tanner, left, and BC Produce Marketing Association’s Margie Schurko.

05 – Von Albrecht and Associates Leo Savino, left, and BC Chefs Association director and host Marcus Von Albrecht help put on a wonderful gala evening in support of great healthy food.

06 – BC Lions’ famous footballer Geroy Simon, left, teams up with North Vancouver celeb/comedian and CTV weatherman Marke Driesschen.

07 – Canadian Iranian Foundation committee members Nassreen Filsoof, left, and Massoume Price deserve praise for helping arrange such a glamorous Norouz night.

08 – Posing by the beautiful, traditional Haft Seen table at Norouz are foundation board directors Babak Shahbazi, left, Abbas Esmailie, Ali Hashemi and Bahram Saadatmandi.

09 – Looking beautiful in blue for the new year Norouz gala are Mahshid Seifi, left, and Maryam Hashemi.

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By Catherine Barr – March 17, 18 and 21, 2010

Published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 25, 2010

March 23, 2010