Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Coleen Christie

Heart of Gold 2014 Pre-Gala Reception

The Heart of Gold Gala, held in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation – BC and Yukon chapter, will hold its 10th Anniversary fundraising event later next month. In preparation for the big night, a private VIP reception for donors, committee members and guests was held yesterday at the super chic downtown home of Janelle and Kyle Washington. The stunning views and sunlit patios were the perfect backdrop for the invite-only reception which included canapes, cocktails and speeches. Sadly, heart and stroke still takes the life of one Canadian every seven minutes and more than 1.6 million individuals are living with the effects of heart disease. More information on how to get involved and/or how to donate can be found at www.heartandstroke.bc.ca

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01 – Kyle and Janelle Washington graciously open up their home to host the VIP reception.

02 – Olympian Charmaine Crooks, left, is this year’s gala chair. Here she is seen with friend Christina Tanti.

03 – Committing to a generous six figure donation, Bob and Diane Conconi, attend the event with administrative assistant Sanja Simic, left.

04 – Natalie and Amar Doman are known for their kindness and philanthropy.

05 – Dr. Douglas Clement chats with CTV news anchor Coleen Christie.

06 – Honourary chairs Jane and Peter Scott with past committee member Willa MacDougall.

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By Catherine Barr – May 7, 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 7, 2014
Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2014

Have you been sticking to that New Year’s diet plan? If yes, then this will probably not help. If no, then get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious times of the year. Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver Festival is on now (Jan 17 – Feb 2) and you won’t want to miss it. This city wide event was originally designed to give a boost to a traditionally slow time of year by having various restaurants offer dining incentives and special tasting menus. Now in its 12th year, there are a record breaking 263 restaurants taking part in the event with menus priced at $18, $28 and $38. There are also 16 North Shore restaurants dishing up “yum” including Olive and Anchor, Pier 7, Salmon House on the Hill, Troll’s, Zen, Village Taphouse, Cactus Club and more. Media members got a sneak preview last week as we were escorted around in various themed groups – but all you need to do to join the fun is to be sure to book a reservation in advance. Check out dineoutvancouver.com and enjoy!

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01 – Owned by West Vancouver’s Jack Evrensel, West restaurant played host to the media dine out party preview. From left: Owen Knowlton, Lynn Gervais and chef Quang Dang.

02 – Getting ready with all their delicious press releases, public relations pros Michelle Palikot, left, and Crystal Kwon enjoy some super supper samples.

03 – So great to have CTV News anchor Coleen Christie and photographer Dan Poh join the media dine around event as part of my “Posh Nosh” group. Yum!

04 – Ready, set, eat! Tourism Vancouver’s Lucas Pavan tries to gather his “Meat vs Veg” group together to set out for the night.

05 – Enjoying the pre-dinner cocktail party are Tourism Vancouver’s Walt Judas, left, and media foodie Nathan Fong.

06 – Pork belly, beef shortrib, lobster and more. Everyone left with a smile after sampling Fairmont Pacific Rim and Oru chef Darren Brown’s exquisite menu.

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By Catherine Barr – January, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 23, 2014

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January 20, 2014
Night at the Aquarium 6th Annual Gala in Vancouver

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.

01 – Vancouver Aquarium interpretive speakers Paula Kalinowski, left, and Tessa Danelesko are the voices you hear when you go to see one of the live animal demonstrations. This night Tessa helps narrate the live dolphin show much to the delight of the crowd.

02 – Looking awesome in aqua, Vancouver Aquarium’s Roxanne St-Pierre takes care of the communications and behind the scenes details.

03 – Fresh from Fraiche Restaurant in West Vancouver, chef Jefferson Alvarez, left, serves up samples for the guests with Kyle Davis and Kim Steel.

04 – West Vancouver lawyer Kim Moller and Christine Dahlberg take a stroll by the caviar table en route to the silent auction tables.

05 – BC Minister of Finance Colin Hansen and his wife Laura are among the VIPs in attendance.

06 – West Vancouver’s beautiful Jody Rebak accompanies guest Chas Woodyer for a look at some of the fashionable auction items up for grabs.

07 – Vancouver Aquarium president and CEO John Nightingale chats with CTV news anchor Coleen Christie before she starts her duties as the event MC.

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By Catherine Barr – June 21, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on July 12, 2012

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July 9, 2012
CeeLo Green Headlines Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala

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.

01 – Art consultant Kevin Lorage chats with Real Housewives of Vancouver star Reiko Mackenzie.

02 – Main man Brian Jessel has good reason to be proud as he pulls off another fabulous gala night by hosting singer CeeLo Green. Past gala events have included Jay Leno and The Barenaked Ladies.

03 – West Vancouver’s prettiest sister act for sure. Lori Shea, left, and Cindi George sparkle in perfect spring colours.

04 – Lynn Wigen, left, and Global News anchor Robin Gill check out the pre-concert reception.

05 – West Vancouver’s Lenora Gates and Bob Repchuk check out the auction items before the big show.

06 – Event committee member Cale Dougans accompanies the lovely Coleen Christie, news anchor from CTV, who looks extra glam in a hot pink dress.

07 – Sushi chef Nobu Ochi, from West Vancouver’s Zen Sushi, offers up a colourful plate of delicious samples during the cocktail reception.

08 – Sponsors Clara and Steve Agopian, of West Vancouver’s Lugaro Jewellers fame, donate an exquisite $14,000 gold and diamond bracelet for auction.

09 – Event sponsor and AllWest Insurance owner Devina Zalesky and Opus hotel owner John Evans get ready to take their VIP seats for the big CeeLo Green show.

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By Catherine Barr – June 23, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 28, 2012

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June 24, 2012
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
Louis Vuitton Store Opening

Louis Vuitton – they’re the envy of every purse toting gal in the world and a name automatically associated with class, luxury and style. So when my gilded gold Louis Vuitton invitation arrived, I expected only the best, and boy did they deliver. In my 12 years as a society columnist, I have never seen a party like this. The who’s who of Vancouver and the North Shore were decked out in style as they arrived to a champagne reception at the swank new Fairmont Vancouver Hotel location. Even Hollywood celebs and models dropped by to chat with executives who had flown in directly from Paris for the affair. Then, in groups of four, we were shuttled away swiftly in mysterious black SUV’s to a secret train station stop where porters helped us board an old fashion steam train. More champagne, and a five minute ride later, we were again surprised to find ourselves inside an old fashion train station decorated to the hilt and complete with DJ, live music, food and fun. It was definitely a night to remember. Congrats to all involved.

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01 – What a thrill to get to meet Louis Vuitton Executive Vice President Phillippe Schaus, left, all the way from Paris with Louis Vuitton supermodel Gabriel Aubry (ex-boyfriend to Halle Berry and Kim Kardashian) and Geoffroy van Raemdonck, acting President of Louis Vuitton North American.

02 – North Shore’s famous Carmelina and Pasquale Cusano, of Montecristo Jewellers, take in the scene at the new Louis Vuitton store downtown.

03 – West Vancouver’s fabulous Shannon Bosa-Yacoub and hubby Emad Yacoub, of Glowbal Group Restaurant fame, make their way into the mock station.

04 – West Vancouver’s stunning Janelle Washington attended the event with friends.

05 – Socialites and UBC sorority sisters Christie King, left, and Darcia Bower share some conversation in the lobby.

06 – Looking like a model herself, PR maven Shannon Heth shows us how to pour from the Moet magnum bottle.

07 – Canucks hockey hero Trevor Linden, left, congratulations North Vancouver’s Mike Killeen on his recent promotion to 6 o’clock news anchor at CTV BC.

08 – Big shout out to TV gal pals Randeen Neil, left, Sophie Lui (Global TV) and Coleen Christie (CTV BC) as they get ready to board the train.

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By Catherine Barr – Dec 8, 2010

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Dec 16, 2010

December 13, 2010
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
BC Cancer Diamond Ball and Barenaked Ladies VIP Night

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.

01 – Canadian supergroup Barenaked Ladies, seen here with Pacific Rim GM and host Randy Zupanski, (second right), delight the invite only crowd by playing hits from their latest “All in Good Time” album.

02 – Count and Countess Enrico and Aline Dobrzensky play hosts at the Marquis Diamond Circle VIP reception at Diamond Ball.

03 – Advisory council chairs Bill and Jana Maclagen look fabulous in Spanish theme dress at Diamond Ball.

04 – BC Cancer Society CEO Barbara Kaminsky is always grateful for the generosity of sponsors and guests at Diamond Ball.

05 – North Van’s Jill Killeen, left, and Bridgitte Anderson make the scene in elegant black and feather boas.

06 – One of the North Shore’s most handsome couples, Ashley Cooper and wife Julie celebrated their 12 year anniversary the day after the Diamond Ball.

07 – Minister of Health Services Kevin Falcon and Jessica Elliott are among the VIPs at the Diamond Ball.

08 – Taking in the Barenaked Ladies cocktail party at the Pacific Rim are media pals Mike Schaeffer (QMFM), left, Coleen Christie (CTV), Joe Leary (Team 1040) and Dawn Chubai (CityTV).

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– By Catherine Barr on April 7 & 10, 2010 –

Published in print in the North Shore Outlook on April 15, 2010

April 13, 2010
Jay Leno to host Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala party on May 8, 2010

Known for his interviews with stars, and intense love of cars, Jay Leno is the perfect choice to host this event and makes no apologies for spending a large part of his multi-million dollar salary on his favourite hobby – his automobiles.

Although the numbers often change, Leno owns something like 80 cars and 80 motorcycles at any given time. He stores them in three different warehouses around L.A. and employes a staff of four just to spit and polish – which is nice work if you can get it.

Among the multi-million dollar collectables – Lamborghinis, Bughattis, muscle cars from the ‘50s and ‘60s, a 427 Cobra, several Bentleys, Jaguars, Deusenbergs, and a 627-horsepower McLaren Supercar valued at more than $1 million. Leno also owns an old fire truck.

The 5th annual fashion show event will be held at the Boundary Road dealership and usually attracts the who’s who of Vancouver’s society scene. Past hosts have included CTV’s Mike Kileen and Coleen Christie.

Tickets are $200 or $500 for VIP seating. For more information, contact Brian Jessel BMW at 604-222-7788. Sponsors please call Rhoda Rizkalla 604 293 2523

See photos from Brian Jessel Cabriolet 2009 event – click here –

– Catherine Barr –

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010

Brian Jessel BMW signs late night Host to headline charity Gala!
Jay Leno secured to entertain BMW crowd on May 8th, 2010

(Vancouver, BC) It is sure to be a late night indeed! The 5th Annual Brian Jessel BMW
Gala Fundraiser, CABRIOLET is set to take centre stage with the master of late night
television! On May 8th, 2010, revered car buff and comedian Jay Leno will be headlining
with a full 60 minute stand up act. The Gala event, now in its fifth year, will announce
benefiting charity in the coming weeks.

BMW Principle Brian Jessel comments, “Cabriolet has been a way for us to show our
support to our community. This is not only in terms of donating to charity but also to
promote the many businesses who come together to sponsor and donate to the event.
This year we are thrilled to have secured Jay Leno who will no doubt entertain us all and
make for another successful sold out event.”

Tickets to the event go on sale today at Brian Jessel BMW. Tickets will include:

Complimentary Valet

Complimentary Beverages

Complimentary Appetizers provided by more than a dozen of Vancouver’s top
eating establishments.

A silent and live auction

A chance to win and drive home in a new Brian Jessel BMW!
General admission tickets are $200 while reserved seating VIP tickets are $500.

Co-chairing this year for the first time is Jim Murray (Managing Director for Brian Jessel
BMW) and for her 4th year Rhoda Rizkalla (PR & Marketing Manager for Brian Jessel
BMW ) The annual event will start at 7 pm and will take place at Brian Jessel BMW (2311
Boundary Rd.)

For more information or to become a sponsor for CABRIOLET, please contact Michelle
Sou at 604.222.7788

January 11, 2010
Canadian Culinary Championships and Mangia e Bevi Fundraiser

It was a culinary event of Olympic proportions and the big winners were our own Olympic athletes. The Canadian Culinary Championships (CCC) were held late last month and were the culmination of the local regional Gold Medal Plates city competitions held throughout the year across Canada. The fundraisers were all designed to help put Canadian athletes on the podium come February – so no matter how you slice it, everyone came out a winner. Also, this week marks the start of Mangia E Bevi’s special month-long fundraiser entitled “B.A.C.I.O” (Because A Cure Is Obtainable). The West Vancouver restaurant is raising funds all this month with a special menu – a portion of which will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Lions Gate Hospital Oncology departments. Join them until Jan 31 at www.mangiaebevi.ca.

01 – West Vancouver’s own Olympic committee sweetheart, silver medal track star Charmaine Crooks, attends the CCC wearing a diamond encrusted Inukshuk, the Olympic logo, around her neck.

02 – Westender food critic and CCC judge Andrew Morrison, who also hails from the North Shore, chats with Vancouver Gold Medal Plates representative, Chef Rob Feenie of Cactus Club.

03 – Media personality Terry David Mulligan and CTV news anchor Coleen Christie act as the evening’s MCs for CCC.

04 – The menus will change, but the goal to fight cancer remains. Magia E Bevi owners Antonio Sauro, left, and Rob Parrott are ready to serve.

05 – North Van PR gal Dana Lee Harris and Mania e Bevi’s Doug Grisdale have both donated their time to raise funds for B.A.C.I.O.

06 – Lions Gate Hospital’s Kristy Gill and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Terra Scheer came by the restaurant to see what’s in store for the B.A.C.I.O. event.

07 – Judging from the smiles from the judges, things are postively delicious at the CCC competiton. From left: David Scholefield, Mick Luckhurst and Sid Cross.

By Catherine Barr – December 2009

Published in print by North Shore Outlook newspaper (Black Press) on Jan 7, 2010

January 4, 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