Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

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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
Porsche Vancouver Opening Night Gala

There is no substitute – It’s one of the most famous tag lines in the world and it belongs to none other than Porsche motorcars. Known for their speed and beauty, the iconic car is driven by millionaires and famous folks alike. It seems only fitting then that MCL Motorcars (Dilawri Group) invited the who’s who of Vancouver to join them for their Porsche Vancouver gala opening night. You couldn’t image a more beautiful showroom. Also on display was an impressive display of cars dedicated to the 50 years of the 911. Lots of famous North Shore faces were also in the crowd to help celebrate as were several company VIPs from Germany.

West Vancouver’s Paul and Devina Zalesky, of Allwest Insurance, meet with Porsche’s Bernhard Maier who came from Stuttgart for the opening night.

West Vancouver’s Graham and Angela Lee attend the Porsche Vancouver opening night.

Ajay Dilawri, president Dilawri Group, with Alexander Pollich, president and CEO of Porsche Canada.

The lovely ladies of the Bella Strings Quartet from LasVegas entertain everyone with their electric rock performance.

Luxury cars go well with diamonds via owners Steve and Clara Agopian.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate for everyone courtesy of North Vancouver’s chocolate chef Thomas Haas.

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By Catherine Barr – Oct 23, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 31, 2013

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October 28, 2013
Luxury Supercars in Vancouver

It was called Luxury Supercar Weekend, but it has actually been a week long event consisting of parties, launches, dinners and more. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and Rolls Royce were all part of the mix as the supercars rolled into town to show off their wheels. And car lovers everywhere were in heaven as they got a chance to choose and schmooze at events all over town. The week of excess came to close with the biggest party of them all at the Concours d’Elegance two-day affair where prizes were handed out for the best of the best. Congrats to everyone involved.

01 – You couldn’t possibly be blue in this. MCL Motorcars’ Tanis Sullivan and general sales manager Dean Rideout take the top down on the new Aston Martin 2014 Vanquish Volante – the only one in the world!

02 – Hosting a fabulous Ferrari dinner at Francesco’s Restaurant, William Urea welcomes VIPs like former Real Housewives of Vancouver cast member Reiko Mackenzie.

03 – Taking in all the glamour at the new Roll Royce “Wraith” launch party are David Alexander, left, of Dick’s Lumber and Craig Beere, of Beere Timber.

04 – Ferrari Maserati Vancouver general manager Mark Edmonds looks perfectly at home behind the wheel of this stunning new blue and white Maserati convertible.

05 – West Vancouver real estate pros Karim and Haneef Virani host one of the week’s best parties at Ferrari Maserati Vancouver.

06 – Congratulations to the amazing Hayley Fazli who puts on the ritz for a night of elegance at the Roll Royce “Wraith” launch. Seen here with M&P Yacht’s Joe Johnston, the night included vintage Roll Royce cars, ice sculptures, opera singers and more.

07 – AllWest Insurance’s Paul and Devina Zalesky are major sponsors of most of the week’s events, including the Roll Royce “Wraith” launch night.

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By Catherine Barr – Sep 6, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Sep 12, 2013

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September 9, 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
Family Services of North Shore Christmas Celebration

For over 60 years now, Family Services of the North Shore has been raising money and helping people in our community. Out of work, family distress, counselling and more are all part of what they provide to people in need. Needless to say, the holidays are an extra special time and being there to support families is very important. That’s why the great people at Family Services created the Christmas Bureau section just for this very cause. Last week, at a special “Christmas on the Shore” event, VIP guests and supporters donated $1,000 per couple and came out to enjoy an evening together at The Beach House restaurant in West Vancouver. Thanks to the generosity of the Fuller family (who are owners at the Beach House), everything this night was donated to this cause, including five-star food and more. A live auction this night also included amazing gifts like a Ross Penhall original artwork, an iPhone 5 and a corporate box for the upcoming Lady Gaga concert. Congrats to everyone involved.

01 – Beautiful Emily Goodrich accompanies Stew Fuller to the gala evening.

02 – Known for her dedication and service, event co-chair Coryn Hemsley and husband Paul come out in support.

03 – Looking festive in red, Carolyn Scholz and Kevin Gould get a chance to chat during cocktails.

04 – John O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer of O’Neill Hotels & Resorts, does a great job as auctioneer this evening.

05 – Family Services’ own Diana Cowden, left, and Michelle Tice welcome guests to the event.

06 – Guests Catherine Van Dop, left, and Roumina Popatia are all sparkles for the season.

07 – AllWest Insurance’s Paul and Devina Zalesky get in on the bidding this night.

08 – This night would not have been possible without these amazing people. From left: Cactus Club president Richard Jaffray, event co-chair Monica Soprovich, Beach House/Earls owner Stan Fuller and event co-chair Janice O’Sullivan.

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By Catherine Barr – Dec 5, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 13, 2012

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December 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