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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Khakis and cocktail dresses were on my marching orders last week as one of the most spectacular gala evenings ever to hit Vancouver was held in honour of the True Patriot Love Foundation. “Operation Western Front” was co-chaired by businessmen Warren M. Spitz and W. Brett Wilson (of CBC’s Dragons’ Den fame). Together they turned the Vancouver Convention Centre into a quasi military style forward operation base complete with camo, ammo and Hollywood glam-o. During the elegant reception, guests were more than moved by artist Dave Sopha’s “Portraits of Honour” (www.portraitsofhonour.ca) – a massive tribute to the fallen in Afghanistan. Then, a real live patrolling helicopter buzzed the ballroom outside the windows ordering everyone to take their military dinner tray to the five-star buffet line for “chow time”. A touching tribute by singer John McDermott and a lively auction featuring KISS rock star Gene Simmons helped round out a special evening that raised over $1.5 million for military families and veterans in need. Congrats to all involved.
A look back on this hot and steamy month reveals a July filled with excitement and special events. Whether it was breaking out the barbecue with friends, the celebration of 100 years of Canada’s naval forces, or the star-studded premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s big top production of Kooza, North Shore faces were in all the right places.