Supporting kids in sport, and kids who can’t afford sport, is all part of the fight that the people at Athletics 4 Kids (A4K) believe in. Known for their glamorous boxing gala events here at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club, the gang behind the ring decided that a second battle might be in order. This time, thanks to the good people at the Hard Rock Casino, guests enjoyed another magical night of fundraising and ringside seats to one of the best events around.
It’s a month long party out in Richmond as the River Rock Casino Resort holds their Diamond Celebration and 10 year anniversary party. A special VIP evening was held last week as dignitaries, politicians and invited guests were treated to a glamorous evening at the conference centre. The birthday theme included gourmet food and extra special party items like hot dogs, cotton candy and a full ice cream sundae station. There was also a special tribute to the many artists that have performed at the resort since its opening and a cheque presentation to the City of Richmond in the amount of $30,000. After, guests were invited to stay to see the legendary Justin Hayward, lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the Moody Blues. I still can’t stop thinking about his haunting rendition of “Knights in White Satin”. The party continues at the resort until June 30 with ongoing live music, shows, food specials, hotel packages and more.
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01 – Rod N. Baker, president and CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, seen here with , welcomes VIPs and dignitaries to the celebration night.
02 – Susan Dolinski, left, vice president of communications at British Columbia Lottery Corporation chats with media manager Sonja Mandic of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
03 – Great Canadian Gaming’s senior vice president of operations Peter Goudron, left, with Hastings Racecourse general manager Darren MacDonald.
04 – Raj Mutti, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver general manager, with Tanya Ruskowski, assistant to the president.
05 – Making the welcome speeches and more is Chuck Keeling, vice president, stakeholder relations and responsible gaming at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
06 – Fraser Downs general manager Ken Stratton attends the event with guests Weatie Rosenlehner, left, and Dolores Prasad.
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By Catherine Barr – June 13, 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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Are you ready to rock? That’s the question they asked as they swung open the doors to one of the newest and hippest entertainment facilities in town. The new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, formerly known as the Boulevard Casino and Red Robinson Theatre, has been given a major facelift. There’s new bars, restaurants, gaming areas and more. The trip alone is worth it just to see the impressive collection of music and movie memorabilia which decorate the walls everywhere. At the opening night gala party, invited guests and VIPs walked the red carpet as a guitar player cranked out riffs suspended from the ceiling. As a long lined formed outside, guests were entertained with a guitar flash mob, fireworks and then two opening night concerts featuring Hedley and 54-40. Lots of North Shore faces and VIPs made the trip to help celebrate.
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01 – Casino showgirls, dressed as Slots, Blackjack, Craps and Poker game glam, help add to the fun and festivities.
02 – Aussie Jiwani, Molson sponsor rep, and Raj Mutti, executive director Hard Rock Casino Vancouver are among the VIPs in attendance at opening night.
03 – Fellow Glacier Media man Tom Zillich, left, and JRFM radio exec Steven Young check out the new Asylum bar where Tom’s band, Jane’s Blonde, also rocked out this past weekend.
04 – West Vancouver’s Ron and Val Orr, of Granville Entertainment, enjoy a tour of the new facilities.
05 – Helping open the doors to all the new excitement are Rod Baker, president and CEO, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Peter Goudron, senior vice president, operations-west, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
06 – Vancouver rock idol Biff Naked chats with all her fans before proceeding outside to smash up an electric guitar at the opening ceremonies, much to the delight of the large crowd waiting.
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By Catherine Barr – Dec 20, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 16, 2014
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Updated Dec 20, 2013 – Thank you to everyone who participated. Our secret Santa winner has been chosen. Congratulation to David G from New Westminster BC. He is going to the VIP show at the Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver featuring opening night guests Hedley in concert.
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Every year I have the privilege of attending many fabulous events and concerts. Most of them are for charity. I love seeing everyone give so generously to support needy causes all over Vancouver. Most times though, it is the unsung heroes behind the scenes that help make it all happen. These are the people you don’t often see – but are usually the hardest working folks of all.
So . . . just last week, a very unselfish secret Santa asked me to help make someone’s Christmas wishes come true.
And now here’s your chance.
Do you know someone who works tirelessly for a good cause? Do you or a friend volunteer during the holiday season? Is there someone you know who deserves a really big holiday night out?
Then follow the notes below and we’ll put you on the “nice” list for a chance to win two VIP tickets to this week’s opening night Hedley concert at the brand new Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam on Friday December 20, 2013 followed by the big 54-40 late night party in the new casino lounge.
Concert starts at 8pm – YOU MUST BE 19+ TO ATTEND – and you’ll have to bring gov ID. There is no cash value – and no, you can’t trade them in – you have to use them on Friday December 20,
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