The Athletics for Kids boxing gala is one of the most special fund raising events of the year. In addition to being treated to a formal night out, guests enjoy a martini cocktail reception, followed by sit-down dinner and then three rounds of live sanctioned boxing. A live and silent auction, plus a fun money post-party casino, help round out a night of fundraising for kids who otherwise could not afford to participate in organized sports.
The Athletics for Kids (A4K) annual boxing gala was held last week at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Helping raise money for kids who cannot always afford to play sports, the association’s annual event is a glamorous affair complete with Las Vegas theme, sit-down dinner, auction items and live sanctioned boxing bouts. Famous sports names, glamorous showgirls and some knock ’em sock ’em action are all part of the fun. Congrats to all involved who are putting up a fight for kids that want to get in the game, no matter what the cost.
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01 – Glamorous Vegas style showgirls welcome guests to the black-tie dinner and live boxing event.
02 – Past president Chris Obst teams up with Eventful Innovations PR gal Pamela Buck.
03 – Making the predictions for the Kentucky Derby winner during dinner are horse racing expert Tommy Wolski, left, and John Teti of Shark Club and Ginson Hospitality fame.
04 – B.C. Lions centre Angus Reid may have announced his retirement earlier this year, but here he’s ready to ring the bell as event MC.
05 – A4K director Craig Knapton and wife Becky entertain VIPs at their dinner table.
06 – Checking in guests are glam girls Rachelle Perkins, from left, Alexis Dutnall, Naima Abbondanza and Sharon Abbondanza.
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By Catherine Barr – May 2, 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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It was a room full of champions last week as the The West Vancouver Otters Swim Club held their annual awards banquet at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. The formal night is always fun for the families and friends who get a chance to honour the kids and all of the year’s achievements. This year was extra special as guest star and 2010 Winter Olympic gold medal champion Ashleigh McIvor paid a visit to sign autographs and speak to all the athletes. Keep a close watch on this gang as something tells me we just might see another future Olympian emerge in the not so distant future. Congrats to everyone involved!
01 – Watch out for this terrific trio. West Vancouver’s Emily Overholt won a bronze at this year’s FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in Dubai. And Sam Tammen, left, and Levent Shah also admit they have their eyes on the podium as well.
02 – Helping out with the silent auction items, Farrah Devji is also the proud mom of super swimmer son Jayden.
03 – Holding down the executive posts this evening are Otters VP Kelly Merrigan, left, head coach Janusz Kaczmarek and past president Carman Overholt.
04 – She’s our own golden girl and more. Olympic champion and retired ski cross athlete Ashleigh McIvor is all smiles as she signs autographs for the kids. Next up, she’s off to Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics – but this time as a broadcaster.
05 – Registrar Laura Fleury, left, and president Kathryn Basran work hard all year to make sure this night is both sparkly and splashy.
06 – A night for family and friends and fun. Friend Shan Ree, left, joins Sofie Rzepinski and her mom Kathy and brother Nathan for dinner.
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By Catherine Barr – Oct 15, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 24, 2013
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It’s one of the biggest sporting events of the summer for West Vancouver. The Odlum Brown Van Open tennis tournament, presented by Invesco, took place last week at Hollyburn Country Club. And while the action on the courts is always top notch, so are the people that help put it all together. Sitting in the sun and taking in a game couldn’t be better in this picturesque environment and opening night proved to be all that and more. The welcome reception, hosted by by Floyd R. Hill, was held on the patio where invited guests and VIPs got a chance to mix and mingle before heading court side for the opening ceremonies which included extra entertainment and performances. Congrats to all involved.
01 – Among today’s VIP are guests Shelly Davis, left, Chantale Courtemanche and Bianca Lindner.
02 – CTV sports anchor Perry Solkowski, left, and cameraman Gary Rutherford get set up for a live hit directly from the courts.
03 – Working behind the scenes to help make this tournament a reality every year are Terry and Cheryl Hooge.
04 – Three cheers for these lovely ladies who help keep everything running smoothly. From left: Shelley Appleton-Benko, Marian Bayley, Sasha Evan and Cathy Greer.
05 – Hollyburn athletic director Joanne Weiler and Hollyburn Country Club CEO Ed McLaughlin help welcome guests to the party.
06 – Billet/organizer Carlota Lee and guest Dr. Michael Kates get a chance to chat during the VIP reception.
07 – Hollyburn past president Ian Petrie and wife Carolyn toast the occasion in style.
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By Catherine Barr – July 30, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 8, 2013
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It’s been 11 years since the Athletic for Kids (A4K) group got together to put up their dukes to raise money for youngsters to play sports. And with ever increasing costs, more and more families have been reaching out for assistance. This year the board was back with its Las Vegas themed gala at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver where invited guests and VIP athletes were treated to a night of cocktails, prizes, auction items, a gourmet dinner and the main event – a five round sanctioned boxing card that featured an exhibition match by rookie fighter and ex BC Lions star Sean Millington.
01 – Getting ready behind the scenes with the fighters and holding up the coveted big belt are board member Craig Knapton, left, and fight night coordinator / former Olympic boxer Manny Sobral.
02 – Athletics for Kids past-president Craig Knapton, right, welcomes former BC Lions Sean Millington to the ring for his exhibition boxing debut. Don’t worry ladies, he’s still looking good even after taking a few punches.
03 – Athletics for Kids board member and former Vancouver Canucks hero Dave Babych, centre, chats with guests Chris Gray, left, and Barry Pynn before the dinner starts.
04 – Making sure all the feathers and sequins are in place for a perfect Vegas night are A4K director Kimberly MacAulay, left, and PR pro Pamela Buck.
05 – Sitting ringside with their doctor duties this night are Dr Jim Hunter, left, and Dr Marc Boileau.
06 – It’s a true boy’s night out as guests Adam Wicks, left, and Andre Boileau can tell you complete with Vegas showgirls, steak dinner and live action boxing.
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By Catherine Barr – April 5, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 11, 2013
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Happy New Year everyone! And just as you’re finishing putting away the holiday decorations, it’s time to take out your date books and pencil in some spectacular events for the upcoming year. There’s never a shortage of things to do all across the North Shore and charity events are always on the list. The summer months are bursting with community fun and festivals but you’ll want to book off lots of time during May, June, October and November as these are always when the big glamorous galas are held. Check out some of these dates below and be sure to check back with me throughout the year to keep you posted. Best wishes to all.
01 – Kay Meek Centre board member Paul Tutsch, left, West Vancouver councillor Mary Ann Booth and volunteer Barney Ellis were among the many guests at last year’s annual Kay Meek Gala event. This year you’ll want to keep May 31, 2013 clear as they celebrate again with special guest star Holly Cole.
02 – October is a big gala month and they don’t come any bigger than the Gift of Time Gala for Canucks Place Children’s Hospice. Last year lots of North Shore faces were in attendance as Global TV anchor Chris Gailus and radio star Tara Maguire played co-host.
03 – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation gala chair Mary Jane Devine shows us that the Rockin’ for Research Gala is always hot stuff by posing with members of the fire department as they were auctioned off as part of a fabulous dinner and dine package during last year’s live auction. Mark Nov 2, 2013 on your calendar for this one.
04 – Wine, women and . . well more wine. Whistler’s annual Cornucopia may be considered one of the wildest weekends on the mountain with so many dinners, dances, tastings and parties to attend that come November 2013, they are planning on holding it for a whole week. Hold onto your hats for details.
05 – Formerly known as the Diamond Ball, the 17th Annual Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball will be held on April 27 this year. Black and yellow are all the rage at this event as North Shore golden gals Bryanna Baker, left, Elizabeth Dyer and Carey Macbeth can tell you.
06 – Put up your dukes on April 5, 2013 as Hollyburn Country Club prepares to once again host the A4K – Athletics for Kids extravaganza. It’s a Vegas theme all the way as board members Craig Knapton, left, and Dave Babych get ready for their eleventh year.
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By Catherine Barr – Dec 28, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 3, 2013
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If the good old hockey game, is the best game you can name, then tonight is the night you’ve been waiting for all summer as the Vancouver Canucks return to the ice for their 2011-2012 season opener. In honour of hockey’s return, a group of invite-only North Shore kids and their parents got a head start on the puck drop at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Fan Zoo Memorabilia hosted a day of Canuck player fun that included a shoot out with goalie Cory Schneider, stick lessons from Alex Burrows and a locker room/coaches chat with Mason Raymond and Maxim LaPierre. An after-party and autograph session made sure no fan left empty handed as the Canucks’ young guns were only too pleased to smile, shake hands and give every kid two minutes for excellent sportsmanlike conduct.
01 – With the game-winning, game seven, OT goal against Chicago still ringing in his ears, Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Burrows, left, and teammate Maxim Lapierre are ready to lace ’em up and spring back into action.
02 – Pretty Genevieve Calamo scores one for the girls as she gets an autograph from one of her favourite Canucks – namely Mason Raymond.
03 – The gang from Fan Zoo Memorabilia are ready to root for the home team again in 2011-2012 as they send their best for another great Canucks season.
04 – We’re counting on ginger-haired goaltender Cory Schneider to generate even more excitement between the pipes this year as he again backstops with teammate Roberto Luongo.
05 – Luke Emri and his dad Bob are among the lucky few who now have an authentic autographed Vancouver Canucks jersey.
06 – It’s a boys night out for sure as dad Jason Soprovich waits for autographs with sons Cole, right, Chase, centre, and friend Cole Shepard to see the Vancouver Canucks.
07 – I’m hoping these Hollyburn hockey players will save me an autograph when they make it to the NHL. From left: Michael Spouge, Jack Spouge, Jack Hemsley and Trevor Smith.
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By Catherine Barr – Oct 3, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 6, 2011
Cool cars and funky fashions seem to go hand in hand, especially last week when two great local events ensured a stylish look for all. First up, North Shore BMW, at the North Shore Auto Mall, introduced the newest members of their X Series line at a elegant dealership reception. The sparkling white BMW X1 SUV/crossover was the star of the show as guests got a chance to see it unveiled for the very first time. Next it was a full on girls night out at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club as Pilar’s held their Viva La Moda – West Vancouver Spring 2011 Fashion Show. Runway reveals had everyone thinking spring and no one went home empty handed thanks to a plethora of fabulous prize giveaways.
01 – This family knows cars. Rod Kopman, of Rod’s Exotic Auto Detail in North Vancouver, and his wife Chloe and daughter Simone check out the new offerings from BMW.
02 – Park Shore BMW operations manager Horst Duess, gets ready to ride in the new BMW X1 car.
03 – Taking in the fashion show at Hollyburn are friends Karen Deol, left, North Shore Outlook gal Maria Spitale-Leisk and Ivy McKee.
04 – Baby you can drive my car, especially if it’s a new BMW X1. Park Shore BMW boys Frank Rodriguez, left, Michael Regan and Amir Yusefi are ready for the new season.
05 – Breakfast TV host and weathergirl Dawn Chubai, left, gets ready to MC at Pilar Buse-Recavarren’s sensational spring fashion show.
06 – It’s a night out at Hollyburn for fashion forward guests Teresa Englmann, left, and Samantha Davidson.
07 – Fashions, friends and fun are all part of the night for Julie Englmann, left, Ashleigh Davidson and Natalie Englmann.
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By Catherine Barr – April 8, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 14, 2011
Sometimes getting in the game is hard, especially for those living close to the poverty line. Hockey gear, soccer gear, baseball gear and registration fees, are costs that sometimes add up to a young person not being able to participate. Fortunately, there’s the good folks behind the Athletics for Kids organization (A4K). They’re out to even the score by supplying financially disadvantaged youth with access to community amateur sports programs. Last week, the 9th Annual A4K Boxing Dinner Gala helped raise funds via an elegant black-tie night out at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Round one was a martini reception, complete with silent auction items galore. Then it was time for a beautiful three-course dinner, a live auction, and then the main event – five rounds of Olympic rules sanctioned boxing. Congrats to all involved.
01 – Put up your dukes, let’s get down to it. Boxing buddies Bob Leblevec, left, Dave Bird, Todd Wall and Brad Wolgs play it up for the camera during the before dinner reception.
02 – Time for a boys night out as Andre Boileau and his dad, Dr. Marc Boileau, get ready to watch some Olympic class boxing.
03 – A4K President Chris Obst welcomes guests, like former North Vancouver fire chief Tommy Cummings, to the best night of boxing on the North Shore.
04 – QM/FM radio personality and former A4K director Tara McGuire, left, dines with producer Brad Challoner and Crystal Lidemark.
05 – And in this corner, helping with the MC duties for the night, is QM/FM morning show host Mike Shaeffer.
06 – They look just as comfortable in the ring as they do on the ice. Canucks anthem singer (and lucky charm) Mark Donnelly, left, and Canucks hockey hero Dave Babych get ready to raise money for the kids.
07 – He’s the man that helped start it all. Loads of hugs and kisses to A4K co-founder Craig Knapton, seen here with wife Becky, for pouring his heart and soul into helping all the kids.
08 – Leaving everyone shaken and stirred are the beautiful serving duo of Hannah Locke, left, and Nelly Kutle who ensure that the martini glasses are always full.
09 – Hit me with your best shot. Former Super Welterweight Champion of the World, boxing coach and A4K spokesperson Manny Sobral, left, kids with friend Ivano DeCotiis as the boxing matches get underway.
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By Catherine Barr – April 1, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 7, 2011
The revitalization of Ambleside, an often talked about project by those in West Vancouver, looks like it now finally may see the light of day. In a $50 per head special reception held at Hollyburn Country Club, Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones revealed the plans for what will become the new AmblesideNow 2012 initiative – all in conjunction with the District’s 100 year celebrations. Along the 1300 block Marine, plans include a walk-through atrium, new four-storey mixed use buildings with commercial space below and housing apartment/condos above, new storefronts, new waterfront amenities and retention of the arts corridor and parks along the beach. West Vancouver municipality will continue to acquire the beachfront properties along Argyle for public use. The West Van Police station would be moved up by municipal hall.
01 – West Vancouver councillors Shannon Walker and Michael Lewis are among the elected officials on hand to see the new plans unveiled to guests.
02 – Celebrating his business’s 80th year, Danny Sewell, left, of Horseshoe Bay’s Sewell’s Marina, chats with former West Vancouver Mayor Ron Wood.
03 – West Vancouver MP John Weston, left, and guest John Almond enjoy some canapes and conversation.
04 – Stephanie Kiernan, left, who is the Mayor’s executive assistant, chats to West Van realtor Stephanie LaPorta about her upcoming expedition climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with Care Canada. Stay tuned for more here.
05 – Peter Gaskill, of Pacific Arbour Retirement Communities, talks to Susanna Bell-Irving Gray, chair of West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Centre, about the new property planned for the old Wetmore site at 2200 Marine.
06 – Chiropractor Dr. Bob Hafizi, left, gets things straightened out with West Van Chamber director Luis Sopena as the presentation begins.
07 – West Van Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, left, West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce president Gary Mussatto and West Van Chamber executive director Leagh Gabriel greet guests as they arrive.
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By Catherine Barr – January 26, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 3, 2011
Fifty years ago, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker was in office, a new house was less than $12,000, a gallon of gas was about 25 cents, and a young man named Cassius Clay, after having won the Olympic Gold Medal in Rome, won his first professional boxing fight as Muhammad Ali. In entertainment, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were making Vegas famous in both song and on the big screen, and high in the hills of West Vancouver, a little place called Hollyburn Country Club was forging new territory in what would become one of Canada’s wealthiest neighbourhoods. “Under the Palms – 50th Anniversary Gala” was held last Saturday and featured a glamorous night of Vegas style celebrating including showgirls, gala dinner and cocktail reception, a “funny money” casino and live entertainment by “Nearly Neil”. Congrats to all founding members and their families, and to all that helped make this night so special.
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01 – Celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary, West Vancouver’s Ross and Elaine Henderson both grew up here on the North Shore.
02 – Keeping guests’s glasses full behind the “Bellagio” bar are Hollyburn barmen Lucas Watt and Chris Burrows.
03 – Beautiful and blonde, Hollyburn member Eva Taubenfligel always looks like she’s just stepped off the fashion runway.
04 – Enjoying a night of dancing and more, Dr. Allan Bergmann and wife Nicole get to enjoy a grown-ups night out.
05 – Glitter and feathers and sequins and more. Two of the evening’s spectacular Vegas style showgirls helped get everyone into celebration mode.
06 – Sporting fabulous white dinner jackets, Hollyburn CEO Ed McLachlin, left, and COO Ernest Batcho cuddle up for a photo with Jenny Sanders, Director of Membership Sales.
07 – George Taubenfligel, of Mercedes Benz Silver Star Auto fame, and Ray Signorello, Napa California wine maker, are among the VIP members here to celebrate this night.
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By Catherine Barr – Oct 2, 2010
As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 7, 2010
West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club looked a little like Wimbledon this last week as pro athletes and tennis fans alike gathered for the 2010 Odlum Brown Vancouver Open. With a prize purse of over $175,000, this year’s tournament managed to draw several of the up-and-coming major names in professional tennis. A super sunny Tuesday night meant the patio and box seats were full of VIPs who not only took in some fabulous tennis, but were also welcomed with a swanky VIP reception.
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01 – Hanging out in the VIP tent before the first match of the night are Kim Low, left, Caroline Cavelti, tournament supporter Terry Hooge and wife Cheryl.
02 – The fabulous Carlotte Lee, left, managed to find homes for over 80 players which included billeting them with friends like Heidi Kernaghan.
03 – VIPs Debbie Clyne, left, and sister Susan enjoy cocktails and conversation at the pre-tourney party with jazz musician Don Stewart.
04 – A bird’s eye box view from the balcony is had by invited guests Sian Pitman, left, Ian Robertson, Barbara Miles and Mark Monroe.
05 – They’re a game, set and match made for each other. Hollyburn members Elandra and John Chivers take in some fun in the sun from the private patio.
06 – Odlum Brown’s Tournament chairman Floyd Hill deserves a lot of applause for making it all happen here in West Van. Cheers.
07 – Pretty PR gal Chelsea Carlson and server Chris Burrows help keep guests fed and watered at the opening Odlum Brown reception.
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By Catherine Barr – Aug 3, 2010
Also published in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on August 12, 2010
You know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? Well, trust me when I say that it’s true. The last decade has flown by at the speed of light and in looking back, I realize just how wonderful, yet fleeting, life can be. In the last seven years that I have had the privilege of writing for The Outlook, I estimate that I have taken 11,653 photos of close to 34,959 faces at more than 3,640 local events. To this day, I never forget a smile (even though I sometimes forget the name – wink). So here’s to you – the people of my community, my neighbours and my new found friends. It is an honour to be here to share in all your special memories. I thank you all for your heart-warming smiles and look forward to ten years more – at least.
01 – Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow and Neil Young played to a sell-out crowd of 9,000 at Ambleside Park in Summer 2009 as the Lee Family, Terry McBride and the Sarah McLachlan Foundation made history with a charity concert that attracted worldwide attention.
02 – The first ever sanctioned amateur boxing match in West Vancouver was held in March 2003 when the A4K (Athletics for Kids) held their first annual black-tie gala at Hollyburn Country Club – an event that is still going strong.
03 – It wasn’t how they planned to celebrate their 40th anniversary, but members of the North Shore Rescue team had to rescue their own in 2004 as a trek up Yukon’s Mount Logan went terribly wrong leaving Erik Bjarnason, Alex Snigurowicz and Don Jardine fending for their lives. From left: team members Barry Mason, Erik Bjarnason, Linda Bily and Don Jardin.
04 – Organizers Kenn Hamlin (left), and David Gouge (right) flank architect and famous ‘supermodeller’ Arthur Erickson at one of the legendary West Vancouver Eppich houses during the AIDS Memorial fundraiser in September 2005. Erickson passed away May 2009.
05 – The 2010 Winter Olympics are almost here, and we have Olympic bid committee member, silver medalist and North Shore gal Charmaine Crooks, left, to thank for it. Pictured here in November 2006 with fellow Olympian and gold medalist Catriona LeMay Doan at the Gold Medal Plates event, she will finally see her life’s work come to fruition next year.
06 – The Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts opened its doors, unofficially, in November 2004 with a gala performance of “The Prince of Africa”, performed by the African Children’s Choir, and seen here with sponsor Suzanne Latta. Sadly, Kay Meek herself passed away later that same weekend.
07 – Park Royal Shopping Centre’s new “Village” debuted in September 2004 with a series of grand openings, but none grander than the Home Depot’s “Inspire to Dream” gala night. The $300 per person fundraiser honoured the work of athlete Rick Hansen, seen here with wife Amanda, and featured a private intimate concert with recording artist Jann Arden.
08 – One of Canada’s most renowned Impressionist painters, Daniel Izzard, celebrated his 80th birthday in May 2003. Seen here with a beautiful portrait of granddaughter Carissa Davis, the event was a veritable who’s who of North Shore dignitaries. Izzard died in June 2007.
09 – NBA superstar Steve Nash and various celebrities were seen at the multi-million dollar West Vancouver home of Kyle and Janelle Washington in July 2007 at the “Carats” charity fundraiser and poker game where, for $10,000 per couple, guests got to hobnob with Nash and his famous friends. From left: Producer/composer David Foster (left) Steve Nash and his mom.
10 – There were tears, cheers and beers as the staff of the old Park Royal Hotel bid a bittersweet goodbye to their old digs in September 2004 to make way for a new development. Built in 1957 by West Vancouver’s late Frank Bernard, the memories and stories about her good old days will live on forever.
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By Catherine Barr – November 11, 2009
Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on November 19, 2009
It was time for bow ties and boxing gloves as the 7th annual Athletics for Kids (A4K) Boxing Gala was held last Friday at Hollyburn Country Club. Rock 101 FM’s Bro Jake “The Champ” Edwards had them rolling in the aisles as he helped MC the evening which included a glamorous martini reception, big steak dinner and five rounds of Olympic sanctioned boxing. Helping raise money for kids who can’t afford to play sports is the goal of these go-getters, and they continue to do so in style thanks to the many who came out in support. (more…)