Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: Marke Driesschen

Rick Mercer Headlines Kay Meek Centre Gala

The Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver is a community gem. Loved for its plays and performances, it has become a place that supports the professional arts and the people in a small community known for its close-knit nature. Last week, it was time for the annual gala fundraiser. This year superstar Canadian comic Rick Mercer headlined the event with his one-man show and lots of laughs. The evening also included a garden reception complete with food and drinks and lots of mixing and mingling before the show.

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01 – MLA Jordan Sturdy, left, chats with Christine and Rick Amantea, of Park Royal fame.

02 – Fashionista Marilyn Diligenti, of Marilyn’s fashions, is proud to have son Franco on her arm this night.

03 – Kay Meek’s Jeanne LeSage, left, and Dorothy Byrne, West Van Arts Centre Trust Secretary, hold up a copy of Rick Mercer’s new book.

04 – Enjoying the sunshine on the patio prior to the show are Glen Slingerland, left, Karen Pedersen, Leslie and Don Rutledge.

05 – Amandah Tanner, left, chats with hubby/weatherman Marke Driesschen and former CBC weather gal Claire Martin.

06 – They’re so popular. Shucking oysters from Rodney’s Oyster Bar are Isaac Martin and Ty Fraser.

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By Catherine Barr – June 6, 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 17, 2014
JDRF Rockin’ for Research Gatsby Glamour Gala

Flappers and fringes, jazz and joviality. It was time to put your best foot forward this month for the 13th Annual Rockin’ for Research, Gatsby Glamour gala night. Benefitting the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), this perennial event was founded by local rock band Loverboy in an effort to find a cure for Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Today, it is one of Vancouver’s premiere charity nights. Also honoured at this year’s gala were media giants Canada Wide, CTV, Global TV, The Georgia Straight and our own Black Press who were recognized for their support of JDRF and their overall philanthropic giving.

01 – Black Press senior VP Candy Hodgson and husband Peter sit at the head table where she was later recognized, along with fellow media publishers, for their philanthropic support of JDRF.

02 – Craftsman Collision president and owner Bill Hatswell is lucky to have the stunning Venice Fru accompany him to the gala. Craftsman Collision was one of the major sponsors.

03 – Lugaro jewellers Steven and Clara Agopian are among the North Shore VIPs in attendance.

04 – Upping the bids and keeping an eye on the silent auction items is Alanna Pearce.

05 – North Vancouver comedian/weatherman Marke Driesschen, seen here with wife Amanda, is a long-time supporter who is happy to MC the big event.

06 – Hot stuff! JDRF gala chair Mary Jane Devine poses with members of the fire department as they are auctioned off as part of a fabulous dinner and dine package during the live auction.

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By Catherine Barr – Nov 3, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Nov 15, 2012

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November 12, 2012
BC Lions at 13th Annual Healthy Chef Competition in Vancouver

Eating healthy can be fun, just ask the BC Produce Marketing Association and the BC Lions. Last week, the 13th annual Healthy Chef Competition took place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. Grey Cup winning members of the BC Lions, including Travis Lulay and Geroy Simon, were among the several celebrities in the room as chefs battled it out for top spot. Guests at the event came away with the biggest winnings however as everyone was given secret envelopes to open which revealed which property would be treating them to their specialty dinner and dessert. Live music, auction items and roses for all the ladies made this a glamorous night out for all.

01 – BC Lions members Travis Lulay, left, and Geroy Simon receive a big round of applause as they are introduced at the Healthy Chef Competition.

02 – BC Produce Marketing Association’s Margie Schurko works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Healthy Chef Competition a fabulous success. Congrats Margie on another great year!

03 – Who says healthy can’t be glamorous. Organizer Margie Schurko and her team pose with the Las Vegas showgirls at the Healthy Chef competition.

04 – BC Chefs’ Association member and event organizer Marcus Vonalbrecht gets photographed with the coveted Grey Cup during the reception. Marcus was also the evening’s MC.

05 – Long time famous North Shore chef Sylvain Cuerrier now hangs his hat at the River Rock Casino in Richmond where he heads up the swanky Tramonto restaurant.

06 – North Vancouver’s favourite weatherman, Marke Driesschen, is always wonderful as host of the Healthy Chef Competition. Here he buddies up to our Grey Cup winning BC Lions before heading to dinner.

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By Catherine Barr – March 7, 2012

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on March 22, 2012

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March 19, 2012
Healthy Chef Competition at Hyatt Vancouver Hotel

The B.C. Produce Marketing Association and the BC Chefs Association held their 12th Annual Healthy Chef Competition Gala last week at the Hyatt hotel in Vancouver. Hosted by North Vancouver’s own weatherman/comedian Marke Driesschen (of CTV BC fame) the evening is always one of the best foodie highlights of the year. The night included a three course meal, with each person at the table enjoying one of the 10 competing chef’s creations. Dessert was an amazing artistic display and the winner always takes more points for it being as visual stunning as it is delicious. Congrats to everyone involved.

01 – Amanda Tanner, left, and hubby Marke Driesschen cuddle up to the fabulous BC Produce Marketing Association’s Margie Schurko as the awards begin.

02 – Former Capilano Golf Course and Grouse Mountain Observatory Chef Sylvain Cuerrier takes home the Healthy Plate Award this night on behalf of the River Rock Casino and their stylish Tramonto Italian fine dining room.

03 – Proving that we all love a man in uniform, Cory Kornicki, centre, and his fellow RCMP officers help add some official glamour to the event.

04 – The Dynasty Dessert Trio Plate, which features a marshmallow Moonlight Rabbit, Osmanthus and Apple Pudding and Hedgehog Pastry (by Garley Leung), is an example of the fun and fanciful dessert competition plates.

05 – Always great to sit next to my talented AM650 radio producer Art Factora who helps me sound so good every Tues morning live on air.

06 – They love gold! The dazzling River Rock showgirls help hand out the awards and pose for pics with all the winners.

07 – BC Chefs Association director and host Marcus Von Albrecht and friends accept a cheque for $7,000 for the BC Chefs’ Association Scholarship Program.

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By Catherine Barr – March 16, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 24, 2011

And special thanks this week to Good Life Vancouver food/wine writer Cassandra Anderton for her assistance.

March 21, 2011
Rogue Lounge and Night at the Aquarium

You know it’s a good party when you get to play with the Belugas and tickle the sea otters. Add in some sustainable seafood, a glass of vino and some lavish auction items and you’ve got “Night at the Aquarium” – the Vancouver Aquarium’s signature gala fundraiser. This year, the gala raised over $300,000 and all of the proceeds go directly toward supporting the Aquarium’s numerous research, education and conservation efforts. Also last week, North Vancouverite and Steamworks proprietor Eli Gershkovitch welcomed guests to his newest installment – Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar – located in the downtown seabus terminal. Formerly known as the Transcontinental, the refurbished room features fabulous new decor and a new menu well worth the trip.

01 – Global TV weekend anchor Sophie Lui, left, CTV weatherman Marke Driesschen, and West Vancouver’s “Mercedes Lady” Eva Taubenfligel get ready to bid on items at the Aquarium.

02 – Blue Water Cafe chef Frank Pabst and Top Table communications director Shelley McArthur pass out sustainable seafood to guests at the Aquarium.

03 – Coast chef Josh Wolfe feeds his new stuffed baby octopus some Ocean Wise spot prawns. Guests who bought a $200 raffle ticket at the Aquarium were each given the eight-legged creature as a thank you.

04 – Taking centre stage with the other famous foodies at the Aquarium are Chef Robert Clark, left, and restauranteur Harry Kambolis, both of C Restaurant fame.

05 – Hanging with the jellyfish, VIP guest Colin Metcalfe, left, enjoys some conversation with the North Shore’s own Chuck Brooks at the Aquarium.

06 – They’re going Rogue! Server/model Lisa Cadrain cuddles up to executive chef Cory Chapman at the opening of the new restaurant.

07 – Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar GM Carl McCreath and manager Gosia Niesluchowska keep things moving on a busy opening night.

08 – North Vancouver businessman Adam Wickstead, left, and wife Susie, right, give congrats to Rogue owner Eli Gershkovitch and his wife Brenda, centre, on their new venture.

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By Catherine Barr – June 10, 2010

Also as published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on June 17, 2010

June 14, 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
Healthy Chef, Leones United Way and Iranian Norouz

Eating right, giving back and starting anew doesn’t seem like it could be that much fun – but last week, it was! Three great events full of charity and giving helped start Spring off on the right note. First up, it was the BC Chefs’ Association’s Healthy Chef Competition at the Hyatt. Next, it was a Spring fashion show at Leones hosted by United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy. And finally, it was Persian New Year at the Marriot where the Canadian Iranian Foundation held a glamorous celebration.

01 – Faizzal Fatehali, of the United Way, poses with West Vancouver’s Pamela Martin (CTV news anchor and Women United in Philanthropy member) at Leones.

02 – Women United in Philanthropy member Christie King and husband James welcome guests to the Leone fashion show fundraiser.

03 – This West Vancouver trio knows all about fashion. From left: Wear Else president/owner Zahra Mamdani, Leone president and owner Alberto Leone, and guest Carey Smith.

04 – Eating right at the Healthy Chefs Competition are North Vancouver’s Amanda Tanner, left, and BC Produce Marketing Association’s Margie Schurko.

05 – Von Albrecht and Associates Leo Savino, left, and BC Chefs Association director and host Marcus Von Albrecht help put on a wonderful gala evening in support of great healthy food.

06 – BC Lions’ famous footballer Geroy Simon, left, teams up with North Vancouver celeb/comedian and CTV weatherman Marke Driesschen.

07 – Canadian Iranian Foundation committee members Nassreen Filsoof, left, and Massoume Price deserve praise for helping arrange such a glamorous Norouz night.

08 – Posing by the beautiful, traditional Haft Seen table at Norouz are foundation board directors Babak Shahbazi, left, Abbas Esmailie, Ali Hashemi and Bahram Saadatmandi.

09 – Looking beautiful in blue for the new year Norouz gala are Mahshid Seifi, left, and Maryam Hashemi.

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By Catherine Barr – March 17, 18 and 21, 2010

Published in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on March 25, 2010

March 23, 2010
Wine on the Mountain and JDRF Rockin’ for Research

Two great Saturday night galas make headlines this week. First up, Wine on the Mountain was quite literally a “feast for the senses” as guests rode to the top of a snow covered Grouse Mountain to enjoy food and wine, live music and auctions in support of Adoptive Families Association of BC. Next, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Rockin’ for Research gala with a spectacular night at the Hyatt featuring live performances by Loverboy, Chilliwack, Bill Henderson and Paul Hyde.

Wine on the Mountain and Rockin' for Research

01 – Global news reporter and North Shore gal Catherine Pope is a big Adoptive Families supporter having adopted a baby girl herself a couple of years ago.

02 – Treena Innes, Development Director of Adoptive Families Association of BC, poses with members of the North Van District Fire Department who were happy to volunteer for the night.

03 – Food and wine were all part of the good time at Adoptive Families gala thanks to the support of suppliers like Paul Jordan of Stile Wines, left, and Grouse Mountain executive chef Dino Gazzola.

04 – Judging their favourite wines as part of the celebrity panel at Adoptive Families gala are Global TV personalities Kristi Gordon, left, Randeen Neil and Sophie Lui.

05 – Helping with the live auction at Adoptive Families gala is Global TV anchor Chris Gailus who attends the event wife Jane Carrigan.

06 – Mike Reno, seen here with girlfriend Cathy St. Germain, takes to the stage with his band mates from Loverboy to kick off the dancing part of the night at JDRF’s Rockin’ for Research gala.

07 – Former Vancouver mayor turned Senator Larry Campbell is an adoptive parent and plays the role of MC this night for Adoptive Families gala.

08 – Looking fabulous in a hot backless sequins dress, North Van’s Amanda Tanner accompanies CTV weaterman and hubby Marke Driesschen as he performs his MC duties at the JDRF Rockin’ for Research 10th Annual Gala.

By Catherine Barr – November 8, 2009

Publishing in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Nov 12, 2009

November 8, 2009
Sarah McLachlan Music Foundation Gala

Sarah McLachlan

Last week, The Vancouver Music Industry (VMI) held its fourth annual Gala and Golf Event to benefit the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach. The spectacular looking Sarah was there in person and looking oh so very hot-hot-hot in a spectacular blue and green gown and fabulous summertime tan. The evening’s highlight came when Bruce Allen presented the Bruce Allen/ Sam Feldman Legend Award to North Vancouver’s famous Bryan Adams and his fabulous song writing partner Jim Vallance who is responsible for the chart topping hits of Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Heart and Alice Cooper, to name a few. (more…)

August 3, 2009