Variety BC – The Children’s Charity is one of the most prestigious charities in the province. Their tireless work behind the scenes with special needs kids is exceptional and heart-warming. Only makes sense then that one of their most prestigious awards is called the Golden Heart Award in honour of individuals who make a difference in our community. This year’s gala honouree is Peter R.B. Armstrong, of Rocky Mountaineer fame, who has literally donated millions of dollars to over 200 different charities throughout the years. The special gala dinner was held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver which was fitting in more than one way as rumour has it Peter used to work there as a doorman years ago. Some even say that’s where he got the idea to start his first ever tour company. Congrats to Peter and everyone involved
01 – Greeting everyone at the door with a handshake and a smile, Golden Heart honouree Peter Armstrong and partner Suvina Lal get set to enjoy the evening’s festivities.
02 – She is the “Absolute” queen of the spa scene and looks fabulous as a result. West Vancouver’s Wendy Cocchia, centre, chats with assistant Jennifer Trudel, left, and Tradeworks executive director Maninder Dhaliwal.
03 – Former political powerhouse “Amazing Grace” McCarthy, seen here with husband Ray, still looks beautiful at age 85. The lights on the Lions’ Gate Bridge were her idea and are known as Gracie’s Pearls to this day.
04 – A former co-recipient of the Golden Heart award on behalf of GlobalBC TV in 2011, North Vancouver’s Brett Manlove, left, is now co-owner of RTown Vancouver. Seen here with wife Brenda, the couple shares conversation with Variety’s Sandra Lowe and husband Chris Lowe who is regional manager of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of BC and Yukon.
05 – Always elegant and always generous, the philanthropic legacy of Rosalie and Joe Segal are legendary and they are always part of this glamorous evening.
06 – Looking dapper, West Vancouver businessman Martin Charlwood, of Century 21 fame, escorts the beautiful Candace Alderson down the red carpet.
07 – Making it look easy at 95 years young, the “King of Swing” and BC’s best band leader Dal Richards attends the gala with wife Muriel.
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By Catherine Barr – Apr 15, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Apr 18, 2013
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Words almost can’t describe it. At first, it was sheer excitement at the site of the colourful Moroccan themed private tent suites. Then, it was pride as opening acts like the Sarah McLachlan Foundation Choir took to the stage and cruise ships sailed past Ambleside beach. Finally, as night falls on a near perfect day, it was magic as Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Sarah McLachlan, three of the biggest names in music, performed to a sold-out crowd the likes of which we have never seen here in West Vancouver. It was a once in a lifetime VIP experience that I hope we get to do all over again next year, and next, and next. Congrats to everyone involved.
