They say the world is a small place and that we are all connected in one way or another. Never before was that more true than last weekend as West Vancouver’s Richard and Heidi Coglon opened their home, and their hearts, to host an especially touching gala event in support of Ugandan orphans and the new “CHAT House” concept of giving. CHAT to the Future (which stands for Care and Hope through Adoption and Technology), connects sponsors and kids like nothing before it. Using Skype and email, sponsors actually get to know their sponsor child personally and see firsthand the impact they are making on their lives. This night, a special live Skype session allowed guests to be entertained live from Kasangati, Uganda as all of the CHAT House kids sang special holiday songs and danced for the crowd via the internet. Guests like Canucks’ Paolo and Clara Aquilini and La Stella Vineyard owners Saeedeh and Sean Salem were also instrumental in organizing the event and donating to the night which raised over $50,000+.
Hosts Richard and Heidi Coglon welcome Chat to the Future executive director Adam McKim, centre.
Among the VIPs and friends in attendance are Jeff and Kim McCord.
Cheers to three of West Vancouver’s most beautiful and talented ladies. From left: Janelle Washington, Cindy Beedie and Sharlene Ludwig.
CTV News Anchor Mike Killeen and wife Jill make the trip from North Vancouver.
West Vancouver businessman Doug Mason, left, joins host Richard Coglon.
Helping support the kids in Uganda are event sponsors Saeedeh Salem, left, and Clara Aquilini.
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By Catherine Barr
November 16, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Nov 21, 2013
The 7th Annual Looking Glass Foundation Gala dinner was held last week and it was truly a time to celebrate as supporters and family members of those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia reached a major goal. After 10 long years, the doors are finally open at Woodstone Residence, a much-needed facility that caters exclusively to this debilitating disease which continues to affect many young women. “We were able to reach out worldwide to reduce the stigma of eating disorders and let people know that eating disorders are a serious illness, not a choice,” says the foundation. Decorated in elegance and style, the Rocky Mountaineer Station played host to a gourmet dinner, fabulous entertainment and lots of silent auction prizes to help fundraise on this special history making night. Congrats to all involved.
Louis Vuitton – they’re the envy of every purse toting gal in the world and a name automatically associated with class, luxury and style. So when my gilded gold Louis Vuitton invitation arrived, I expected only the best, and boy did they deliver. In my 12 years as a society columnist, I have never seen a party like this. The who’s who of Vancouver and the North Shore were decked out in style as they arrived to a champagne reception at the swank new Fairmont Vancouver Hotel location. Even Hollywood celebs and models dropped by to chat with executives who had flown in directly from Paris for the affair. Then, in groups of four, we were shuttled away swiftly in mysterious black SUV’s to a secret train station stop where porters helped us board an old fashion steam train. More champagne, and a five minute ride later, we were again surprised to find ourselves inside an old fashion train station decorated to the hilt and complete with DJ, live music, food and fun. It was definitely a night to remember. Congrats to all involved.
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.
It was time for cocktails, cars and catwalks at the 4th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Charity Fashion Gala. Benefitting BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital for prostate research, the evening featured fashions by Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen as well as a fabulous martini / wine bar, four-star food by some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and more beautiful accessories than you can imagine. Va Va Vroom!