Get out your social calendars, it’s time for us to plan our schedules together. So whether you’re a Vancouver foodie, a celebrity hound or a fine wine connoisseur, you’ll want to mark these great events down. Every year, there’s so many fabulous and worthy charity events that deserve our attention, but the important thing is to remember to give, in any way you can, so that 2011 can be a successful year for all.
01 – The Vancouver International Film Festival will be celebrating it’s 30th year this year and runs from September 29 – October 14, 2011. Seen here from last year are actors Gary Chalk, left, (of Stargate SG-1, MacGyver, Watchmen fame), Vancouver celebs Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Robson Arms) and Steve Bacic (Andromeda, CSI Miami, Crash and Burn).
02 – The Canadian Cancer Society’s Diamond Ball has been reinvented for 2011. Now called The Daffodil Ball, this year’s gala will be held on April 16 at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. BC Cancer Society CEO Barbara Kaminsky is always grateful for the generosity of sponsors and guests.
03 – The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival will be held March 18 – April 3 at various locations. Main tasting room is at the Vancouver Convention Centre and the featured country this year is Spain. Seen here toasting the event are Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director, and festival sponsor Daivd Aisenstat, of Hy’s, Gothams and The Shore Club fame.
04 – West Vancouver will celebrate its 21st Annual Harmony Arts Festival this year during the first week of August complete with artisans, craft fairs, kids seminars and live outdoor music. West Vancouver locals Diana Krall and Elvis Costello were even spotted browsing through the craft fair where artisans like Indigo Star jewellery designer Susie Wickstead, left, and girlfriend Dyanne Jack display their wares.
05 – Wine and food lovers alike should mark their calendars for November 10 – 13, 2011 in Whistler when the annual Cornucopia festival returns. Vegas showgirls and more are always in tow for one of the biggest after parties – Casino Royale at Ric’s Grill.
06 – The Leo Awards, Vancouver’s most glamorous red carpet celebrity gala, is always one of my faves. Look for North Shore producers Walter Daroshin and Sonny Wong to return to the stage in late spring. Seen here on the red carpet last year is actor Lou Diamond Phillips, left, of La Bamba and Young Guns fame, with Walter Daroshin.
07 – The 9th Annual A4K (Athletics for Kids) Boxing Dinner Gala is scheduled for Friday April 1, 2011 at Hollyburn Country Club. Put up your dukes with A4K founder Craig Knapton and his family who are always fighting for a good cause.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 3, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 6, 2011
They’re the dream cars everyone wants, but few can afford. The opening of Vancouver’s new Ferrari Maserati store on Burrard was spectacular beyond belief. Nearly 600 people came to the party which featured three floors of car displays with a $600,000 Fazioli Piano lounge on the first floor and a nightclub type atmosphere on the top level complete with live jazz band, sketch artists, martini bar and food galore. Lobster grilled cheese, a Glowbal catering specialty, plus sushi, oysters and risotto ensured guests were duly pampered as they helped celebrate this luxurious night on the town.
The Golden Heart award is Variety – The Children’s Charity’s “most prestigious mark of distinction”. Every year, at this elegant gala affair, groups and individuals are honoured for their commitment to excellence and for their philanthropic contributions to British Columbians. This year, it was time to honour Global TV BC for over 50 years of service. From their first on-air broadcast on Oct 31, 1960 to their work with the Show of Hearts Telethon, they have become a household name and a leader in all they do. Here’s a toast to some of the many North Shore citizens who are part of this success story. Congrats to all involved.
Pretty princesses, superheroes, witches and more were out on the prowl last weekend at North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay Market. This special holiday Halloween afternoon, designed with the kids in mind, was a great way to celebrate the season’s scariest day in a safe and fun atmosphere. In Kid’s Alley there was lots of activities including pumpkin decorating, spooky story-telling, face-painting and a costume contest with prizes. Meanwhile, down below in the market, kids could go trick-or-treating to all the merchants for goodies galore.
North Vancouver’s Whitecap Books, in conjunction with Weissach cars and Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, welcomed all kinds of local celebs last week at the launch of FoodTV chef and personality Bob Blumer’s newest book, “Glutton for Pleasure”. Autographs and cooking demos kept everyone’s mouth watering and later chef Blumer himself came out to greet fans. Also, it’s congrats to a very dedicated group of North Vancouver friends who, some ten years ago, got together to play Bocce to raise money in memory of a good friend. Today, the Benefits of Bocce group held a special cheque presentation party at North Vancouver’s newest Boston Pizza lounge. To date, the group has raised over $250,000 for various causes. And lastly, it was bow ties and ballgowns as the Arts Umbrella held their second annual Splash Gala fundraiser. North Shore notables were decked out in their finest and, armed with bidding numbers and credit cards, they helped make this year’s gala one of the best on record.
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.
Car lovers from all over the province came out to play this weekend at The Porsche Club of America’s Escape 2010 event. Held at the beautiful Delta Sun Peaks Resort, there was no shortage of North Shore faces at the Porsche show and shine and gala weekend which included demos, seminars and an excellent chance to pal around with fellow Porsche car enthusiasts. Over 200 vehicles were on display and some drove from as far away as North Carolina. Money raised from the event and live auction awards evening goes to support the British Columbia Childhood Cancer Parents’ Association (BCCCPA) because as the club’s motto states . . . “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.”
A girls’ right to shoes is now a mantra thanks to the iconic tv-series-turned-chick-flick “Sex and the City 2”. And what better way to celebrate the movie’s debut than with a party in the shoe department of Holt Renfrew. Socialite Christie King and her Women United in Philanthropy group helped raised funds for the United Way this week as the well-heeled turned out in support. Next up, the Turning Point Society’s Gala turned up the glam with a special VIP cocktail pre-party featuring famous A-List actor Martin Sheen who was happy to donate his time. Lastly, the West Coast Fishing Club’s WCFC Culinary Series 2010 was held at the Vancouver Aquarium providing guests with an up-close introduction to the fine cuisine one can expect from this year’s culinary adventure trips to Langara Island.
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 fringes, flappers and fun last week as the North Vancouver City Library’s annual “Libations” fundraising gala was held at the new North Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier. The beautiful ballroom was magically transformed into “The Great Gatsby: Boas and Books” theme complete with live Roaring Twenties music generously provided by Clyde Mitchell and his spectacular Sinfonia orchestra. Live and silent auctions, and a chance to rub shoulder with authors and local dignitaries made this night a total success. Congrats. Also last week, West Vancouver’s Leone family played host to invited guests at a special showing of artist Gina Miller’s “Feel the Essence, Hear the Bloom” art collection.
A new hotel, a new restaurant and a new art opening help wrap up the month of March and a busy Easter weekend filled with activities. First, it was a special private party to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new East Side Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Lonsdale Quay. Food and festivities helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Next, it was an Easter visit to the new Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale which features a fabulous chic ultra lounge/restaurant and some of the best view banquet space on the North Shore. And, to wrap up the month, artist Tanya Slingsby’s hosted many North Shore guests at the opening of her “Arcana” art exhibit at her east side atelier.
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.
All month long, West Vancouver’s Mangia e Bevi restaurant has been raising money for oncology research through their third annual “Festa Invernale”. Called B.A.C.I.O (Because a Cure is Obtainable), it is a cause close to the hearts of owners Doug Grisdale, Rob Parrott and Antonio Sauro, all of whom have had family members affected by this cancer. Last Sunday, the final celebration dinner took place featuring surprise musical guests Adam Woodall and Canadian country music star Jessie Farrell. A surprise cheque for $27,000 helped the group raise a total of $50,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital Oncology Clinic.
The recent tragic events in Haiti will not soon be forgotten. Yet, while we attempt to help those devastated by this earthquake, we sometimes forget that there are children in need all over the third world where flood, famine and abject poverty occur every day. Last night, the good people behind the Angkor Hospital for Children (Friends Without a Border) held their “Taste the World” wine benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. With Haiti very much on everyone’s mind, the night was a great success and will go a long way to helping little ones suffering in Cambodia.
Stars and cars, sexy tech and some of the finest piano craftsmanship in the world are all stories that help build up this week’s excitement and Olympic countdown fever. First, Olympic sponsor General Motor’s (GM) new electronic Chevy Fuel Cell Equinox vehicles have arrived. Keep your eyes peeled because this emissions-free fleet’s duty is to get A-Listers, like David Hasselhoff, around town in style. Next, hip and hot, the gang at FCV Technologies celebrates at their five year anniversary party. And lastly, old world perfectionism and music are the topics of a special lunch honouring visiting craftsman Paolo Fazioli.
It was a culinary event of Olympic proportions and the big winners were our own Olympic athletes. The Canadian Culinary Championships (CCC) were held late last month and were the culmination of the local regional Gold Medal Plates city competitions held throughout the year across Canada. The fundraisers were all designed to help put Canadian athletes on the podium come February – so no matter how you slice it, everyone came out a winner. Also, this week marks the start of Mangia E Bevi’s special month-long fundraiser entitled “B.A.C.I.O” (Because A Cure Is Obtainable). The West Vancouver restaurant is raising funds all this month with a special menu – a portion of which will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Lions Gate Hospital Oncology departments. Join them until Jan 31 at 
This past year has been lots of fun, yet sadly it’s over and done. So it’s time to review, all those great things we do; but it’s hard just to focus on one. It’s the last of the holiday cheer. So remember, when midnight draws near; grab a glass, raise a toast, hug your friends, kiss the host; and yell it out . . Happy New Year!
It was a ladies lunchtime treat earlier this month as West Vancouver’s Crave Beachside teamed up with Marilyns designer collection to host Festive Fashion Fete. A welcoming wine reception was followed by a gourmet lunch created by chef Wayne Martin. Then it was time for guest glam girls to sit back and see what’s hot for this season’s celebrations. A portion of the funds raised was also donated to the Christmas Bureau.
The champagne was flowing this month for more than just the holidays. First up it was the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 23rd annual Crystal Ball. The gala evening, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, was a true black tie affair complete with martini reception, gala dinner, auction items and the popular Cartier raffle draw. Next, it was time to pop the corks on the Veuve Cliquot as local business owners Clara and Steve Agopian celebrated the opening of their newely renovated Lugaro Jewellers in Park Royal South.
The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, along with guests and friends, held their annual Christmas gala at the beautiful Capilano Golf and Country Club last week. Live jazz, fabulous silent auction items and a special visit from Santa were all part of the evening, the highlight of which had to be the magnificent fit-for-a-king buffet dinner which featured everything from crab claws to hand carved prime rib and a dessert table to die for. Celebrating the season doesn’t get much better than this.
IT was a fun “foodie” type week last week as competitions, cookbooks and the first sign of Christmas crept into the headlines. First up, local chefs help promote sustainable seafood at the Vancouver Aquarium during the Seafood Chowder Chowdown. Then, it was time for a little Viva Italia at Quattro on 4th as local favourite, Antonio Corsi, teamed up to publish his family’s food secrets in a fabulous new cookbook – just in time for Christmas. And speaking of Christmas, the first cheer of the year goes to the good folks at Rogers Communication in a special holiday reception held at the chic and stylish Lift restaurant and lounge.
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.
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.
Time is something we all take for granted – but for a sick child, time is the most precious gift of all. The Canucks Place Children’s Hospice – Gift of Time Gala celebrated their fourth annual event last week at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Always special, the beautiful ballroom was decorated to the nines and included special table centrepieces hand made by the children under the direction of artist Jolinda Linden, sister-in-law to Canucks superstar Trevor Linden. Business leaders, VIPs and supporters all gave generously to attend the star-studded evening that also included a special performance by surprise celebrity musical guest Chantal Kreviazuk.
The 8th Annual North Shore Rotary Wine and Food Festival took place last weekend at Park Royal Shopping Centre. Sipping and sampling was on the menu as was live music and more. Local restaurants, wineres and volunteers all pitched in to help make it happen and proceeds raised will go to the North Shore Youth Safe House. Hanging out at the mall with friends was never quite like this. Cheers.
We’ve all watched it being built, and now its officially open for business. The Mercedes Benz dealership in North Vancouver is no stranger to the luxury lifestyle – so what better way to celebrate than with a gala re-opening to showcase the new 13,000 square foot showroom expansion and the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan. The new $6 million renovation of glass and glam gives the Marine Drive dealership new life as they head into their 25th year at this location – now that’s style.