Spring gala events continued all over town this past week as two special events stepped up to raise money for some very worthwhile causes. First up, the Odd Squad Productions Society 2012 Gala Fundraiser was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre with a sold out crowd. Founded in 1997 by seven determined Officers of the Vancouver Police Department, the Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) first started scaring kids straight with the debut of their award-winning “Through a Blue Lens” production. Since then, their educational videos and peer-to-peer programs have been keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble. Next up, it was time for the North Vancouver City Library “Librations” 2012 gala evening. Guests dressed in black and white formal to take part in a circus themed evening which included performances by the talented Public Dreams performance group. Congrats to everyone involved.
01 – Looking stunning as usual, these West Vancouver gals bring their A-game to the Odd Squad Gala evening. From left: Andrea Armstrong, MJ Thompson, Mara Uhrle and committee member Diana Zoppa.
02 – Akash Sablok does a wonderful job as MC of the Odd Squad Gala, but he was so busy he barely got a chance to sit with his beautiful wife Raj during dinner.
03 – Known for their generosity and support of many charitable organizations, Karen and Mark Wolverton lend their names to this very worthwhile cause as event chairs.
04 – Taking to the stage to perform with the Odds, musician Jim Byrnes takes a beat to pose with Odd Squad founder Al Arsenault.
05 – Librations event planner Sharon Summerfield cuddles up to Libby Kelley, vice chair of the North Vancouver City Library Board as the entertainment begins.
06 – Event chair and North Vancouver City mayor Darrell Mussatto accompanies the lovely Michelle Jankovich to the Librations event.
07 – Selling raffle tickets and more at the door are North Vancouver City Library volunteer Reiko Richardson, left, office manager Gayle Woeste and volunteer Audrey Diamond.
08 – Great books and great looks abound at the North Vancouver City Library thanks to librarian/employees like Lisa McIvor, left, Desiree Bowman and Heidi Schiller.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – June 9, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 14, 2012
– – –
– – –
It was pink and pretty and very Parisian. The Nite of Hope North Shore, “Nite at the Moulin Rouge” gala at the Pinnacle Pier in North Vancouver was a sparkly soiree that featured a gourmet dinner, fashion show by Phoenix, entertainment and auction items. Raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC and Yukon, guests enjoyed a champagne reception and a night to remember. Also last week, it was Pumpkin Fest time at West Vancouver’s Community Centre. Live music, displays, kids activities, pumpkin carving contests and a scarecrow competition highlighted the 2-day event. Fabulous sunshine and great volunteers helped make it an extra successful weekend.
It was a special evening in North Vancouver last weekend as friends, family and VIP members of the community were invited to attend an informal reception to recognize the upcoming 2011 Centennial Anniversary of 6 Engineer Squadron. Taking place at the J.P. Fell Armoury, guests had a chance to tour the 6 Engineer Squadron museum, view the Centennial Coin and ceremonial 1911 Cap Badge and hear a special presentation of the 100 year history. A great night to meet with former and current members, the evening ended with a fantastic performance by the J.P. Fell Pipe Band. The official March Past Parade and Banquet will be held at the J.P. Fell Armoury on May 7, 2011. Stay tuned.
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.
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.
Lamborghinis and lipstick helped round out August as two great events helped us remember all the luxurious little things in life. First up, party promoter Craig Stowe and friends were making heads turn in the street with a preview of their Luxury Supercar weekend.Come on out on Sep 12 and 13 to the Edgewater Casino to see a Palm Springs like show of “suber” cars like Ferrari, Roll Royce, Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar and more. Next, Heather Huntingford and her gal pals were celebrating the relocation of her fabulous Kiss and Makeup store in Park Royal village with a summer Patio Party that featured local celebs, makeovers, cocktails and cupcakes.
Ralph, Elena and Deb (R.E.D. Management) are no strangers to talent agency management. In fact, between them they’ve got over 35 years experience here in Vancouver representing some of the best and brightest in the biz on familiar shows like Battlestar Galactica, Intelligence, 24 and more. So when it finally came time to strike out on their own, they made it look easy. Now, with a floating barge for a home here in North Vancouver’s Mosquito Creek Marina, they can celebrate their first anniversary in style. Invited guests and local celebs came out to party aboard the Queen of Diamonds on a sunny Sunday afternoon and toast the trio that helped make the famous.
The Leo Awards, BC’s version of the Oscars and Emmys, took place last weekend at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Produced by the North Shore’s own Sonny Wong and Walter Daroshin, celebrities from both TV and movies walked the red carpet in style before being honoured by their peers at the gala awards show and dinner. Star spotters, autograph hunters and paparazzi galore made this a real Hollywood in Vancouver moment to remember.
