Eating disorders are serious. They are not a “phase” – and they are not a “choice” made by vain teenagers. They are actual disease processes that can trap and destroy individuals and their families. Thankfully, the group of dedicated people behind North Vancouver’s Looking Glass Foundation know more about these conditions than most and they’re reaching out with helping hands. Summer camp, support groups and ongoing support of the Woodstone residence are all part of the mandate to change lives for the better. Last Friday, the group held their 9th annual benefit gala at the Rocky Mountaineer Station where guests enjoyed a gourmet gala meal, silent auction, informational speeches and live entertainment. Congrats to all involved!
01 – Public relations gal Elisa Kosonen, left, joins Looking Glass president Deborah Grimm as guests arrive for the evening.
02 – Working hard as part of Looking Glass’s board are treasurer Andrew Young and director Joanne Gordon.
03 – With a magnificent voice, and a new CD debuting this summer, singer Cody Karey is this night’s surprise celebrity guest.
04 – Board member and gala MC Pamela Martin is pleased to welcome VIPs to the stage.
05 – Guest speaker Dr. Blake Woodside always has a poignant and positive message for the audience.
06 – Mom and board member Debbie Slattery, centre, joins her daughter Lauren and her guest Ryan Andrews for the big night.
07 – The pretty ladies of West Vancouver. Filomena Nalewajek joins her daughter Mara for a mother-daughter girls night out.
08 – Team1040’s Scott Rintoul, left, and his wife Fiona join video maker Atlee James who helped produce the evening’s feature vignette.
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By Catherine Barr – Feb 1, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 7, 2013
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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.
A look back on this hot and steamy month reveals a July filled with excitement and special events. Whether it was breaking out the barbecue with friends, the celebration of 100 years of Canada’s naval forces, or the star-studded premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s big top production of Kooza, North Shore faces were in all the right places.
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.
