Happy New Year everyone! And just as you’re finishing putting away the holiday decorations, it’s time to take out your date books and pencil in some spectacular events for the upcoming year. There’s never a shortage of things to do all across the North Shore and charity events are always on the list. The summer months are bursting with community fun and festivals but you’ll want to book off lots of time during May, June, October and November as these are always when the big glamorous galas are held. Check out some of these dates below and be sure to check back with me throughout the year to keep you posted. Best wishes to all.

01 – Kay Meek Centre board member Paul Tutsch, left, West Vancouver councillor Mary Ann Booth and volunteer Barney Ellis were among the many guests at last year’s annual Kay Meek Gala event. This year you’ll want to keep May 31, 2013 clear as they celebrate again with special guest star Holly Cole.
02 – October is a big gala month and they don’t come any bigger than the Gift of Time Gala for Canucks Place Children’s Hospice. Last year lots of North Shore faces were in attendance as Global TV anchor Chris Gailus and radio star Tara Maguire played co-host.
03 – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation gala chair Mary Jane Devine shows us that the Rockin’ for Research Gala is always hot stuff by posing with members of the fire department as they were auctioned off as part of a fabulous dinner and dine package during last year’s live auction. Mark Nov 2, 2013 on your calendar for this one.
04 – Wine, women and . . well more wine. Whistler’s annual Cornucopia may be considered one of the wildest weekends on the mountain with so many dinners, dances, tastings and parties to attend that come November 2013, they are planning on holding it for a whole week. Hold onto your hats for details.
05 – Formerly known as the Diamond Ball, the 17th Annual Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball will be held on April 27 this year. Black and yellow are all the rage at this event as North Shore golden gals Bryanna Baker, left, Elizabeth Dyer and Carey Macbeth can tell you.
06 – Put up your dukes on April 5, 2013 as Hollyburn Country Club prepares to once again host the A4K – Athletics for Kids extravaganza. It’s a Vegas theme all the way as board members Craig Knapton, left, and Dave Babych get ready for their eleventh year.
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By Catherine Barr – Dec 28, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 3, 2013
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Flappers and fringes, jazz and joviality. It was time to put your best foot forward this month for the 13th Annual Rockin’ for Research, Gatsby Glamour gala night. Benefitting the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), this perennial event was founded by local rock band Loverboy in an effort to find a cure for Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Today, it is one of Vancouver’s premiere charity nights. Also honoured at this year’s gala were media giants Canada Wide, CTV, Global TV, The Georgia Straight and our own Black Press who were recognized for their support of JDRF and their overall philanthropic giving.