Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: sergio cocchia

Vancouver Police Gala

There were police cars everywhere, sirens, flashing lights, and even live gunfire. The Vancouver Police Foundation’s Night Patrol Gala was held last week at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Riot police and helicopters escorted guests to their tables just before emergency responders arrived with dogs and machine guns to put on a very realistic hostage takedown. It was an exciting beginning to a night that also honoured the VPD’s Vancouver Police Pipe Band on their 100th anniversary. After the dinner and live auction, West Vancouver’s famous singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan entertained alongside members of the pipe band. A magical evening that won’t soon be forgotten.

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01 – Big round of applause for Vancouver Police Foundation trustee and event co-chairs Ryan Beedie and wife Cindy for all their hard work.

02 – Vancouver Police Pipe Band drummer Ed Wagstaff is all smiles as he meets Global TV weather forecaster and North Van gal Kristi Gordon.

03 – Vancouver Police superintendent Jeff Sim, left, joins West Vancouver’s Wendy and Sergio Cocchia.

04 – Looking gorgeous and glam, West Vancouver socialites Sharlene Ludwig, left, and Janelle Washington set off all the police sirens.

05 – West Vancouverites Kristy Brinkley, left, and Janis O’Sullivan chat during the cocktail reception.

06 – Upping the bids for charity, Maynard’s auctioneer Barry Scott and West Van’s Eric Savics are among the invited guests.

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By Catherine Barr – February 25, 2014

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Mar 6, 2014

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March 4, 2014
West Vancouver Filmmaker Connie Coccia Premiere of “Awake”

She grew up here in West Vancouver. But now, former Collingwood student Connie Cocchia is a shining star at the University of Southern California and ready to take on Hollywood with grit and determination. The young filmmaker was seen rolling out the red carpet recently for friends and family at the premiere of her first short film at the Scotiabank Theatre. Entitled “Awake”, the movie expertly featured lots of action and ambitious themes in a compelling compilation that is bound to cause buzz among movie making insiders. Afterwards it was time for a champagne toast and party at Beyond restaurant to celebrate a summer of success before heading back to the editing suite and the next big film festival. Congrats Connie!

01 – Providing the introductory remarks before the big premiere are Connie’s proud parents, Sergio and Wendy Cocchia (of Century Plaza Hotel and Absolute Spa fame).

02 – Watch out Steve Spielberg! Filmmaker, director, script-writer and editor Connie Cocchia gets a big hug from grandmother Concettina “Connie” Cocchia at the big debut event.

03 – No stranger to movie making, West Vancouver businessman Frank Giustra attends the premiere with son Nicolai and daughter Isabella.

04 – Collingwood school friends Colin Montgomery and Devon Gregory attend the big night bringing best wishes for Connie.

05 – Sharing in all the excitement of the big night are guests Danielle Goodman, left, and Kate Phillips.

06 – Taking in all the action at the after-party are guests Marina Wu and Victoria Porcellato.

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By Catherine Barr – Aug 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Sep 5, 2013

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September 2, 2013
Vancouver’s Newest Governor – Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia

West Vancouver’s Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia may look like just another pretty face, but beneath this tiny frame lies a superwoman of epic strength and generosity who can now add the title of “Governor” to her list of achievements. It was a well-deserved honour for the businesswoman and mother who is not only founder of the Absolute Spa Group, but is also responsible for raising over $2.6 million for various children’s charities. She has also served as a Board of Trade director and, most recently, as chair for the organization during 2011-12. Last week, The Vancouver Board of Trade inducted Wendy to their Council of Governors at an elegant gala evening that also included honours for developer Terence Hui (Concord Pacific Developments) and Telus. Congratulations Wendy – you are an inspiration to us all.

01 – Joining Wendy at this very special occasion, daughter Connie congratulates her mom on all her amazing achievements.

02 – Publisher/speaker Peter Legge, seen here with wife Kay, sits at the head table with the honourees and is pleased to be the evening’s MC.

03 – Joining Wendy and her family for the evening are friends and spa girls Natalie Morin, left, Kristen Neal, Ali Anderson and Jill Bryan.

04 – Known for their own generosity and philanthropy, West Vancouver’s Bob and Lily Lee are among the distinguished guests.

05 – They’re one of Vancouver’s best power couples. Wendy and husband Sergio socialize with friends and guests during the pre-event reception.

06 – Grammy award winning maestro Bramwell Tovey, seen here with yours truly, takes a break from conducting the Vancouver Symphony for a special performance at this evening’s gala. Bravo!

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By Catherine Barr – April 29, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on May 16, 2013

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May 13, 2013