Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: sharlene ludwig

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
Chat to the Future Uganda Gala in West Vancouver

They say the world is a small place and that we are all connected in one way or another. Never before was that more true than last weekend as West Vancouver’s Richard and Heidi Coglon opened their home, and their hearts, to host an especially touching gala event in support of Ugandan orphans and the new “CHAT House” concept of giving. CHAT to the Future (which stands for Care and Hope through Adoption and Technology), connects sponsors and kids like nothing before it. Using Skype and email, sponsors actually get to know their sponsor child personally and see firsthand the impact they are making on their lives. This night, a special live Skype session allowed guests to be entertained live from Kasangati, Uganda as all of the CHAT House kids sang special holiday songs and danced for the crowd via the internet. Guests like Canucks’ Paolo and Clara Aquilini and La Stella Vineyard owners Saeedeh and Sean Salem were also instrumental in organizing the event and donating to the night which raised over $50,000+.

Uganda Chat House Gala for Kids in West Vancouver.

Hosts Richard and Heidi Coglon welcome Chat to the Future executive director Adam McKim, centre.

Among the VIPs and friends in attendance are Jeff and Kim McCord.

Cheers to three of West Vancouver’s most beautiful and talented ladies. From left: Janelle Washington, Cindy Beedie and Sharlene Ludwig.

CTV News Anchor Mike Killeen and wife Jill make the trip from North Vancouver.

West Vancouver businessman Doug Mason, left, joins host Richard Coglon.

Helping support the kids in Uganda are event sponsors Saeedeh Salem, left, and Clara Aquilini.

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By Catherine Barr

November 16, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Nov 21, 2013

November 19, 2013
Sparkle Gala is West Vancouver’s Best

It may very well have been the party of the year. Last week, Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdani opened her palatial West Vancouver home and, with the help of an amazing group of local committee members, helped host the first annual “Sparkle” gala event in support of BC Women’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Designed primarily to raise awareness of the needs of the NICU and its families, the night included a spectacular fashion show complete with an elevated catwalk carefully constructed in the pool. Live entertainment, great food, heart-warming stories and silver glitter covered chocolates all helped make this event extra elegant. The best news is the giving has only begun. Stay tuned for more as this campaign heads into high gear with the goal of helping even more babies and their families. Thanks to the many generous donations raised this night. Congrats to all involved.

01 – Adding extra sparkle this night are glam gals and super moms Christie King, left, and Heidi Coglan.

02 – A major force in helping make it all happen, organizer Monica Soprovich and husband Jason also were the top bidders in the live auction.

03 – CTV news anchor Tamara Taggart will help head up the new BC Women’s Hospital and NICU campaign.

04 – The always stunning and fashionable Zahra Mamdani, of Wear Else fame, is a perfect and most generous hostess welcoming guests into her home for the gala.

05 – Committee member Sharlene Ludwig and husband Harald are more than happy to lend their support to this very worthwhile cause.

06 – Selling “Sparkle” bracelets to help raise funds are pretty helpers Sophia Ludwig, left, and Jenna Mamdani.

07 – Kevin England, seen here with Dana Majzub, is also a major supporter of the new “Sparkle” campaign.

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By Catherine Barr – Sep 26, 2013

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 3, 2013

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October 1, 2013