Back in 1997, long before reality TV and YouTube, the Odd Squad Productions team took their cameras and hit the streets of Vancouver. Focusing mainly on the downtown east side, theses police officers on video captured the true picture of life on the streets complete with all of its sadness, ugliness and drama. Today, these award-winning films serve as a raw and stark reminder to kids everywhere that drugs, and life on the street, are anything but glamorous. Last week, the Odd Squad Productions Society held its 2013 Gala Royale. VIPs, supporters and sponsors enjoyed a night of food, auction items and entertainment while helping raise money for this very worthwhile cause with the message that a happy ending is always possible.
01 – Global BC’s favourite weatherman, Mark Madryga, left, acts as the evening’s MC alongside Great Canadian Gaming Corporation’s Howard Blank and wife Cassiana.
02 – Congratulations to newlyweds and Odd Squad supporters Shalina Kajani and Global BC news reporter John Daly who tied the knot last month at a surprise romantic ceremony.
03 – On stage for the presentations are Odd Squad member Chris Graham, left, Alan Li and Odd Squad co-president Al Arsenault.
04 – BrightLight Pictures’ Shawn Williamson and Michelle Gauvin of Performers Management are among the VIPs present for the Gala Royale event.
05 – A fundraiser is nothing without its volunteers. Keeping an eye on the auction bids is helper Samantha Diamond.
06 – Browsing the auction items prior to the dinner portion of the evening are transit officers Simon Doyon, left, and Donna Deis.
– – –
By Catherine Barr – Jun 13, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jun 20, 2013
– – –
The Whistler Film Fest is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year – and what better way than with their annual gala fundraiser called “Soiree”. Held at Vancouver’s stylish waterfront Nu restaurant, the night included red carpet arrivals, decadent food and live music. Also, the Beach House restaurant in West Vancouver welcomed summer with a special Hawaiian Luau night featuring live entertainment, a bountiful buffet and dancing till late. Aloha!
This past year has been lots of fun, yet sadly it’s over and done. So it’s time to review, all those great things we do; but it’s hard just to focus on one. It’s the last of the holiday cheer. So remember, when midnight draws near; grab a glass, raise a toast, hug your friends, kiss the host; and yell it out . . Happy New Year!
SOIRÉE! The Whistler Film Festival Society Gala & Auction was the place to be as the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver hosted some of Vancouver’s most influential Hollywood North movers and shakers. Hosted by Corner Gas star Brent Butt, the evening was filled with live music, auction items and fabulous food by new Four Season chef Oliver Beckert. Held in the first week of December, The Whistler Film Fest is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premiere film festivals in the country and, thanks to fundraisers like this, it just might be world famous some day.