Get out your date books because it’s time for Part 2 of my look ahead to 2013 and all the best Vancouver gala events and charity fundraisers. So as you get ready to pencil in your glam plan remember the following: 1 – Every little bit helps when it comes to charity giving. 2 – Even if you can’t give money, you can give your time as all organizations need volunteers and helpers. 3 – Silent auctions make a great place to shop for gifts. 4 – All men look great in a tuxedo. 5 – There’s no such thing as too many sparkles. Thanks everyone and don’t forget to send me your upcoming event details at www.catherinebarr.com – the photos are on me!

01 – Vancouver Canucks hockey heroes Roberto Luongo, left, and Trevor Linden are both members already, but who will be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame next? Find out at the Banquet of Champions gala dinner on Sep 19, 2013.
02 – CTV news anchor Keri Adams, left, and Whistler Film Festival executive producer Shauna Hardy Mishaw both take turns behind the mic hosting the summer gala fundraiser. Look to attend the gala sometime this June, or mark your calendar for the film fest itself on Dec 4-8, 2013.
03 – North Vancouver’s Daroshin family always knows how to rock the red carpet as part of the famous Leo Awards gala. Known as the Golden Globes of BC, producers Walter Daroshin and business partner Sonny Wong will bring this year’s biggest celebrity party to town again this year for their 15th anniversary celebration during late spring 2013.
04 – Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW and more. If you’re a car guy, like North Vancouver auto writer Andrew McCredie, left, or BMW dealership owner Brian Jessel, then you’ll want to book Mar 26-31 off for the Vancouver International Auto Show which returns this year to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
05 – Last year, Heart and Stroke Foundation BC & Yukon CEO Diego Marchese and gala chair Carey Smith did a wonderful job of putting together the Heart of Gold gala. Mark May 24th on your calendar for this year’s 9th annual event as this one always sells out quickly.
06 – Face the World socialite and Army and Navy heiress Jacqui Cohen, left, is one proud lady now that daughter Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf has followed in her footsteps with her own charity empire. Face of Today will hold their 4th annual gala on Feb 22, 2013 and, judging from years past, it will again be one of Vancouver’s most glittery affairs.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 7, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 10, 2013
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Get out your datebooks and calendars, it’s time to plan your social schedule for the New Year. And while 2011 proved to be extra exciting, with red carpet galas and glamorous restaurant / wine events everywhere, here are a a few suggestions to pencil in for what promises to be a fabulous 2012. See you there!
Louis Vuitton – they’re the envy of every purse toting gal in the world and a name automatically associated with class, luxury and style. So when my gilded gold Louis Vuitton invitation arrived, I expected only the best, and boy did they deliver. In my 12 years as a society columnist, I have never seen a party like this. The who’s who of Vancouver and the North Shore were decked out in style as they arrived to a champagne reception at the swank new Fairmont Vancouver Hotel location. Even Hollywood celebs and models dropped by to chat with executives who had flown in directly from Paris for the affair. Then, in groups of four, we were shuttled away swiftly in mysterious black SUV’s to a secret train station stop where porters helped us board an old fashion steam train. More champagne, and a five minute ride later, we were again surprised to find ourselves inside an old fashion train station decorated to the hilt and complete with DJ, live music, food and fun. It was definitely a night to remember. Congrats to all involved.
Time is something we all take for granted – but for a sick child, time is the most precious gift of all. The Canucks Place Children’s Hospice – Gift of Time Gala celebrated their fourth annual event last week at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Always special, the beautiful ballroom was decorated to the nines and included special table centrepieces hand made by the children under the direction of artist Jolinda Linden, sister-in-law to Canucks superstar Trevor Linden. Business leaders, VIPs and supporters all gave generously to attend the star-studded evening that also included a special performance by surprise celebrity musical guest Chantal Kreviazuk.
