Last week it was a toast to The Meek at one of West Vancouver’s best gala events. “Two Men, No Script: An evening with Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood” was held to celebrate the Kay Meek’s Centre annual gala fundraiser. A Champagne reception, followed by an evening of laughter and comedy improv, had everyone smiling. VIP guests were treated to a special meet-and-greet following the show where the two stars were more than happy to pose with patrons. MC and gala host Vicki Gabereau helped hand out the raffle prizes which included trips from WestJet, gourmet dinner packages and more.
01 – Kay Meek Centre board member Paul Tutsch, left, West Vancouver councillor Mary Ann Booth and volunteer Barney Ellis get their raffle tickets in order before the big draw.
02 – MC and gala host Vicki Gabereau proves she’s still got it as she warms up the crowd with her own comedy monologue before the show starts.
03 – Enjoying champagne and conversations before the show are Sue Rowen, left, Liz Byrd and Marlene Rista.
04 – Board chair Dr. Ken Haycock joins director Coral Winfield on the patio for the pre-show reception.
05 – Former West Vancouver councillor Shannon Walker and husband Tim Webb are among the VIPs in attendance.
06 – Enjoying a girls night out for a good cause are West Vancouverites Teresa Bockhold, left, and friend Kelly Kennedy.
07 – Pacific Arbour Retirement Communities president and gala sponsor Peter Gaskill, centre, joins funny men, and the stars of tonight’s show, Colin Mochrie, left, and Brad Sherwood at the VIP after party.
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By Catherine Barr – June 15, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June 21, 2012
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Since 2008, Mangia e Bevi Ristorante in West Vancouver has started the year off on the right foot with a charity month of dinners designed to raise funds for cancer research. Last week, it was time for the B.A.C.I.O. (Because A Cure is Obtainable) final night gala. “Bacio” – which means “kiss” – featured a fabulous menu of Italian specialities, live music, auction items and more. Monies raised this night go to support the Lions Gate Oncology Clinic and BC Children’s Hospital Oncology Research.
A special balloon ceremony was performed by “Sammy” – a 13 yr old Jack Russell – who carried a heart shaped balloon out to the Squamish Nation Welcome Figure which marks the start of the doggy walk. This 20-foot tall native public art figure stands at the water’s edge and represents a welcoming of all to the area and a wish to respect the land, the animals and the traditions that go with it. Sammy was met by local musician Bruce Vernon performing music from his original composition “Der Abschied” (German for “The Goodbye”).
Nielsen, originally born in Regina, was raised in the Northwest Territories. He now calls Los Angeles home. He says, “L.A. is a strange city. It deals in isolation. And when you come from the north, isolation is nothing.”
Car lovers from all over the province came out to play this weekend at The Porsche Club of America’s Escape 2010 event. Held at the beautiful Delta Sun Peaks Resort, there was no shortage of North Shore faces at the Porsche show and shine and gala weekend which included demos, seminars and an excellent chance to pal around with fellow Porsche car enthusiasts. Over 200 vehicles were on display and some drove from as far away as North Carolina. Money raised from the event and live auction awards evening goes to support the British Columbia Childhood Cancer Parents’ Association (BCCCPA) because as the club’s motto states . . . “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.”
West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club looked a little like Wimbledon this last week as pro athletes and tennis fans alike gathered for the 2010 Odlum Brown Vancouver Open. With a prize purse of over $175,000, this year’s tournament managed to draw several of the up-and-coming major names in professional tennis. A super sunny Tuesday night meant the patio and box seats were full of VIPs who not only took in some fabulous tennis, but were also welcomed with a swanky VIP reception.
Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company is known for its fabulous plays and talented performers, but the buzz surrounding the upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross is bigger than ever thanks to Hollywood A-Lister Eric McCormack. The Canadian born actor, known best for his starring role in television’s “Will and Grace” comedy series, will take to the stage starting July 22. Last week, the cast was present at a fundraising pre-gala party at a private West Vancouver home. Invited guests and VIPs got a chance to meet and mingle while enjoying fabulous food from Fraiche restaurant.
As we say goodbye to June, it’s time for a look back at several great summer events. First up, the West Vancouver Library Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament was held at Ambleside Greens Golf Course where mulligans are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. Dressed in Hampton’s whites, teams took to the field to pound it out for glory and charity. Next, it was sexy swimwear by Anna Kosturova and art by Tiko Kerr at Bud and Dottie Kanke’s fashionable Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown. Entitled “Summer Splash”, all funds raised to go support the Vancouver Native Health Society. Lastly, West Vancouver’s Ron Orr rolled out the red carpet at his Roxy nightclub for “Rockshow” a live heavy metal hair band night celebrating the establishment’s 22nd anniversary.
A girls’ right to shoes is now a mantra thanks to the iconic tv-series-turned-chick-flick “Sex and the City 2”. And what better way to celebrate the movie’s debut than with a party in the shoe department of Holt Renfrew. Socialite Christie King and her Women United in Philanthropy group helped raised funds for the United Way this week as the well-heeled turned out in support. Next up, the Turning Point Society’s Gala turned up the glam with a special VIP cocktail pre-party featuring famous A-List actor Martin Sheen who was happy to donate his time. Lastly, the West Coast Fishing Club’s WCFC Culinary Series 2010 was held at the Vancouver Aquarium providing guests with an up-close introduction to the fine cuisine one can expect from this year’s culinary adventure trips to Langara Island.
Unique, artful and fun is the best way to describe “Bust – An Art Social”. Hosted by Global TV weather girl Kristi Gordon and a flock of female friends, this tasteful and titillating evening featuring inspired artworks by artists from all over BC. A silent auction, live entertainment and dancing rounded out the night with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Next, it was time for the Hot Chefs, Cool Jazz event as Bocue d’Or candidate chef Ryan Stone took his bows at center stage amidst the many food and wine stations set up at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Funds raised here go to support Ryans’ bid to compete with the best in January 2011.
It was fringes, flappers and fun last week as the North Vancouver City Library’s annual “Libations” fundraising gala was held at the new North Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier. The beautiful ballroom was magically transformed into “The Great Gatsby: Boas and Books” theme complete with live Roaring Twenties music generously provided by Clyde Mitchell and his spectacular Sinfonia orchestra. Live and silent auctions, and a chance to rub shoulder with authors and local dignitaries made this night a total success. Congrats. Also last week, West Vancouver’s Leone family played host to invited guests at a special showing of artist Gina Miller’s “Feel the Essence, Hear the Bloom” art collection.
A new hotel, a new restaurant and a new art opening help wrap up the month of March and a busy Easter weekend filled with activities. First, it was a special private party to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new East Side Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Lonsdale Quay. Food and festivities helped raise funds for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Next, it was an Easter visit to the new Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale which features a fabulous chic ultra lounge/restaurant and some of the best view banquet space on the North Shore. And, to wrap up the month, artist Tanya Slingsby’s hosted many North Shore guests at the opening of her “Arcana” art exhibit at her east side atelier.
Eating right, giving back and starting anew doesn’t seem like it could be that much fun – but last week, it was! Three great events full of charity and giving helped start Spring off on the right note. First up, it was the BC Chefs’ Association’s Healthy Chef Competition at the Hyatt. Next, it was a Spring fashion show at Leones hosted by United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy. And finally, it was Persian New Year at the Marriot where the Canadian Iranian Foundation held a glamorous celebration.
The Olympic parties continue with even more famous faces coming out to play.
All month long, West Vancouver’s Mangia e Bevi restaurant has been raising money for oncology research through their third annual “Festa Invernale”. Called B.A.C.I.O (Because a Cure is Obtainable), it is a cause close to the hearts of owners Doug Grisdale, Rob Parrott and Antonio Sauro, all of whom have had family members affected by this cancer. Last Sunday, the final celebration dinner took place featuring surprise musical guests Adam Woodall and Canadian country music star Jessie Farrell. A surprise cheque for $27,000 helped the group raise a total of $50,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital Oncology Clinic.
It was a culinary event of Olympic proportions and the big winners were our own Olympic athletes. The Canadian Culinary Championships (CCC) were held late last month and were the culmination of the local regional Gold Medal Plates city competitions held throughout the year across Canada. The fundraisers were all designed to help put Canadian athletes on the podium come February – so no matter how you slice it, everyone came out a winner. Also, this week marks the start of Mangia E Bevi’s special month-long fundraiser entitled “B.A.C.I.O” (Because A Cure Is Obtainable). The West Vancouver restaurant is raising funds all this month with a special menu – a portion of which will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Lions Gate Hospital Oncology departments. Join them until Jan 31 at 
The champagne was flowing this month for more than just the holidays. First up it was the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 23rd annual Crystal Ball. The gala evening, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, was a true black tie affair complete with martini reception, gala dinner, auction items and the popular Cartier raffle draw. Next, it was time to pop the corks on the Veuve Cliquot as local business owners Clara and Steve Agopian celebrated the opening of their newely renovated Lugaro Jewellers in Park Royal South.
The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, along with guests and friends, held their annual Christmas gala at the beautiful Capilano Golf and Country Club last week. Live jazz, fabulous silent auction items and a special visit from Santa were all part of the evening, the highlight of which had to be the magnificent fit-for-a-king buffet dinner which featured everything from crab claws to hand carved prime rib and a dessert table to die for. Celebrating the season doesn’t get much better than this.
We’ve all watched it being built, and now its officially open for business. The Mercedes Benz dealership in North Vancouver is no stranger to the luxury lifestyle – so what better way to celebrate than with a gala re-opening to showcase the new 13,000 square foot showroom expansion and the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan. The new $6 million renovation of glass and glam gives the Marine Drive dealership new life as they head into their 25th year at this location – now that’s style.
Words almost can’t describe it. At first, it was sheer excitement at the site of the colourful Moroccan themed private tent suites. Then, it was pride as opening acts like the Sarah McLachlan Foundation Choir took to the stage and cruise ships sailed past Ambleside beach. Finally, as night falls on a near perfect day, it was magic as Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Sarah McLachlan, three of the biggest names in music, performed to a sold-out crowd the likes of which we have never seen here in West Vancouver. It was a once in a lifetime VIP experience that I hope we get to do all over again next year, and next, and next. Congrats to everyone involved.
West Vancouver’s The Bay was bringing sexy back this past weekend as they launched the new Justin Timberlake and Givenchy men’s perfume line called Play. Cast as the face of Givenchy last year, Timberlake’s youthful image literally “plays” off the iPod movement and features the sexy star lounging with his music and his music player shaped cologne bottle. It’s a groove that hits well with customers as curious shoppers stopped by to dance to the live DJ and sample with staff as a Justin Timberlake look-a-like played the part and posed with his models.
Fords, Chevys, Model-Ts and more lined the streets of Park Royal Village in West Vancouver this past weekend as Hot Rod Saturday got everyone’s motor running. Presented in part by the BC Hot Rod Association and the North Shore Outlook, the day was a car lovers dream come true. Fuzzy dice and fancy paint jobs were the norm as the parking lot was transformed into a rainbow of colours and chrome and proud owners posed with their pride and joys of yesteryear.