Remember the days of poodle skirts, drive-ins and 50s style rock n’ roll? Then good for you Peggy Sue, because you would have fit right in at the fourth annual Amica Helping Hands Gala. Guests dressed in their nostalgic best at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver to rock the night away to raise funds for the program which helps supports seniors in need, especially during the upcoming holiday season where a gift basket full of food and essential items could make all the difference. Hosted by Global TV news anchor Deb Hope, the night also included live and silent auction items and a special Buddy Holly tribute artist Zach Stevenson. Congrats to all involved.
01 – Global TV news anchor Deb Hope is only too happy to help MC this fabulous event alongside Amica CEO, chairman and president Samir Manji.
02 – Amica staff members Carnie Hilko and Chris Huggins dress the part in a perfect purple poodle skirt and Buddy Holly tribute suit.
03 – Known for their generous philanthropy, North Vancouver’s Karim and Shala Chandani get ready to bid on some glamorous auction prizes before dinner.
04 – West Vancouver financier John Jennings and his wife step out in style in support of this very worthwhile cause.
05 – Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire. Amica’s own Melissa Szakacs, left, and Deborah Burrowes help guests find their table for the night as everyone arrives for the big event.
06 – Also helping out are Amica’s Laura Lachambre and Walid Bazzi who both work at the Amica facility in West Vancouver.
07 – Gala events like this are nothing without all the help of volunteers and staff. From left: Pat Bates, Carol Pedlar, Jocelyn Krul, Andrea Simoes and Pal Trehan.
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By Catherine Barr – Nov 7, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Nov 22, 2012
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Flappers and fringes, jazz and joviality. It was time to put your best foot forward this month for the 13th Annual Rockin’ for Research, Gatsby Glamour gala night. Benefitting the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), this perennial event was founded by local rock band Loverboy in an effort to find a cure for Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Today, it is one of Vancouver’s premiere charity nights. Also honoured at this year’s gala were media giants Canada Wide, CTV, Global TV, The Georgia Straight and our own Black Press who were recognized for their support of JDRF and their overall philanthropic giving.
The West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation held its signature gala event last week. A Passport to Spain was the theme as guests mixed and mingled among the books enjoying tapas, live entertainment, fabulous food and fashions. One of the main highlights included a live Flamenco performance by dancers from the Karen Pitkethly Flamenco group. Overall, the event raised close to $82,000 which will go to support the many programs and services at the library. Congrats to all involved.
You might remember him best from his role in St. Elsewhere or from his comedy roles in Christopher Guest movies like This is Spinal Tap, but actor Ed Begley Jr is also a lean, green, environmental machine who says that his biggest responsibility is helping out Mother Nature. Speaking at the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s 2012 Land Awards last week, the Hollywood star was the toast of the night. Award winners, guests and VIPs enjoyed a gala dinner night which ended with a book signing, a live dance band and great memories. Also last week, at the Westin Bayshore, the Canucks Place Children’s Hospice’s Gift of Time Gala saw lots of North Shore faces mixing and mingling in their black tie best. Decorated to look like a magical wonderland, this premiere gala event always attracts Vancouver’s elite for a very worthwhile cause.
The 31st Annual Vancouver International Film Festival wraps up this week after 16 days of memorable films, fun and faces. Known for being a festival of substance, the event featured over 380 films from all over the world organized into series like Canadian Images, Dragons & Tigers, International Shorts and Cinema of our Time. Still, no festival is complete without a few red carpet parties and premiere galas. Check out a few of the familiar faces below as Vancouver’s more famous locals came out to celebrate. 
It was lights, camera, action on the North Shore recently as local celebs, actors, directors and more came out to the Whistler Film Festival’s “On Location” gala. Held at the North Shore Studios in North Vancouver, the evening included a glamorous red carpet arrival, food, cocktails and live entertainment by Cover Me Canada finalist and Whistler singer Ali Milner. But take out your calendars because you won’t want to miss the actual film festival which takes place in Whistler later this year from Nov 28 to Dec 2. Check out all the details and come party with the stars at 
The penguins weren’t the only ones dressed in tuxedos recently as the Vancouver Aquarium held its’ 6th annual Night at the Aquarium gala fundraiser. The champagne and caviar were also plentiful, as were the offerings from many of Vancouver’s top restaurants and wineries who all came out to support the many programs and services offered by one of Vancouver’s most popular places. A live mermaid greeted guests at the door and later on, even the dolphins and whales got in on the act before the evening wrapped up with the live auction and dessert. Over $316,433 was raised. Congrats to all involved.
The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held their President’s Dinner and business awards this month at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. The evening was an elegant affair where business owners, council members and friends got a chance to socialize and enjoy a formal night out. An elegant buffet dinner, followed by the awards ceremony was also marked by a special presentation in honour of West Vancouver’s 100 centennial and an additional tribute to long-serving West Vancouver citizen Jim McCarthy. 
It was a night of full throttle glitz and glamour last weekend as the 7th Annual Brian Jessel BMW Charity Gala “Cabriolet” was held. Featuring a live performance by “The Voice” star and musician CeeLo Green, the evening helped raise funds for Arts Umbrella, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Lots of North Shore folks were in attendance to lend their support as they enjoyed a night of food, cocktails, auction items and socializing.
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.
Spring gala events continued all over town this past week as two special events stepped up to raise money for some very worthwhile causes. First up, the Odd Squad Productions Society 2012 Gala Fundraiser was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre with a sold out crowd. Founded in 1997 by seven determined Officers of the Vancouver Police Department, the Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) first started scaring kids straight with the debut of their award-winning “Through a Blue Lens” production. Since then, their educational videos and peer-to-peer programs have been keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble. Next up, it was time for the North Vancouver City Library “Librations” 2012 gala evening. Guests dressed in black and white formal to take part in a circus themed evening which included performances by the talented Public Dreams performance group. Congrats to everyone involved.
Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) played host to over 700 prominent Vancouver business leaders last week at the 7th Annual Business Laureates of British Columbia gala dinner and “Business Hall of Fame” induction ceremonies. Held at the Hotel Vancouver, guests were treated to a five-star dinner and an evening of socializing which included a special segment dedicated to young up-and-coming business minds. Welcomed into the Business Hall of Fame this year were Brian Canfield, Chairman of the Board of the Telus Corporation, Dave Ritchie, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers and the late Milton Wong, Chairman Emeritus of HSBC Global Asset Management. CBC news anchor Tony Parsons played the role of MC and everyone was entertained and inspired by the special keynote address which was delivered by General R.J. Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces. The Hon. Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier also announced a surprise $1 million grant. Overall, the event raised over $600,000 for Junior Achievement business education programs in BC. Congrats to all involved. 
It was a British invasion of sorts last week as Sir Richard Branson was back in Vancouver for the launch of Virgin Atlantic. Branson became one of the city’s most overexposed as he arrived in style on the jet early morning to greet Premier Christy Clark. Then it was lunch with the Board of Trade followed by a charity photo op with Glee star Cory Monteith. A private VIP evening reception was then followed by the party of all parties at the Commodore featuring young UK singer Conor Maynard. Also last week, it was the BC Centre for Ability’s Dining for Dreams gala. Chaired by CTV news anchor Tamara Taggart, the evening also featured Real Housewives of Vancouver star and West Vancouverite Ronnie Seterdahl Negus and her daughter Remington. Congrats to all involved. 
They say all that glitters is not gold, but when it comes to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, that simply isn’t true. Last week, at the stunning West Vancouver waterfront home of Goldcorp CEO Ian Telfer, invited guests raised a glass to one of this year’s most important, and most glittery, upcoming fundraising events. Committee members from the Heart of Gold gala were on hand for a pre-gala toast to emphasize the importance of “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” and remind everyone that every second counts in the event of a heart attack. The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 8th annual Heart of Gold Gala will be held June 1, 2012 and, good news, it is already sold out. Also last week, West Vancouver Mulgrave student Adam Chandani was out with his student committee fundraising for a good cause. The group held a silent auction evening event at the school which raised money for the World Partnership Walk and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). One hundred percent of the money raised here goes towards improving the lives of people living in the third world. Congrats to all involved.
It was a get gorgeous gala last week as the Pretty Please spring cosmetics and fragrance event was held at The Bay, Park Royal in West Vancouver. With designer names like Prada, Chanel, Dior and Gucci, everyone got a chance to feel pampered and glamorous. Makeovers, product displays, samples and demonstrations helped round out the evening which was held in support of the Look Good, Feel Better charity which is Canada’s only national cancer charity helping women feel better about their appearances as they go through treatment. Also, Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba held a special charity event in honour of Purple Day and the fight against epilepsy. As an official “Purple Day Ambassador” and mother, the reality tv star raised money at the launch of her newest single “Hero” – a song she wrote in honour of her son Chase and his battle with the disease. Chase also accompanied her on stage.
Grammy and Academy Award-winning performer Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning live performance for an audience of invite-only guests last month at the Vancouver Opera’s signature gala fundraiser. Entitled “Overture: Aida” the evening included a elegant and delicious dinner event which took place on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Four Seasons chef Ned Bell ensured all the details went perfectly as guests also bid on amazing live and silent auction items, like a trip to the Superbowl in New Orleans which went for a record $250,000. Also last week, the Big Sisters of BC and Lower Mainland were the benefactors of a special “Grapejuice” wine auction and tasting evening at the Ferrari Maserati dealership. Founded by MAC Marketing Solutions and McNeill Nakamoto, the event featured wine, fabulous food and a live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk.
The 16th annual Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball (formerly Diamond Ball) was held last weekend at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. Known as one of the highest profile galas of the year, it is a see-and-be-seen event for many North Shore VIPs. This year’s focus was on childhood cancers and, in keeping with that theme, guests were treated to an evening of young entertainers including the Donna Fishwick Piano Ensemble and 13 year-old Cole Armour, who has made guest appearances singing at the Ellen DeGeneres Show and various Canucks games. Overall the evening raised close to $900,000 bring the grand total to an impressive $7,700,000 dollars since it began in 1997.
Actor Rob Lowe has been a Hollywood heartthrob since the early 80s. But even with a successful career, famous friends and lots of money, he’s the first to tell you that ‘living the life’ wasn’t always easy. In town last week for the Turning Point Recovery Society’s 5th annual gala fundraiser, the distractingly handsome lead man was happy to lend his name to the BC organization that provides residential addiction support and recovery throughout the Lower Mainland. Today, after a long battle with alcohol addiction, he’s riding high on the recent success of his newest tv show, Parks and Rec, – and his best-selling book “Stores I Only Tell My Friends” was the basis of his keynote speech at the gala event. And with the worst of his addictions hopefully behind him, he seems more than ready to become a role model both on and off the screen. Also last week, the tourism folks from Calgary were in town for a special reception celebrating the launch of the Calgary Stampede Centennial 100 Years celebration. White hats and hospitality were on the menu as folks from all over were encouraged to kick up their heels and come on out for “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” July 6-15, 2012. Yeehaw!
Championship boxing, Las Vegas showgirls, glamorous auction prizes and fabulous food. It was a ten year anniversary to remember for the folks at the Athletics for Kids (A4K) gala last weekend up at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Items up for grab included a Westjet trip raffle and a never before seen trip to Los Angeles to see “Dancing with the Stars” in person. But even after all these years, the message remains the same, and that’s the wish that no child be denied the right to play sports. The A4K organization was started with that goal in mind, and today, they’ve helped countless children take part in all kinds of activities that might otherwise be unavailable to them due to financial constraints or high costs. Congrats to all involved.
Eating healthy can be fun, just ask the BC Produce Marketing Association and the BC Lions. Last week, the 13th annual Healthy Chef Competition took place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. Grey Cup winning members of the BC Lions, including Travis Lulay and Geroy Simon, were among the several celebrities in the room as chefs battled it out for top spot. Guests at the event came away with the biggest winnings however as everyone was given secret envelopes to open which revealed which property would be treating them to their specialty dinner and dessert. Live music, auction items and roses for all the ladies made this a glamorous night out for all.
It was a double celebration last week as some of the city’s most generous folks got together to raise money for a great cause. First up, it was the United Way’s Women United in Philanthropy annual spring fashion show and fundraiser at Leone’s boutique in Sinclair Centre. The night was also special however because guests got a chance to toast West Vancouver’s Leone family for celebrating the 25th anniversary of their exclusive fashion business. With names like Versace, Dior, Prada and more, it was even more wonderful to know that in addition to the live and silent auction items, Leone also donated a portion of any items sold this night back to the United Way and their “Success by Six” program. Be sure to check out the live video as well. Congrats to all the ladies involved.
Hollywood wasn’t the only place rolling out the red carpet for Sunday night’s Oscars event. The good folks at the Beach House in West Vancouver decided to put on the ritz for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at “Oscar a la Mer”. This seaside celebration included champagne, theme rooms, fabulous food and lots of glitz and glamour. Guests also got a chance to cheer for their Oscar favourites as they watched the broadcast live. Afterwards, it was time to bid on some big auction items and dance the night away. Over $70,000 was raised for charity.
It was lights, camera, action last week at North Vancouver’s Capilano University as TV and film celebrities, dignitaries and VIPs celebrated the opening of the new Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. Open for business, and classes, this past January, the new 69,000 sq. ft. building cost over $34 million dollars and was designed by Vancouver architectural firm Cannon Design. Students here have access to the best of the best including cameras, monitors, two S3D camera rigs and other professional equipment. There is also a 200-seat high definition/3D theatre, sound mixing and recording studios, an 8,000 square foot sound stage, editing labs, costuming studios and more. It’s a legacy contribution that helps to, once again, solidify Vancouver’s place on the international stage of professional movie making for many years to come. Bravo!
The BC Sports Hall of Fame has always been an impressive place of history in Vancouver, but now, thanks to a revamped BC Place, the Hall of Fame has a new home and even bigger legacy to share. Last week, during a special VIP reception, invited guests, athletes and friends were part of an extra special dedication night full of famous memories. The who’s who of past inductees were in attendance as everyone shared stories from a proud past.
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.
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!
West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas party at Capilano Golf and Country Club this month. It was a fabulous dress-up affair complete with cocktail reception, live music and both silent and live auction items. And even as much as Capilano is known for their fabulous food, this year staff outdid themselves with one of the absolutely best buffets I have ever experienced. Another big highlight was a surprise visit from The Grinch and two of his “Will Ferrell” elf-like assistants whose costumes and antics kept everyone entertained.
It’s one of Vancouver’s most elegant black-tie affairs, and this year there was even more reason to celebrate. The 25th annual Crystal Ball gala, in support of BC Children’s Hospital, marked its’ anniversary year with a special plea to help support the development of a new BC Children’s Hospital. The ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel was transformed into a silvery wintery wonderland as guests enjoyed a champagne reception and a four course meal. Live and silent auction items were bid on to raise funds, then guests were invited to visit the specially set-up ultra lounge where dessert and disco-dancing finished off the evening in style. Congrats to everyone involved.