The recent tragic events in Haiti will not soon be forgotten. Yet, while we attempt to help those devastated by this earthquake, we sometimes forget that there are children in need all over the third world where flood, famine and abject poverty occur every day. Last night, the good people behind the Angkor Hospital for Children (Friends Without a Border) held their “Taste the World” wine benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. With Haiti very much on everyone’s mind, the night was a great success and will go a long way to helping little ones suffering in Cambodia.

01 – Wedgewood Hotel’s Elpie Jackson, left, and artist Athena Bax lend their support to the children.
02 – Helping put on the PR are “Ask a Woman” gals Sharon Chan-Knight, left, and Tammy Preast along with actress and “Crash Test Mommy” TV host Nicole Oliver.
03 – Ms Mercedes and her man, West Vancouver’s Eva and George Taubenfligel, are looking tanned and toned for the New Year.
04 – West Van’s Val and Ron Orr, CEO of Granville Entertainment Group, are gearing up for the Olympics and will host Irish House and the Canadian Snowboard Team at their Doolin’s Pub location.
05 – He helps “Bulging Brides” get into shape. Catch handsome hunk and trainer Tommy Europe at 6pm on the Slice TV network.
06 – Event co-chairs Celia Martin, left, and Kim Gartland deserve kudos for helping raise money for the kids in Cambodia.
07 – A night out for a good cause for these North Shore gals, from left: Julie Steiner, Darrell Mindell, Carlotte Lee and Sharon Cooper.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 26, 2010
Published in print by the North Shore Outlook on Jan 28, 2010

Stars and cars, sexy tech and some of the finest piano craftsmanship in the world are all stories that help build up this week’s excitement and Olympic countdown fever. First, Olympic sponsor General Motor’s (GM) new electronic Chevy Fuel Cell Equinox vehicles have arrived. Keep your eyes peeled because this emissions-free fleet’s duty is to get A-Listers, like David Hasselhoff, around town in style. Next, hip and hot, the gang at FCV Technologies celebrates at their five year anniversary party. And lastly, old world perfectionism and music are the topics of a special lunch honouring visiting craftsman Paolo Fazioli.

Can you feel it? It’s in the air and it’s spreading. And with less than 30 days to go, it seems like everybody has suddenly come down with a big case of Olympic fever. Everyone’s getting into the act – from real estate to restaurants to politicians. We’re sprucing up and getting ready to welcome the world. So buckle in, because judging from my email and twitter feeds, we’re in for one heck of a good time. Be sure and stay tuned . . .


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 