Galas : Catherine Barr Vancouver Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Gordon Smith Art Gallery Gala

Posted: November 25, 2013

The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art is one of North Vancouver's newest and most prestigious places. Built last year, the gallery is purported to be the only public gallery "dedicated to young audiences" which exhibits works of art created through the Artist for Kids (AFK) collection. Last week, patrons of the arts gathered at the gallery to celebrate and raise funds at a gala that included a gourmet meal ...more

Chat to the Future Uganda Gala in West Vancouver

Posted: November 19, 2013

They say the world is a small place and that we are all connected in one way or another. Never before was that more true than last weekend as West Vancouver's Richard and Heidi Coglon opened their home, and their hearts, to host an especially touching gala event in support of Ugandan orphans and the new "CHAT House" concept of giving. CHAT to the Future (which stands for Care and ...more

Whistler Cornucopia Wine and Food Festival 2013

Posted: November 12, 2013

It's one of Whistler's biggest events of the year - and this year it just got bigger. Whistler's 17th Annual Cornucopia food and wine festival is on now and there's lot of new stuff happening. Usually held for only one weekend, this year the festival has expanded to a full 11 days and two weekends. Sponsored by North Shore based BlueShore Financial, the event is known for its famous winemakers' ...more

Vancouver Webster Awards 2013

Posted: November 4, 2013

It's the measure of journalistic excellence in British Columbia and more. The Webster Awards - named after B.C.'s most famous and feisty newsman - was held last week at the Westin Bayshore hotel in Vancouver. The room was a who's who of the news media industry and included scores of well-known writers and broadcasters working in print, radio and television in British Columbia. Being nominated for a "Webster" is an honour ...more

Porsche Vancouver Opening Night Gala

Posted: October 28, 2013

There is no substitute - It's one of the most famous tag lines in the world and it belongs to none other than Porsche motorcars. Known for their speed and beauty, the iconic car is driven by millionaires and famous folks alike. It seems only fitting then that MCL Motorcars (Dilawri Group) invited the who's who of Vancouver to join them for their Porsche Vancouver gala opening night. You couldn't ...more

St. Paul’s Hospital Gala is “Brilliant” in Every Way

Posted: October 6, 2013

It was truly "Brilliant"! This was the title of The St. Paul's Hospital Foundation's special sold-out gala that featured an evening dedicated to "A Show of Love for Mental Health and People Living with HIV/AIDS". It was one of the most colourful and well-coordinated shows ever seen in Vancouver. With over 900 people in attendance, and a cast featuring dozens of models, makeup artists, hair stylists, dancers and performers, guests ...more

Sparkle Gala is West Vancouver’s Best

Posted: October 1, 2013

It may very well have been the party of the year. Last week, Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdani opened her palatial West Vancouver home and, with the help of an amazing group of local committee members, helped host the first annual "Sparkle" gala event in support of BC Women's Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Designed primarily to raise awareness of the needs of the NICU ...more

Luxury Supercars in Vancouver

Posted: September 9, 2013

It was called Luxury Supercar Weekend, but it has actually been a week long event consisting of parties, launches, dinners and more. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and Rolls Royce were all part of the mix as the supercars rolled into town to show off their wheels. And car lovers everywhere were in heaven as they got a chance to choose and schmooze at events all over town. The week ...more

Singer Chantal Kreviazuk Headlines Baldy Hughes Gala

Posted: July 28, 2013

It's called a "Therapeutic Community" and it works. Inspired and modelled on the San Patrignano community in Italy, the Baldy Hughes centre is a highly-effective, year-long addiction treatment facility located outside Prince George. It was brought to life by former West Vancouver businessman and founding member Kevin England and a team of philanthropic citizens who are part of the BC New Hope Recovery Society. Their mandate, treat addiction while emphasizing ...more

Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala 2013 with Colin James – Part Two

Posted: June 27, 2013

In years past, Brian Jessel has welcomed names like Jay Leno and CeeLo Green. No wonder his annual BMW Cabriolet Gala is one of Vancouver's most sought after and entertaining fundraisers. This year marked the 8th annual event and, as expected, all of this city's best dressed were on hand to enjoy an evening of celebration and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Posh live and silent ...more

Colin James and Rosette headline BMW Cabriolet Gala 2013

Posted: June 24, 2013

It's where the stylish go to see and be seen. The annual Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala is one of this city's most prominent fundraisers and it's well known for high fashion, fast cars, beautiful people and celebrity entertainment. As always, many North Shore faces were among the crowd on this 8th anniversary contributing as both sponsors and supporters. Burlesque dancers and go-go girls helped warm up the room before the ...more

Odd Squad Productions Gala Royale 2013 in Vancouver

Posted: June 18, 2013

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 ...more

Leo Awards 2013 Vancouver Film – Part II

Posted: June 14, 2013

For 15 years now, the Leo Awards have helped shine the spotlight on hundreds of talented people working in BC film and television. And yet, after all these years, it happily continues to mix glamour and humility into a perfect combination that seems to get only better with age. The actual Leo Awards gala event, held this past Saturday at Vancouver's Westin Bayshore Hotel, is an annual "Oscar" style evening complete ...more

BC Film and Television Leo Awards 2013

Posted: June 10, 2013

I've always said it's like a little bit of the Academy Awards right here in BC - but the truth is that the Leo Awards are much much more. And when you consider all the talented people that work in BC film and television, there really is a lot to celebrate. The 15th anniversary gala of the Leo Awards was held last weekend as the Westin Bayshore rolled out the ...more

Lynn Valley Days Gala Night

Posted: May 27, 2013

It's always been about families and fun. But now, with the added glamour of a Friday night gala, Lynn Valley Days has indeed become the little festival that grew. Close to 500 guests donned their spring formal wear to attend the 3rd Annual Gala Dinner and Dance last Friday night to celebrate. A delicious buffet dinner, live music and silent auction items helped raise funds for the North Shore Rescue ...more

Heart and Stroke Gala Reception in West Vancouver

Posted: May 17, 2013

It's always a golden occasion at The Heart and Stroke Foundation gala. Entitled the "Heart of Gold", this ninth annual fundraising event is always a reminder that heart disease is still a number one killer and that early detection and a healthy lifestyle are what we all need to practice to survive. A special pre-gala reception was held this month at the palatial West Vancouver waterfront home of Goldcorp's Ian ...more

Vancouver’s Newest Governor – Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia

Posted: May 13, 2013

West Vancouver's Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia may look like just another pretty face, but beneath this tiny frame lies a superwoman of epic strength and generosity who can now add the title of "Governor" to her list of achievements. It was a well-deserved honour for the businesswoman and mother who is not only founder of the Absolute Spa Group, but is also responsible for raising over $2.6 million for various children's charities. ...more

Novus Nights at Vancouver Club for Zajac Ranch

Posted: May 12, 2013

It was the place to see and be seen last week as the Mel Jr & Marty Zajac Foundation of Young Professionals held their first annual fundraiser. Held at the prestigious Vancouver Club, Novus Nights was an evening of glitz and glamour. Each level of the five floor club was magically transformed into a different theme complete with matching food and libations. A chance to network with fellow up-and-comer business ...more

Pirates of the Caribbean Gala at Braemar in North Vancouver

Posted: May 5, 2013

Ahoy mateys! The parents and friends of Braemar Elementary School in North Vancouver channeled their inner Johnny Depp for a night of frivolity last week at the school's annual gala. Pirates of the Caribbean was the theme and the school looked like something from a movie set as everyone was dressed to the nines in fabulous costumes. The decor was amazing and parent Scott Warner even built a full size ...more

Variety BC Golden Heart Gala Honouring Peter Armstrong

Posted: April 15, 2013

Variety BC - The Children's Charity is one of the most prestigious charities in the province. Their tireless work behind the scenes with special needs kids is exceptional and heart-warming. Only makes sense then that one of their most prestigious awards is called the Golden Heart Award in honour of individuals who make a difference in our community. This year's gala honouree is Peter R.B. Armstrong, of Rocky Mountaineer fame, ...more

A4K Boxing Gala Glam Brings Vegas to Hollyburn Country Club

Posted: April 8, 2013

It's been 11 years since the Athletic for Kids (A4K) group got together to put up their dukes to raise money for youngsters to play sports. And with ever increasing costs, more and more families have been reaching out for assistance. This year the board was back with its Las Vegas themed gala at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver where invited guests and VIP athletes were treated to a ...more

Vancouver International Wine Festival Bacchanalia Gala 2013

Posted: March 3, 2013

The players may have changed, but the celebration remains the same. The Vancouver International Wine Festival (previously known as the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival), held its Bacchanalia Gala Dinner last week. The magnificent ballroom at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel was transformed into a magical setting as guests sipped on bubbly glasses of Mumm Napa DVX 2005 during the reception. Then it was time for dinner and a magical trip ...more

Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders Ninth Annual Gala

Posted: February 4, 2013

Eating disorders are serious. They are not a "phase" - and they are not a "choice" made by vain teenagers. They are actual disease processes that can trap and destroy individuals and their families. Thankfully, the group of dedicated people behind North Vancouver's Looking Glass Foundation know more about these conditions than most and they're reaching out with helping hands. Summer camp, support groups and ongoing support of the ...more

Dal Richards Music Man 95th Birthday

Posted: January 15, 2013

Back in 1918, the world danced to a different beat. World War I was just ending, and radio was just beginning. Music however was in full swing and, as far as one young man was concerned, it was about to change his life forever. Dal Richards, known across Canada as the consummate band leader, turned 95 years young on January 5th. The overall celebration however simply could not be confined ...more

Vancouver’s Best Gala and Charity Events Part Two

Posted: January 6, 2013

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 ...more

Vancouver Upcoming Gala Events for 2013

Posted: December 27, 2012

Happy New Year everyone! And just as you're finishing putting away the holiday decorations, it's time to take out your date books and pencil in some spectacular events for the upcoming year. There's never a shortage of things to do all across the North Shore and charity events are always on the list. The summer months are bursting with community fun and festivals but you'll want to book off lots ...more

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Crystal Ball

Posted: December 17, 2012

It's one of Vancouver's best black tie affairs, and one of this province's best causes. The 26th annual Crystal Ball was held this month in support of the Campaign for BC Children and the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Over $1.1 million was raised as prominent North Shore supporters made their way to the ballroom to join over 400 invited guests at the Four Seasons Hotel for a night of glitz ...more

Family Services of North Shore Christmas Celebration

Posted: December 9, 2012

For over 60 years now, Family Services of the North Shore has been raising money and helping people in our community. Out of work, family distress, counselling and more are all part of what they provide to people in need. Needless to say, the holidays are an extra special time and being there to support families is very important. That's why the great people at Family Services created the Christmas ...more

All That Glitters Gala with 54-40, Canoe Diamond and Penthouse History

Posted: December 3, 2012

Sometimes it's hard to decide if we're still in the gala season (end of November) or the start of holiday season (beginning of December). Either way, it really doesn't matter because with Christmas just around the corner, there's still so many events to talk about. And whether you're raising money for your cause or remembering to donate for the season, please remember to give generously. Let's take a look back ...more

Mission Possible Gala Tackles Vancouver Downtown Eastside Homelessness and Poverty

Posted: November 27, 2012

Homelessness and poverty are a very real issue in our city, especially in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES). Thankfully, the folks at Mission Possible are out to improve life for those burdened with the hardships of living in one of Canada's toughest communities. The agency, which aims to provide both opportunities and jobs, administers programs through four separate entities (Community, Maintenance, Recycling and StudioWorks). The end goal is to allow participants ...more