MILLION DOLLAR FACE: Jacqui Cohen’s 24th annual Face the World Gala was another stellar success. One of the most anticipated house parties of the year did not disappoint. At $2,000 a head, the party attracted 300 of Vancouver’s most prominent and generous business, community and philanthropic leaders. Attendees dined on extraordinary cuisine from Hy’s Encore and Gotham Steakhouse and danced the night away with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, but not before supporting and bringing comfort and joy to the less fortunate in our community. Once again, the glitzy affair topped $1 million in money raised. Since its inception, the event has raised millions for hundreds of local charities helping needy women, seniors and children and the disadvantaged and marginalized.
CURTAIN RAISER: The Arts Club Theatre Company marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration on Granville Island. The venerable arts organization — Western Canada’s largest theatre company — welcomed friends, supporters and alumni to BRAVO! fronted by Bill Millerd, the country’s longest running artist director, and outgoing executive director Howard Jang. The pair raised a glass to the company’s astonishing 553 productions (91 of them world premieres) presented on its three stages. Jackson Davies, Gabrielle Rose and Todd Talbott were among the notables in attendance who have graced the Arts Club stages. Not to rest on his laurels, Millerd is looking forward to adding a fourth stage to be opened next fall in Vancouver’s Olympic Village.
PARTY DRESS: It starts with a suit, but the real transformation takes places when you see how the women who participate in Dress for Success programs remain self-sufficient in their careers and lives. The Vancouver chapter recently hosted its annual soiree Impact 360: Celebrating Fashion, Fundraising for Change. Featuring 250 of Vancouver’s most influential business and community leaders, the runway romp, held at the new Regency Lexus dealership on Sixth and Burrard, featured a fashion show, auction, and beauty and vodka bars. Party proceeds reported at $80,000 will support Dress for Success suite of programs that include dressing services, career support and mentorship programs to empower women in the workforce.
