Actress Goldie Hawn was among more than 220 guests at a swanky black-tie event in Vancouver over the weekend, that raised almost $1 million for various charitable groups and organizations throughout the city.
Jacqui Cohen, owner of the Army & Navy department store chain and founder of the Face the World Foundation, hosted the $1,500-a-ticket event at her waterfront home in Point Grey Friday as part of an annual fundraising tradition.
About $800,000 was raised.
“I support anything for children, and (Cohen’s) honouring me tonight, so I’m here to be honoured,” said Hawn, an Academy Award winner and former Shaughnessy resident.
Hawn also founded the Hawn Foundation in 2003, a non-profit public charity dedicated to helping children reach their potential.
“We’ve had great success with it and it was born here (in Vancouver), so it’s pretty cool,” she said.
Retired Canuck Trevor Linden was also in attendance.
“Jacqui does fantastic work in the community, and certainly in the Downtown Eastside, and throws a heck of a party,” said Captain Canuck. “It’s a beautiful place to come to.”
Other guests included Senator and former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell and another retired Canuck, Keith McLean. Radio and television personality Vicki Gabereau co-emceed the event with former New Democratic Party leader Joy MacPhail.
Cohen formed the Face the World Foundation in 1991 with a few close friends. To date, the foundation has raised nearly $6 million, which has gone to local organizations including A Loving Spoonful, Covenant House and the B.C. Women’s Hospital.
The 2008 gala raised $1.24 million in a single night.
This year is also the Army & Navy chain’s 90th birthday. Cohen’s grandfather, Samuel Cohen, opened the first location at 44 West Hastings in 1919 with $10,000 worth of merchandise he bought from a Kamloops store going out of business. There are now six locations throughout B.C. and Alberta.
Initiatives
Across the country
HALIFAX Cyclists of all ages and skill levels, and other self-propelled people on wheels, rode over to the Halifax Commons yesterday afternoon to celebrate sustainable and active transport-ation. The open street party was part of HRM Bike Week, which kicked off last Friday and runs through Sunday.
OTTAWA Over the weekend, Bicycles for Humanity — a volunteer-run grassroots organization — collected more than 400 bicycles in a drive that will help improve access to health care, education, food and employment for people in need.
TORONTO OpenCity Projects, a three-year-old consultancy firm, uses strategic design to make public spaces and the communication between Toronto communities more meaningful. Last year, the firm partnered with the City of Toronto to enlist third-year industrial design students to identify opportunities to enhance neighbourhoods.
EDMONTON “Knowing the farmers that grow my food can make a living is critically important. More of the money we’re spending on food can stay in our community,” said Jessie Radies of the Good Food Box Project, one of two recent initiatives to make eating local easier.
CALGARY The Lilac festival drew record crowds yesterday expected to surpass 100,000 people. 4th St. BRZ director Jennifer Rempel said: “We had two private businesses give us free parking for our visitors … and every year the support keeps growing.”
