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.
