JOY'S JOURNAL
/by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)
A NEW BOARD FOR THE VARIETY CLUB
And Memories of Gala-Dos Past
The Variety Club of B.C. has always been a thriving organization, thanks particularly through the leadership and determination of two very important people, Bob and Barbara Stewart. They have both been leaders of the organization and have not only given of their time but also their money. Despite the influx of many new organizations set up to help kids in need and their families, Variety has always been a stand-out.
But over the years, despite the Stewart's determined efforts, Variety has a great deal of competition for the already shrinking Canadian dollar. There's CKNW's Kids Fund, the CHILD Foundation, founded by the dynamic Grace McCarthy and currently celebrating their 30th anniversary, Mel Zajac's Zajac Ranch For Kids, the United Way, Wendy and Sergio Cocchia's Pacific Autism Family Network, which raised $1.5 million dollars last November, and so many, many more.
BARBARA AND BOB STewART.
And they are all after the Canadian dollar to keep their important operations going to be able to help the kids. I applaud all their efforts to help a challenging situation.
The new news is that Variety has a new board of directors. President is Bianca Zanatta, V.P. is Joseph Reschreiter, Past President is Sarbjit Gill, with Dawn McKenna as Interim CEO. They are determined to impress on donors just how important their financial contributions are at a gala dinner party to bring their money concerns to wealthy caring donors, particularly to our newly arrived and well-off immigrants.
I recall that there was a time a few years ago when Variety International decided to blow the budget and host its International Convention in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency.
VARIETY CLUB’S INTERIM CEO DAWN MCKENNA.
At their opening gala with a well-heeled crowd of 960 black tie guests, the head table numbered an incredible 39! Saying Grace for the multitude was philanthropist Andrew Robertson, who was thanked by speaker Peter Legge. "Andy" said Peter," That was a wonderful blessing, simple and sincere. In our house, it was the reverse. We prayed after we ate!"
This gala event was a very big deal, with top game show host Monty Hall receiving Variety's Humanitarian of the Year award. The organizers of the presentation wanted it to come off with as much style and pizzaz as possible, with assistance from Monty's wife, Marilyn. It was pure Hollywood!
Actress Angie Dickenson was to be the presenter, with Dal Richards and his orchestra supplying the music. Marilyn, sitting through one of the organizing meetings, asked Dal, if, during the evening, he could play Roger's and Hart's perennial hit, Where or When.
"Sure" said Dal. "Is it a favourite of yours?"
"As a matter of fact," said Marilyn, "it's a very special song. Monty and I became engaged years ago as that piece was being played. I always request it so that no matter where we are or how busy Monty is, eventually the familiar tune comes through and we smile at each other. Confidentially, I use that melody as a gauge to see how my marriage is doing."
Finally the big night arrived and after the speeches and presentations were made, Dal, with a wink at Marilyn, struck up Where or When. Two pairs of eyes were instantly glued onto Monty Hall, who was deeply engrossed in conversation with the lovely Angie Dickinson. You guessed it - he never looked up!
Oh, to be a fly on the wall of the Hall's hotel suite a few hours later. I can hear him now. "Aw c'mon Marilyn, let's make a deal!"...
BUBLE SINGS FOR THE POPE
I have always been very proud of our talented treasure, Michael Bublé. Michael began his journey to the top when he won a talent contest at the PNE eons ago. Talent judge and my close friend Hugh Pickett was amazed at how talented the young singer from Burnaby was.
MICHAEL BUBLE.
He confided to me at the time, "This kid really is super talented. He's going places!"
And my dear friend, Hugh, was absolutely correct. We were both invited to Michael's spectacular wedding to Luisana Lopilato at the Pan Pacific Hotel years ago.
Michael's career has been so successful that he was recently invited to sing at the Vatican in Rome in the presence of Pope Leo. It was called “The Concert with the Poor.”
Michael, his lovely wife Luisana, and their four children were so excited as Michael sang the timeless Christmas classics, including Ave Maria. It gave the entire family a renewed sense of hope and faith.
Bravo, Michael and Happy New Year to you and Lu and your family....
HEADS UP FOR MARCH!
Next month features the Fifth Annual Vancouver Cocktail Week, which runs March 1 through 8, ending up with a gala at The Georgia Hotel.
Be wise, take a cab home...
