The Gala Organizing Committee, Odd Squad and Board of Directors invite your support for a memorable evening. This event is very important in raising necessary funds to continue Odd Squad's vital operations. Your support will enable us to reach out to thousands of youth in Greater Vancouver and throughout our province to help educate them about the results of illicit drug abuse and gang life activity.
The Hollywood Theatre has been a Vancouver fixture for generations. We are so excited to showcase their spectacular new renovations as part of our show…you won’t want to miss this!
Join us virtually for an evening of live-streamed musical performances by renowned bluesman, Jim Byrnes and friends. You will enjoy moving documentaries and interviews produced by Odd Squad Productions Society, and join them in their mission to end gang violence and substance use among youth.
Help us continue to make a difference in our families and communities – all while having fun! We can’t wait to see you at our live and silent auctions, and Fund-a-Need initiatives.
The goal of this fundraiser is to raise necessary operating funds to enable Odd Squad Productions Society to carry out its important work educating our youth and community about the harm of drug abuse and gang activity, and encourage our kids to make healthy choices.
Jim Byrnes will be honoured this evening for his long-time commitment to Odd Squad Productions Society, and his many years of giving back to the community.
Jim, born in St. Louis, is a legendary blues icon, an actor of note, and an artist who lights up every stage with song and stories, tried and true and an incredible individual who gives so much of himself to his family, friends and community.
Jim is best known for playing ‘Lifeguard’ in the CBS series “Wiseguy” (1987-1990). He also famously starred as 'Joe Dawson' on the syndicated TV series "Highlander" (1993-1998). As a blues performer, Jim has recorded 10 albums, with Juno Awards for “That River” (’96); “House of Refuge” (’06); “Everywhere West” (’11). He is a recipient of numerous Maple Blues Awards; Canadian Folk Music and Canada Music Awards, member of BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Variety Heart Award of Vancouver & Variety Champion for Kids Award in St. Louis. In 2017 Jim became an inductee in the Order of British Columbia. Jim was a charter member of Face the World and remains as Honourary Patron.
In 1972, Jim being Jim, was being a good Samaritan helping someone with their vehicle on the highway and was hit from behind by a car losing both his legs. Despite two swipes with death over his life, Jim exemplifies the power of choice in living the way he has. Joining the Board of Directors of Odd Squad 12 years ago has been a huge bonus for OSP. We are honoured to be able to pay tribute to a man who gives back to community in such a meaningful way.
Gloria Macarenko has connected with audiences in Vancouver and across Canada for the past 35 years, as a host and journalist at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Gloria has garnered several awards as anchor of the CBC Vancouver television news, and as host of several Vancouver- based radio programs.
She currently hosts the Vancouver current affairs programs "On The Coast", CBC Television’s "Our Vancouver", as well as "The Story from Here", a national radio show that brings Canadians lively and intriguing interviews from across the country.
In 2018 she was appointed to The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours in recognition of her broadcasting and volunteering contributions.
Howard Blank has been a member of the gaming, media and entertainment industry for over 30 years.
Howard is proud to give his time and talent at a number of not for profit events each year. To date, Howard has helped raise over $900,000,000 for organizations across Canada and in the USA.
Howard currently serves as Board member and past Chair of Variety, B.C., and serves as Vice President for BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Board member for BC Foundation for the Arts, Board Member at our own Odd Squad Production Society, Board Member at Zajac Foundation, Strategic Advisor to the National Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime (MOB MUSEUM) in Nevada, North West 9-11 Memorial Co-Chair and ambassador for Cerebral Palsy Association of BC.
Howard is CEO of Point Blank Entertainment Ltd. www.pointblankshows.com
Howard is proud recipient of the Order of Canada “Sovereign Medal for Volunteers” ,“The Lifetime Gaming Award” and the “Philanthropy Award” from the Canadian Gaming Association; he has been honoured with Variety British Columbia’s “ Heart Award for meritorious service as well as “Angel” and “Barker of The Year” awards. Howard is proud recipient of “The Paul Harris Fellowship” medal from Rotary International. Howard was r honoured with the BC Lupus Society “Inspire” award and in 2015, Howard received the British Columbia Community Achievement Medal from the B.C. Lt. Governor.
John L. Daly is the President of the Odd Squad Production Society, having served previously on the board. After covering numerous gang wars, murders, including teens, drug overdose deaths, and bullying leading to youth suicides, as a reporter and producer, Daly now is pleased to be a volunteer - working to prevent these crises. Daly is semi-retired from Global TV News, and hosts a weekly current affairs show - ‘Back on the Beat’ on CKNW.
"Over the past 23 years, the Odd Squad has been unrelenting in its willingness to candidly discuss the upstream drivers of crime and how youth can make positive life choices, including maintaining their physical and mental health.
I am tremendously proud of the work that has been done by the Odd Squad and what has grown, from a handful of dedicated Vancouver Police Department officers, into a diverse team of professionals, volunteers and subject matter experts. The members of the Odd Squad have enhanced the safety of our community through their dedication to education and prevention. Accordingly, the Odd Squad continues to have the ardent support of the Vancouver Police Department."
"For 23 years, the Odd Squad Production Society has helped make our community a safer place for young people. Their programs have helped educate youth about the dangers of gang life, drug use, addiction and bullying. Burnaby is lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about helping our kids make better choices. I know that this is a cause that tonight’s honouree, Jim Byrnes, cares deeply about. Not only is Jim a great friend and a fantastic musician, he is a tireless advocate for our community. Thank you to the Odd Squad for putting this event together. Now it is our turn to show our support for this valuable community organization. I encourage those who are in a position to give, to support the Odd Squad Production Society so that they can continue to provide preventative programs to our kids."
"Let me be blunt: We really need your support for the 2021 Odd Squad Gala Fundraiser & Tribute to Jim Byrnes. We have been through a tough year, and the young people we help and educate need you. The sad, brutal reality is some kids will slip through the cracks. Yet the tens of thousands of young people who receive Odd Squad educational presentations, take part in our Peer-to-Peer training and Physical Literacy programs are that much further ahead. Personally, it’s hard to express how gratifying it is to work with the Odd Squad team doing preventative work with youth on drugs, gangs, and bullying after my 40 years of seeing and reporting on these very issues. The skills and commitment of the Odd Squad members have continued to reach youth despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they need your help to continue their good work."
The Odd Squad Society is a registered charitable organization engaging current, retired and volunteer police officers and civilians all dedicated to helping our youth make better choices for life with innovative prevention, education and outreach programs.
To educate the public about the devastating effects of high- risk behaviour on members of our community, and facilitate preventative measures among youth through Odd Squad four pillars of action:
Youth will work with Police Officers in Odd Squad and receive a full day of interactive learning including:
Created in 1997 by seven Vancouver City Police officers, the work of Odd Squad Productions developed on the streets of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver from the grassroots educational work of the group of beat police officers. The personal connections of the officers of Odd Squad allow us to showcase the devastating consequences of drug usage. By building on this unique relationship, we aim to educate and encourage healthy, positive lifestyles among youth.
We rely on donations and grants - especially on support from the private and business sectors. Odd Squad is totally independent of mandated and budgeted police departments and government-funded ministries.
Odd Squad Productions is a registered charitable organization, with a completely volunteer board of directors.
John Daly
PRESIDENT OSP
CKNW Radio Host and retired Global News Reporter
Diana Zoppa
VICE PRESIDENT OSP
Principal — Zoppa Media Group
Rich Robins
TREASURER
OSP Manager - CXO - Property Vista
Tammy Morrey
SECRETARY OSP
Child Protection Consultant, Ministry of Children & Family Development
Ret. Sgt. Toby Hinton
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OSP
Howard Blank
Principal, Point Blank Entertainment
Jim Byrnes
Musician/Actor/ Radio Host
Theresa Campbell
Safer Schools Together
Sam Feldman
Dr. Bill MacEwan
Providence Health Care
Kris Pope
Vice President Dexter Associates Realty
Tom Stamatakis
President, Canadian Police Association
Gerry Zipursky
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Candice Wiseberg
EVENT MANAGER
In Any Event Design
GALA PRODUCTION
