Imagine you’re in a room filled with hundreds and hundreds of children, all of whom are gleefully on sensory overload. If such an image inspires you to reach for the gin, then you were not one of the more than 1,500 guests in attendance at the Candy Cane Gala — Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s (ACHF) signature fundraiser. The gala, you see, is the perfect way to experience the joy and wonderment of the Christmas season through the eyes of the little ones.

The holiday spirit was alive and well at the 2017 Candy Cane Gala as the heart of Calgary shone through, raising more than $500,000 (net) in support of the kids and families who rely on care from the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The 11th annual event, hosted by the ACHF, celebrated the hospital, its research institute and the children and families who rely on their expertise.

Revellers donned their festive finest to attend the gala in the BMO Centre, which was magically transformed into the Big Apple. The New York City winter wonderland even featured an indoor skating display in front of the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. A photo booth, myriad sweet shops, an NYC taxi track, crafts, a Secret Santa Shoppe and even the Central Park Petting Zoo were but a few of the features of the fabulous fundraiser. Buddy the Elf entertained the kids and grown-ups alike throughout the evening, leading a Santa Claus is Coming to Town singalong and starting snowball fights. Even Holly Golightly made an appearance — bejewelled with an incredible set of custom diamond earrings and necklace up for auction.

Funds raised will support the crucial area of imaging in medicine and research by helping the hospital purchase a new 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner. With this equipment, specialists can see inside children’s brains and bodies non-invasively, with unprecedented clarity, and without any exposure to radiation. The 3T MRI also enables innovative imaging research to find more answers and better treatments for kids in Calgary, southern Alberta and around the world.

Guests this night included: ACHF president and CEO Saifa Koonar; board chair Karen Radford with Jason Grelowski and her mom Claudia Radford; gala co-chairs Agnes Bellegris and Jean-Ann Rooney; Calalta Figure Skating Club’s Brennah Bilous and Addison Wolsey; Petrogas Energy Corp president and CEO Stan Owerko, his wife Marge and their daughter Maryn Milazzo; Ambassador Family Mike and Stacey deBoer and their children, Theo, 7, and Ruby, 4; Brad Shaw; Margaret Fullerton; Dr. Jim Kellner; Steve and Barb Stretch and their daughter Tessa; Gordon and Marion Dixon; and others pictured.

From your faithful social scribe, here’s wishing you all a Christmas filled with love, joy and hope.

Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Liz Ballendine (left) and Meghan Kociuba.

Brennah Bilous, 11, (left) and 10-year old Addison Wolsey.

From left: Maryn Milazzo and her parents Stan Owerko, Petrogas Energy president and CEO, and Marge Owerko. Petrogas was the event’s platinum sponsor.

Dave and Shannon Burton with their children Kate, 10, Dylan, 12, and 7-year old Nolan.

Octavia Laurette in the role of Holly Go Lightly with Calaway Park’s Gordon Dixon and his wife Marion.

Candy Cane Gala co-chairs Agnes Bellegris (left) and Jean-Ann Rooney.

From left: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation board chair Karen Radford, Jason Grelowski, Claudia Radford, Barb Stretch, foundation vice-chair Steve Stretch and Tessa Stretch.

From left: Shaw’s Brad Shaw, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation president and CEO Saifa Koonar, Alberta Children’s Hospital senior operations officer Margaret Fullerton and pediatric head Dr. Jim Kellner.

Crist Family Foundation’s Dallas and Ashley Crist and their children Riley and Thomas.

As your faithful social scribe pours through the hundreds of pictures taken at myriad events this past year, it reinforces two things: one, we live in the most generous of cities; and two, I have the best job there is. Sure, there are times that a night at home in front of the fire, rather than being out covering an event and having to be ‘on’, would be welcome. But at the end of the day, were I not at an event giving ink to those who give so much of their time and treasure, how else would readers know of the amazing work done by so many?

And amazing doesn’t even begin to describe the hours and hours many of you spend helping raise funds — and awareness — for causes as varied as prostate cancer and homelessness to mental health and poverty. Imagine the state of our beloved city if fundraising events were not as successful as they are? Sure, 2017 was economically challenged, but Calgarians can always be counted upon to step up and help, all the while having great fun doing so.

Enjoy this look back at some of the events that made 2017 such a memorable year. It has been my pleasure to cover you at work and play and I look forward to seeing you out and about in 2018. Here’s wishing you a new year full of joy, prosperity and love. God bless.  

Pictured at Tourism Calgary’s annual Open House on Jan. 19 at the Grey Eagle Casino are, back row from left: James Starlight, Bruce Starlight Jr., Faith Starlight, Bison Starlight and Terrance Starlight. Front row from left: Charm Fox, Leo Starlight and Wild Manywounds. All photos (unless noted), Bill Brooks

Joining Jennifer Martin, president and CEO of TELUS Spark at the Feb. 3 gala opening of Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience were Star Trek actors, from left, LeVar Burton (a.k.a. Lt.-Commander Geordie La Forge), Garrett Wang (a.k.a. Ensign Harry Kim) and Jonathan Frakes (a.k.a. Commander William Riker).

 The annual Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala held at the Regency Palace Restaurant was a feast for the senses. More than 550 guests attended the Year of the Rooster celebration. Pictured are HKCBA president Manford Quan and his sister Scotia Wealth Management’s Audrey Kwan.

The Calgary Flames Ambassadors and the Calgary Flames 12th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held at the Grey Eagle Casino raised an impressive $415,000 for the Calgary Flames Foundation, bringing the total raised through the poker event to $4.3 million in 12 years. Pictured at the tournament are Brian Burke, left, president of hockey operations, and Ken King, president and CEO.

The third edition of The Heart Truth Fashion Show held Feb. 11 at Eighth Avenue Place was an enormous success and raised considerable funds and awareness for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Pictured, from left, are the event’s invaluable volunteer co-chairs Shar Savizi, Ashley Tyler and Jacqueline Tyler.

Pictured with reason to smile at the 68th Grand Highland Military Ball held Feb. 25 at the Calgary Hyatt Regency were event organizer, CEO ARC Financial and Honorary Lieut.-Col. Lauchlan Currie and his wife Karen Currie. It was the largest Grand Highland Military Ball in the 68-year history of the event. 

Pictured with reason to smile at the 30th annual SAM Awards held April 8 in the Telus Convention Centre are Brookfield Residential chief operating officer Trent Edwards and his wife Victoria Edwards, who is with the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. Brookfield was crowned Builder of the Year at the awards event that salutes the best in the residential construction industry.

The 2017 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro Am weekend was a great success and raised considerable funds for the Gordie Howe Centre for Alzheimer’s Research and Education Society, a not for profit charity founded and located in Calgary. Pictured with charity and event chairman Brookfield Residential’s Allan Klassen (centre) are Gordie Howe’s sons Mark Howe (left) and Marty Howe.

Pictured at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge Gala 2017 held April 26 at the Hyatt Regency are CUPS board chair Michael Lang and executive director Carlene Donnelly. The hugely successful event raised more than $210,000 for Calgary Urban Project Society.

Many called it the party of the decade. Soul Men 60 was an incredible fundraising bash held May 13 in support of Resolve. That none other than Dan Aykroyd (pictured) took to the stage with Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts ensured the more than 1,500 guests had an unforgettable evening.

Former prime minister Joe Clark and his sister-in-law Sunny Clark, a Calgary Foundation board member, attended the Resolve reception held in the home of Resolve cabinet member Ann McCaig on May 25.

Pictured at their annual Canada Day celebration are hosts with the most, Michael and Linda Shaikh. The Shaikhs have been hosting the celebration in their Mount Royal home for many year, but this year had special resonance with it being Canada’s 150th birthday.

From left: UNICEF Canada president and CEO David Morley, UNICEF Patrons Council chair Sue Riddell Rose, Mike Rose and Ann McCaig pictured at the UNICEF Water for Life Gala held Oct. 14 at the Hyatt Regency.

The Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend is surely one of the best events of the year. The 38th annual, held July 21-23, was a huge success, raising more than $1 million for the Midsummer Ball Artists’ Fund. Pictured are Banff Centre board chair David Weyant and his wife, Madam Justice Charlene Weyant.

Pictured at the 5th annual NutAle Fundraiser held July 6 at Bottlescrew Bills in support of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre were KOOL FM’s Christy Farrell and Village Brewery’s Jim Button. The cheeky fundraiser sells specially crafted Village Brewery celebrity beer made with the surprise ingredient of bull testicles. Since inception,  the event has raised more than $50,000.

The annual Scott Stomp, hosted by Scott Land and Lease, celebrated its 20th anniversary July 6. Hundreds of those who work in the oilpatch attended. Pictured are Scott Land’s Hunter Scott and his brother Ryan and their father, Scott Land founder Gregg Scott.

The Distinguished Business Leader Award, co-presented by the Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, has recognized outstanding leaders in the Calgary business community since 1993. Pictured is this year’s recipient Leslie O’Donoghue with her family: son Connor Ross, husband Hugh Ross and son Brendan Ross.

The Rockyview Invitational Pro-Am Tournament Players and Partners Reception held at Barcelona Tavern was attended by scores of sponsors and golfers. Pictured are tournament chairs Brad Deets, senior vice-president, NGL commercial and facilities, Plains Midstream Canada; and Jayman BUILT chairman and CEO Jay Westman. The amazing tournament has, since inception four years ago, raised more than $3.4 million for Rockyview General Hospital.

Pictured, from left, at the Sobeys Better Food Fund Charity Golf Classic reception July 19 at Heritage Park are, from left: Jason Potter, Sobeys executive vice-president of operations; Sobeys president and CEO Michael Medline; and TSN’s Gord Miller. Golfers would take to the links at Priddis Greens the following day.

Perfect weather ensured the Priddis Greens Charity Classic, held Aug. 16-17, was an enormous success, raising $350,000 for the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC). Pictured at the tournament gala evening Aug. 15 are from left: PCC board chair Jon Truswell of Bennett Jones, PCC executive director Pam Heard; and tournament chairman Ross Babcock.  Photo, courtesy Prostate Cancer Centre

All smiles at the official launch of the new Women For Men’s Health (WFMH) initiative at the Prostate Cancer Centre are WFMH founder and Centre board member Dr. Shelley Spaner with launch co-hosts Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson (left) and Herald scribe and Centre board member Bill Brooks. Mark Feb. 2, 2018, on your calendar for the inaugural WFMH Gala. The glove-themed fundraiser will take place at Hotel Arts.

Willow Park Wines & Spirits 24th Charity Wine Auction held Nov. 4 was a success, raising funds for six different cancer-based organizations. Pictured at the fab jungle-themed fundraiser are event co-chairs Scott and Suzanne Henuset. The dynamic couple were named one of the Top 40 Under 40 in 2017 by Avenue Magazine.

Pictured at Immigrant Services Calgary’s 21st Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards 2017 on Mar. 10 at the Westin are IDA chair Josephine Pon with new Alberta PC leader Jason Kenney.

Pictured, from left, at the inaugural Top 7 Over 70 Gala held Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency are honourees Dr. Amin Ghali, Al Moorhead, Gerry Miller, Don Seaman, Vera Goodman, Alan Fergusson, Dr. Richard Guy and Marjorie Zingle. The event saluted amazing seniors who make our city the best in which to live, work and play.

2017 was, for many, a year that will not be remembered with particular fondness. And yet, if you were one of the lucky ones to attend the inaugural Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hyatt Regency, you will no doubt have wonderful memories of an evening that was the perfect way to close out the year.

That the event was not only fabulous, but philanthropic as well, ensured all in attendance welcomed 2018 full of hope and promise. Lucky 13 was the number of charities supported through the gala. Recipients of funding included: the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society at the Foothills Hospital and the 12 charities selected by the 2017 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. And these 12 charitable organziations are: Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre; Calgary Counselling Centre; Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society; Further Education Society; Centre for Newcomers; NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank; Renfrew Recovery Centre; Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team; Discovery House; Reset Society of Calgary; I Can for Kids; and The Mustard Seed. Funds raised this night were matched (up to $150,000) by the Calgary Health Trust.

Kudos to all involved on the great success of the gala: chair Ann McCaig and her tireless volunteer committee comprised of: Fire Chief Steve Dongworth and colleagues Jay Watson, Jim Fisher, Mike Carter and Thomas Kerr; gala producers Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd and Samantha Morahan; Clare Sheerin; Dr. Duncan Nickerson; Gio Pena; Jane McCaig; Hyatt GM Amy Johnson; Kim Berjian; Mona Hunter; Sarah Geddes; Teresa DeMare; and Herald colleagues Lorne Motley and Laura Linnell.

Highlights of the evening were numerous, from fabulous decor and food to lovely libation, raffle items, awesome entertainment and more. Heartfelt thanks to sponsors who supported the gala including: host sponsor Canada Safeway/Sobeys; Stonegate Private Counsel; J. Vair Anderson which donated an Omega Seamaster Divers watch for raffle; Calgary Institute of Plastic Surgery which donated an Advanced Aesthetics Wellness Package for raffle; Barbecues Galore on donating a Big Boy Kamada Grill; LGFG Fashion House on donating a Men’s Bespoke Tailored Suit; and gala chair Ann McCaig for donating a one-week stay in a private villa in Barbados for four people, with Airmiles provided for flights by Safeway Sobeys.

Amazing performances from trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann, Tyler Hornby on drums, Jeremy Coates on bass, Richard Harding on sax and Devin Hart on keyboard had guests in the ballroom dancing the night away while the ‘young ones’ rocked it big time on the main floor at the Station 54 disco. A big nod to the talented folks at Orange Frog Productions on the stellar staging and lighting this night and well-done sentiments go out to emcee, Global’s Jordan Witzel, as well as the Hyatt staff for ensuring guests were well looked after.

Here is wishing all a new year filled with love, joy, health and prosperity. I’ll not be seeing you until mid February as Hong Kong and Australia await!

Looking fabulous at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Charity Gala at the Hyatt Regency Calgary are J. Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro and her husband Harold Huber. J. Vair Anderson donated a stunning men’s watch worth close to $8,000 as one of the five raffle times up for grabs at the fab fete.

Pictured with reason to smile at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Gala are event producers, Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd (left) and Samantha Morahan (right) with Herald social scribe Bill Brooks.

The gala fundraiser supported the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society as well as the 2017 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund recipients. Pictured, from left, back row, are Calgary Fire Department Honour Guards Derek Jobson, Shawn Butler, Colin Senkow, Craig Monnin, Grant Rinas and front row, from left, Darren Crowder, Tobias Breuer, Jen Hall.

Toasting the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 are Avenue Magazine’s Joyce Byrne (left) and XO Treatment Room’s Annie Graham.

The Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Charity Gala was a great success thanks to sponsors, such as Safeway Sobeys. Pictured, from left, are Cory Hopfner, Arlene Woo, Safeway Sobeys’ Ken Woo, Renee Hopfner and Bruce Bowman and Lisa Bowman. The glam gala supported 13 charitable organizations.

Looking glamorous at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Charity Gala are Laura Linnell, Postmedia manager of advertising sales, and her husband Gord Linnell.

Boyden Executive Search’s Brent Sherry and his wife Gail were among the hundreds of guests.

Trumpet virtuoso and Order of Canada recipient Jens Lindemann, centre, was a musical headliner this night. He was photographed with his proud parents Helga and Horst.

Mike Smillie and his wife, Gala committee member Kim Berjian, along with Gala committee member Mona Hunter and her husband Derrick Hunter.

Gala committee member and Press + Post’s Sarah Geddes with her husband, Canoe Financial’s Steve Mantrop.

Gala committee member Jane McCaig and her husband Rich Waller.

From left:  Safeway Sobeys Renee Hopfner, gala producer Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd and gala chair Ann McCaig.

David and Leslie Bissett.

From left, Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, Dr. Duncan Nickerson, Dr. Fiona Schulte, Robbin Alexander, Jamie Nickerson and Dr. Vincet Gabriel.

An Intimate Evening with Sarah McLachlan was the perfect way to spend a chilly winter’s eve at the Jube — all the while raising funds for the Owen Hart Foundation. The Grammy and Juno Award-winning Canadian icon headlined the 18th annual foundation fundraiser — much to the delight of the hundreds of guests in attendance. No surprise that the concert was sold out weeks’ prior. 

The captivated audience had a chance to reminisce with McLachlan as she perfectly executed some of her most emotional ballads that served well to display her fine-tuned mezzo-soprano vocal range. There is no doubt that Sarah’s hits have had a tremendous impact on many of our lives, including her rendition of the tune When She Loved Me. McLachlan dedicated the song to artist Oje Hart and his sister Athena — the son and daughter of the late Owen Hart and his wife Martha Hart — founder of the Owen Hart Foundation. Oje had sketched a special pastel drawing of the Toy Story 2 character Jesse, whom the melody was written for, and presented it to McLachlan in appreciation for a song that had been so important to him growing up.

McLachlan joins the impressive list of performers who have been featured at past Owen Hart Foundation events including Robin Williams, Elvis Costello, Jerry Seinfeld, Ringo Starr and Steve Martin to name but a few. 

Guests in attendance having a marvellous time this evening included: auction sponsors Trapped Escape Room Experience’s Darcy Anderson and Kelly Patterson; Owen Hart Foundation’s Virginia Xavier; WestJet Airlines’ Jereme and Karli Kincaid; Cinnamon Girl Clinic’s Virgillia Chichoine with Mitch Chichoine; Evolve Sponsorship and Engagement’s Valerie Pek; Canadian Western Bank’s Dustin Jones and Jeff Bowling; Brookfield Residential’s Careen Church; Dentrix Dental Care’s Dr. Brian Killick; LAR Business Concepts’ Linna Morgan and Mary Ann Steen; Stantec Oil & Gas vice-president Dean Mullin; Postmedia columnist and Sportsnet analyst Eric Francis; University of Calgary’s Dr. Nicole Letourneau; journalist and Owen Hart Foundation committee member Tammi Christopher-Buchanan; For the Love of Children Society’s Kavita and Ashid Bahl; Century 21 Rockies Realty’s Colleen Standen; Shoe Muse’s Dani Izzo; Air Canada’s Lisa Jarvis; Sue Miller; Barb Simic of The Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation; WestJet’s Pino Mancuso and his wife Atonietta; U of C’s Dr. Paul Wellings and his wife Magdi; Romana Kraft of Collectors Gallery; and event producer David Howard of The Event Group.

Oje Hart of the Owen Hart Foundation presented Sarah McLachlan with a drawing he sketched of a character from Toy Story 2 to commemorate her rendition of the song When She Loved Me. Photos courtesy, Owen Hart Foundation.

From left: event sponsors Dr. Brian Killick of Dentrix Dental Care; and LAR Business Concepts’ Linna Morgan and Mary Ann Steen.

From left: Dean Mullin, vice-president, Stantec Oil & Gas; Postmedia columnist/Sportsnet analysist Eric Francis; and Dr. Nicole Letourneau of the University of Calgary.

From left: Mitch Chichoine; Cinnamon Girl Clinic’s Virgillia Chichoine; and WestJet’s Jereme and Karli Kincaid.

From left: journalist and Owen Hart Foundation committee member Tammi Christopher; For the Love of Children’s Society’s Kavita and Ashid Bahl; and Century 21 Rockies Realty’s Colleen Standen.

From left: event sponsor Shoe Muse’s Dani Izzo; Air Canada’s Lisa Jarvis; and Owen Hart Foundation supporter Sue Miller.

From left: Valerie Pek of Evolve Sponsorship and Engagement; with event sponsors Dustin Jones of Canadian Western Bank; Careen Chrusch of Brookfield Residential; and Jeff Bowling of Canadian Western Bank.

From left: Owen Hart Foundation’s Virginia Xavier; with auction sponsors Trapped Escape Room Experience’s Darcy Anderson and Kelly Patterson.

Admit it. You, too, have taken great delight watching the television phenom Dancing With the Stars.

Calgary Dance Foundation president Dawn Litzenberger felt that we could have our own Dancing With the Stars, but with a philanthropic focus. Proceeds would support young Calgary dancers vying for a place on the podium at the annual Canadian Ballroom Dance Finals. It was six years ago that Litzenberger gathered local ‘celebs’ and partnered them with dance pros to launch the inaugural Dancing with the Calgary Stars. Yours truly had the distinct pleasure of participating the first year. And let me tell you, it’s not nearly as easy as it looks on television! Yes, Tango Terror Brooks took to the stage to ‘compete’. Let’s just say that I’ll not soon be hanging up my camera for a career as a dancer. Celebs competing over the years have included: Kathy Hays; Fred Balm; Rick Titan; Michelle Cameron Coulter; Pat Moore; Debra Ross; Michael Bailey; Maureen Mannix Eberts; Chima Nkemdirim; and Coun. Sen Chu, to name but a few.

This year, the sixth annual, held recently at the Polish Canadian Club, partnered with the Calgary Multicultural Orchestra. Proceeds raised will not only support young Calgary dancers vying for a place on the podium at the 2018 Canadian Ballroom Dance Finals, but provide the members of the Multicultural Orchestra (ages 6-17), who would not otherwise be able to be part of an orchestra, the opportunity to expand their love of music as well.  

Stars strutting their stuff on the dance floor this night included: Roxanne “Sexy Samba” McCaig; MLA Graham “Romantic Rumba” Sucha; Elizabeth “Tantalizing Tango” Burke-Gaffney; and Robbie “The Bull Fighter” Schuett.  

Among those cheering on their fave celeb were: Calgary Dance Foundation dance director Martin Lefebvre; foundation vice-president Kathy Hays; International Avenue Arts & Culture Centre board chair Scott Beaton and his wife Lorna Beaton; orchestra maestro Jose Duque; wine sponsor Strike Group’s Mark Bonnell; Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Dagmar Jamieson; Branch Out Neurological Foundation’s Crystal Phillips; Jerome’s Elaine Stadel; Ann and Jane McCaig; Betty Stein; and professional dance partners Iveta Milciute, Ryan Anderson, Stephanie Jurkova, Donna Hammerschmidt and Bryan Senn.

International Avenue Arts and Culture Centre board chair Scott Beaton and his wife Lorna Beaton.

Pictured from left, Ann McCaig, Roxanne “Sexy Samba” McCaig and Jane McCaig.

 Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Dagmar Jamieson (left) and Branch Out Neurological Foundation executive director Crystal Phillips.

Liberal Party of Canada, Alberta chairman Robbie “The Bull Fighter” Schuett and his dance partner Iveta Milciute.

Professional dancer and teacher Ryan Anderson and Donna Hammerschmidt strike a pose for the lens.

MLA Graham “Romantic Rumba” Sucha and his dance partner Stephanie Jurkova.

Roxanne “Sexy Samba’ McCaig and her dance partner Ryan Anderson.

Fundraising for Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre has come full circle. How so? It was 20 years ago that Mark Wilson, who was then working at the Westin and is now Hotel Arts Group general manager and vice-president, approached yours truly to host a winemakers dinner with proceeds going to the charity of my choice. Given my family history, supporting the Prostate Cancer Centre was a no-brainer. The inaugural Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit was ‘successful’ (we netted just under $10K) and Wilson and I felt the event had legs — so let’s keep it going.

And keep it going we did. For 19 years. The last hurrah took place January 2017 at Hotel Arts. We were extremely gratified and humbled that the event raised $8.8 million since inception. But, like all things, there is a beginning, middle and end. Not necessarily so to Wilson’s way of thinking as he felt raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Centre should continue, but with a new look and feel.

And as fate would have it, the Prostate Cancer Centre was in the planning stages of a much-needed expansion. The modest addition, just over 2,500 square feet, would not be inexpensive. Calgary radiologist and Prostate Cancer Centre board member Dr. Shelley Spaner took the lead on fundraising by founding the innovative Women for Men’s Health program with the goal of funding not only the new space, but also the centre’s “get checked” program delivered through the Man Van. Free PSA testing used to be the mantra in the Man Van. But now, men’s blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI are checked. Last year, more than 1,500 men were tested in the Man Van.

Now if you’re seeing a perfect fit between Wilson’s goal to launch a new fundraising event and Spaner’s Women for Men’s Health initiative, you would be spot on. And that is how the stars aligned and raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Centre through an innovative event came full circle. The inaugural Women for Men’s Health Gloves-On Gala held Feb. 2 at Hotel Arts was a great success, netting $150,000. Impressive indeed for an inaugural event and you just know it will continue to grow for many years to come.

The event would not have been the success it was were it not for the support of major sponsors: Mayfair Diagnostics; Hotel Arts; Willow Park Wines & Spirits; Delta; Hello Gorgeous; Southern Alberta Institute of Urology; and the Calgary Herald, to name a few. Fabulous live and silent auction items, phenomenal food and libation, a killer band, and the support of myriad guests through ticket purchase and donations added greatly to the gala’s success. 

Zirco Ltd.’s Malcolm Albery and his wife Shairole Henshall pictured at the Gloves-On Gala for Men’s Health at Hotel Arts. The dynamic duo are longtime supporters of myriad causes, not the least of which is prostate cancer education, awareness and treatment.

Looking fabulous at the inaugural Gloves-On Gala for Men’s Health are, from left: Catherine Hay; Vanessa Fleishman; Krista Nauss; gala chair Dr. Shelley Spaner; and Danielle Sutton.

Dr. Geoff Gotto and his wife Dr. Sarah Evans had a great time at the inaugural Gloves-On Gala for Men’s Health.

From left TD Wealth’s Mike Halford, CBE’s Christine Forgio, Raymond James’ Leanne Snyders and TD Wealth’s Darryl Zoback.

Postmedia advertising sales manager Laura Linnell and her husband Gordon Linnell.

From left: Kimberley Munro and her husband, Hotel Arts Group partner Dave Munro; with Edith Wenzel and her husband Shane Homes’ Cal Wenzel.

From left: BILD Calgary Region CEO Guy Huntingford; Bev Jarvis; and Ike Kolias.

Prostate Cancer Centre’s Eva Moreau (centre) is pictured with her daughter Justine Moreau (left) and Joanna Kostanecki (right) at the inaugural Gloves-On Gala.

Pictured, from left, are Angela-Kinnie-Steeves, NAL Resources, and Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) board member Keith Steeves and Elizabeth Chi.

Jordon McKen and Chelsea Wilson.

From left: Yolanda Look, Julia Harrison and Candace Frey.

Prostate Cancer Centre director of finance Roby Brar and his wife Perlite Brar.

Scott and Suzanne Henuset.

The inaugural Women For Men’s Health Gloves-On Gala was a resounding success, netting $150,000. Pictured, from left, are gala honorary co-chair Herald scribe Bill Brooks, Pyramid Productions general manager Julie Sinclair, gala chair Dr. Shelley Spaner and author Kirstie McLellan.

From left: Jerome’s Janice Adshade, Shannon Leung and Andrew Clelland.

Willow Park Wines & Spirits Peggy Perry and her husband Brien Perry. Willow Park was one of the major sponsors of the event.

Did you know that Calgary is the sunniest major city in Canada? Or that the iconic Bloody Caesar was invented here? Now sunshine and caesars are probably not the top reasons tourists choose our fair city as a destination. There are dozens of other reasons visitors come here. And come here they do. By the thousands. And if Tourism Calgary’s 2018 forecast proves accurate, this could be a very good year for the scores of businesses that rely on tourism dollars.

This upbeat and positive tone was the theme at Tourism Calgary’s annual Open House held Feb. 8 at Hudson event centre. Glacial temperatures and a nasty snowstorm mattered not to the dozens of guests in attendance. Fabulous fare, libation and the chance to win airfare for two to either Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai courtesy of presenting sponsor Air Canada were but a few of the evening’s highlights. Hosts with the most, Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady and past board chair Rod McKay spoke about the incredible impact tourism dollars have on our city. The evening was also the perfect platform to White Hat Lu Xu, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary, and her husband He Jun.

Others in attendance at the 32nd annual Open House included: Travel Alberta’s Lisa Lima and Andi Dzilums; Calgary Zoo’s Trish Exton-Parder; Tourism Calgary board members Tracey Zehl and Mark Wilson; Calgary Arts Development’s Patti Pon; West Canadian’s George Brookman; Tourism Calgary’s Cassandra McAuley; Brandsmith’s Shea Kerwood and his sister Kelsey Kerwood; Cococo Chocolatiers’ Kristi Mehr and Naomi Groll; Advance Your Cause’s Samantha Morahan and Tom Dodd; Calgary Economic Development board chair Steve Allan; Acting Deputy Mayor Ward Sutherland; Glenbow Museum board chair Jim McLeod; Air Canada’s Chase Myhill, Mark Sniderman and Simona Cercel; and Brian Slot who was the lucky winner of the Air Canada tickets.

Sipping a Caesar was a great way to warm one’s bones at Tourism Calgary’s Annual Open House held Feb. 8 in Hudson. Pictured is Mylene Rainville with a tray of the iconic drinks which originated in Calgary. Bill Brooks photos

Pictured, from left: Travel Alberta’s Lisa Lima, Andi Dzilums and the Calgary Zoo’s Trish Exton-Parder.

From left:  Tourism Calgary board members Tracey Zehr and Mark Wilson with Calgary Arts Development’s Patti Pon.

From left: West Canadian’s George Brookman joins Tourism Calgary’s Cassandra McAuley and past board chairman Rod McKay.

Lu Xu, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary and her husband He Jun were white-hatted at Tourism Calgary’s 32nd Annual Open House. 

Air Canada was the presenting sponsor of Tourism Calgary’s Open House. In a nod to the Chinese New Year, airfare for two to Shanghai, Beijing or Hong Kong was the coveted draw. From left are Air Canada’s Chase Myhill and Simona Cercel with lucky draw winner Brian Slot and Air Canada’s Mark Sniderman.

Calgary Economic Development board chair Steve Allan (left) and acting Deputy Major Ward Sutherland.

Brandsmith’s Shea and Kelsey Kerwood.

Cococo Chocolatiers’ Kristi Mehr (left) and Naomi Groll gave delicious chocolate as parting gifts for guests at Tourism Calgary’s Annual Open House.

“Happiness through good works” is an apt motto for the Sien Lok Society of Calgary. Established in 1968 in response to a real threat to the continued existence of Calgary’s Chinatown, Sien Lok successfully helped preserve the historic district. The society has more than 5,000 volunteers, has hosted 109 events since 2005 and has granted 394 scholarships since then. And the establishment of Sien Lok Park ranks as one of its proudest accomplishments.

Celebration was the order of the evening at the Regency Palace Feb. 10 as hundreds of guests gathered for Sien Lok Society’s 49th Annual Chinese New Year Gala and Fundraiser. An amazing dinner, terrific entertainment, scholarship presentations and salutations from myriad dignitaries ensured all in attendance had a wonderful time celebrating the incoming Year of the Dog. And the forecast for the Earth Dog Year is quite promising. After all, dog is man’s (person’s?) best friend. And the Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, it symbolizes the coming of fortune. Greats the likes of Winston Churchill and Socrates were born in ‘Dog Years.’ So, too, were Madonna and Donald Trump. And it is predicted Wall Street will see another bull market this year.

Among those welcoming the Chinese New Year this night were: Sien Lok president Kevin Wong; Royal Liquor Merchants president and Sien Lok board member John Dong; Sien Lok founding president Ray Lee and his wife Loretta Lee; Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci; MLA Ric McIver and his wife, Kids Cancer Care founder Christine McIver; MRU president David Docherty and his wife Kris; emcee Grace Ma; Deputy Mayor Ward Sutherland and his wife Heather Sutherland; Danny Ng; Korite vice-president, sales and marketing, Richard Clowater and Juliette Fontaine; Kinnear Financial president and CEO Jim Kinnear and his sister Sally Elliott; Birchcliff Energy’s George Fukushima and Dr. Christine Perkins; HSBC Market branch manager Carie Ku; Dentons partner and Chinatown Business Improvement Area (BIA) vice-chair Lillian Pan, Q.C.; Chinatown BIA chair Grace Su; and Taste of Asia vice-president Josephine Pon.

From all your friends at the Herald, gong hei fat choy.

Sien Lok Society of Calgary president Kevin Wong (left) with board member and Royal Liquor Merchants president John Dong. Bill Brooks photos

From left: Danny Ng, Heather Sutherland and her husband, acting Deputy Mayor Ward Sutherland.

Juliette Fontaine pictured with Korite vice-president sales and marketing Richard Clowater.

Kinnear Financial president and CEO Jim Kinnear and his sister Sally Elliott.

Birchcliff Energy’s George Fukushima and Dr. Christine Perkins.

From left: Sien Lok’s Carie Ku, Dentons partner Lillian Pan, Q.C. and Chinatown Business Improvement Area chair Grace Su.

Mount Royal University president David Docherty and Kids Cancer Care founder Christine McIver.

Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci and Taste of Asia vice-president Josephine Pon.

Sien Lok Society of Calgary founding president Ray Lee and his wife Loretta Lee.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Said trip will have more resonance for those of us of a “certain age.” I was but a wee child, but I do remember the opening of Chinook Centre on the site of the then Chinook Drive-In Theatre and the adjacent Skyline Drive-In and driving range. The year was 1960.

Since then, Chinook Centre has undergone myriad transformations. Holt Renfrew was once there. So, too, were Bretton’s, Woodward’s, Zellers, Target and Sears — which was replaced with Canada’s first Nordstrom store in September 2014. And in a huge boost of confidence for Calgary’s retail landscape, the former Target site has been lavishly transformed into Saks Fifth Avenue, the third Saks to take root in Canada and the first to open west of Toronto.

The opening of the luxury retailer is manna from heaven for shoppers with discerning taste and a hefty budget. The new 115,000-square-foot store was a buzz of activity Feb. 21 as hundreds of invited guests attended a private cocktail reception and exclusive store preview prior to the official opening the next day. The preview was philanthropic as well, with sales proceeds benefiting the Calgary Public Library Foundation, Theatre Calgary and Women in Need Society.

Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter list as seemingly everyone who loves to shop was there. Hosts with the most, Saks’ Larry Bruce, director of stores; Andrew Taylor, vice-president, public relations; and Lydia Seifert, vice-president and general manager, hardly had the opportunity to sample the fabulous fare on offer this night. Guests perusing the marvellous merchandise included: Business in Calgary editor Melanie Darbyshire with actor Camille McCreath; the fashionably fabulous Kerry Brennan and her daughter Reilly Nash; Nicholls Family Library’s Greig Nicholls and his wife Brenda Nicholls; Calgary Public Library Foundation vice-president Brent Buechler and his wife Vicki Buechler; Mode Models founder Kelly Streit; violinist and composer Sophie Serafino and her husband Dr. Dionysius David; head-turners Jade Davis and Erin Donnelly-Ferguson; Dee Clair and Jackie Gomes; Dorothy Woolstencroft; Tara Mathison; Sonya Brown Tisdall; Theatre Calgary board chair Margo Randles with artistic director Stafford Arima; and Herald colleagues, columnist Valerie Fortney and deputy editor Monica Zurowski.

Welcome to Calgary Saks Fifth Avenue. We are delighted you are here.

Toasting the exclusive preview of the new 115,000-sq.-ft. Saks Fifth Avenue store at Chinook Centre Feb. 21 are, from left, Nicholls Family Library’s Greig and Brenda Nicholls with Vicki and Brent Buechler, vice-president, Calgary Library Foundation. The foundation shared equally in sales proceeds this night with Theatre Calgary and Women in Need Society.

Business in Calgary editor Melanie Darbyshire (left) and actor Camille McCreath.

Kerry Brennan and her daughter Reilly Nash.

Saks Fifth Avenue vice-president, public relations Andrew Taylor, and Mode Models’ owner Kelly Streit.

From left: Erin Donnelly-Ferguson, Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary vice-president and general manager Lydia Seifert, and Jade Davis.

Sophie Serafino dazzled the crowd with her performance at the Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary exclusive store preview Feb. 21.

Dee Clair (left) and Jackie Gomes.

Tara Mathison (left) and Sonya Brown Tisdall.

Herald columnist Valerie Fortney (left) and deputy editor Monica Zurowski had great fun perusing the fashions at Saks Fifth Avenue exclusive store preview.

Theatre Calgary (TC) board chair Margo Randles with TC artistic director Stafford Arima.

The perfect way to celebrate an early Valentine’s was by attending Calgary Opera’s Opera is Forever Valentine Ball Feb. 10 at the Fairmont Palliser. The 1920s, Art Deco-themed event was a feast for the senses featuring fabulous fare, awesome auction items and perfect performances from students enrolled in the Opera’s prestigious Emerging Artist Development program. Funds raised at the ball will support the program — one of only three of its kind in Canada. The program provides opportunity for talented young singers to gain practical and professional skills, in their quest for a future on the global stage. Further, their residency includes experience in mainstage productions at the Jube as well as with their own innovative and imaginative showcase.

Kudos to all involved on the success of the ball and take a bow sentiments go out to: co-chairs Jerilyn Wright and Sharie Hunter; volunteer committee members Patti Dibski, Rob Mabee, Katrina Olsen-Mottahed, Lisa Shrum, Holly Marshall, Vanessa Comisarow and Zainool Mamdani; presenting sponsor Strategic; exclusive retail sponsor Holt Renfrew; and champagne reception sponsor J. Vair Anderson Jewellers.

Others in attendance this night included: Calgary Opera general director and CEO Keith Cerny; emcees Kevin Stanfield and Courtney Ketchen; J. Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro and her husband, Kensington Capital’s Harold Hubler; Honens International Piano Competition president Neil Edwards; Herald columnist Deborah Yedlin; Opera board member Bonnie DuPont; U of C Faculty of Medicine’s Barry Bultz; Greg Turnbull, Q.C. and his wife Shirley Turnbull; Gwen and Keith McMullen; Glenbow board chair Jim McLeod and his wife Dorothy McLeod; Rozsa Foundation’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet; Calgary Opera resident conductor Kimberley-Ann Bartczak; National Bank’s Kasha Piquette and her husband Wood’s Dean Piquette; and 2017-2018 emerging artists Anne-Marie MacIntosh, Morgan Traynor, Nofar Yacobi, Jillian Bonner, Daevyd Pepper, Jan Van Der Hooft, Johnathon Kirby and Geoffrey Schellenberg.

Pictured, from left, at Calgary Opera’s Valentine Ball held Feb. 10 at the Fairmont Palliser are Herald columnist Deborah Yedlin, U of C Faculty of Medicine’s Barry Bultz and Opera board member Bonnie DuPont.

Pictured, from left, are Shirley and Greg Turnbull, Q.C. with Gwen and Keith McMullen.

Kensington Capital’s Harold Hubler and his wife J.Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro cut an elegant swath at the ball.

From left: Honens International Piano Competition president Neil Edwards, Calgary Opera Valentine Ball co-chair Sharie Hunter and her husband Patrick Hunter.

Dorothy McLeod, Jim McLeod and Mary Rozsa de Coquet.

Emerging artist Jan Van Der Hooft, Calgary Opera general director and CEO Keith Cerny and emerging artist Daevyd Pepper. Funds raised this night supported the opera’s Emerging Artist Program.

Wood’s Dean Piquette and National Bank’s Kasha Piquette.

51st Parallel’s Sonny Mottahed and his wife Katrina Olsen-Mottahed

Celebration was the order of the evening as Calgary’s Chinese community gathered with friends and colleagues at the Regency Palace Restaurant to welcome the Year of the Dog.

Hosted by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA), Calgary Section, the gala is the highlight of the year for the association. Founded in 1984, the HKCBA is a non-profit bilateral trade association with over 700 members in eight locations (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and the Atlantic region) in Canada. The mission of the Calgary chapter is to help its members conduct business using Hong Kong as a platform to enter the Asian market. Further, the association each year donates $10,000 in scholarships to four deserving students — two from Mount Royal University (MRU) and two from the University of Calgary. Recipients of the scholarships this year were: Zhixuan Lu, a finance student at the U of C; Parker Maris, a U of C student in his final semester of a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree; Katherine Schwartz, a Bachelor of Arts student at MRU; and MRU’s Regine Siamen, who has a degree in Criminal Justice and is looking to start a poutine business where ex-convicts and young offenders will be hired.

Other highlights this night included: a champagne reception, courtesy of Stikeman Elliott; a sumptuous 10-course meal; remarks from myriad politicians and HKCBA executives; the traditional Lion Dance performed by the Jing Wo Martial Arts & Athletics Association; a raffle prize of a beautiful Baume & Mercier watch courtesy of Birks, valued at $5,580; terrific auction items and live music.

Others among the hundreds of guests included: Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Consul General Lu Xu, The People’s Republic of China; Kathy Chan, director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office; Manford Kwan, HKCBA Calgary Section president; U of C president Elizabeth Cannon; U of C vice-provost Janaka Ruwanpura; MRU president David Docherty; HKCBA Calgary Section director Andrea Lee Morrow; Tom Palaia, U.S. Consul General for Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories; Calgary Zoo’s Melody Song; TD Wealth’s Audrey Kwan; The Core’s Allison Onyett; Birks general manager Susanne Ventura with colleague Scott McNamara; HKCBA board members Bonita Paquette and Jenny Yu; event chair Lisa Liao; Wentworth Resources CFO Lance Mierendorf; incoming HKCBA Calgary Section president and KPMG partner Alex Henderson; Kody and Kris Carroll; TransAlta’s Hunter Wight; Bow Valley College president Laura Jo Gunter; HKCBA national director and RBC Insurance adviser Alexandria Sham; Dialog associate Robert Jim; Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president Deb Kerr with colleague Jude Miyashiro, boutique director, Chanel at Holt Renfrew; PetroChina Canada president and CEO Jilin Fu with colleagues Murray Casault, Guangfa Chang, Guoliang Feng and Jian (Grace) Wang; and representing presenting sponsor HSBC, Jim Saclamacis, Carmen McHale, Lan Lam and Carie Ku.

Pictured, from left, at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA), Calgary Section’s Chinese New Year Gala Feb. 23 are The Core’s Allison Onyett with Birks’ Scott McNamara and Birks’ general manager Susanne Ventura. The Core and Birks were among the gala’s invaluable sponsors.

Toasting the 2018 Chinese New Year of the Dog at the Chinese New Year Gala are U.S. Consul General Tom Palaia and the Calgary Zoo’s Melody Song.

Pictured, from left, are Hong Kong-Canada Business Association board members Bonita Paquette, Jenny Yu and gala chair Lisa Liao.

Wentworth Resources CFO Lance Mierendorf (left) with Alex Henderson, KPMG partner and incoming president of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, Calgary Section.

Kody Carroll and Kris Carroll.

TransAlta’s Hunter Wight and Bow Valley College president Laura Jo Gunter.

From left: PetroChina Canada general manager Guoliang Feng, president and CEO Jilin Fu, vice-presidents Murray Casault and Guangfa Chang and executive assistant Jian (Grace) Wang.

HKCBA national director and RBC insurance adviser Alexandria Sham and Dialog associate Robert Jim.

Jude Miyashiro, boutique director of Chanel at Holt Renfrew, and Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president Deb Kerr. The luxury store was one of the gala’s invaluable sponsors.

From left: HSBC wealth planner Carmen McHale; HSBC vice-president Jim Saclamacis; HSBC market branch manager Carie Ku; and HSBC private client relationship manager Lan Lam. HSBC was the title sponsor of the gala.

It’s hard to believe that it has been 30 years since we hosted the Olympics. And if the gods deem it so, we will play host to the world again in 2026. For those lucky enough to be in our fair city in 1988, you will no doubt remember with great fondness the experience from beginning to end. Many have opined it was then that we came of age. And the legacy thankfully lives on to this day.

Scores of guests gathered at the Markin MacPhail Centre at COP on Feb. 23 for a WinSport-hosted free event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ’88 Winter Olympics. The event proved the perfect opportunity to trot out ’88 attire and relive the magical moments. Fabulous food, myriad memorabilia displays, entertainment and more were the perfect pairings for the fun event.

Guests in attendance this night included: WinSport’s director of marketing, communications and sponsorships, John Francis; Canada Sports Hall of Fame’s Ruth Cowan; WinSport director of food and beverage, Jason McKay; pastry/sous chef Melanie Hennessey; executive chef Liana Robberecht; sous chef Maria Besuijen; WinSport director of guest experience, Rusty Noble; RMT’s Christine Noble; Calgary Stampede’s Rachel Joyce; WinSport director of finance, Phil Graham; ’88 volunteers Laurie Champagne and Marlene Gukert; Olympian Rod Garossino; WinSport’s Jody Dickson and Christine Bogue; Evolution A.V.’s Dan Keelan; Jason and Tina Tamagi; and WinSport COO John Sutherland and his wife Lynn Sutherland.

All smiles at the Calgary ’88 30th anniversary party held Feb. 23 at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park are, from left, WinSport director, marketing, communications and sponsorships, John Francis, Canada Sports Hall of Fame’s Ruth Cowan and WinSport’s director, food and beverage, Jason McKay. Scores of guests attended the free event and had a great time re-celebrating the phenomenal success of the Calgary ’88 Winter Olympics.

WinSport pastry/sous chef Melanie Hennessy pulled out all the stops for the Calgary ’88 30th anniversary party at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park.

WinSport sous chef Maria Besuijen (left) and executive chef Liana Robberecht.

Pictured, from left, at the celebration are Rusty Noble, WinSport director of Guest Experience; RMT’s Christine Noble; Calgary Stampede’s Rachel Joyce and WinSport vice-president, finance, Phil Graham. The free event was attended by scores of guests.

From left: WinSport’s Jody Dickson, Evolution Audio Visual’s Dan Keelan and WinSport’s Christine Bogue.

From left: Jason Tamagi, Lynn Sutherland, WinSport COO John Sutherland, and MEG Energy’s Tina Tamagi.

The Calgary Highlanders 69th Grand Highland Military Ball held Mar. 3 at the Hyatt Regency was grand indeed. This year was the largest in the ball’s history, welcoming 520 guests in celebration of Calgary’s Canadian Army Reserve Infantry Regiment, the Calgary Highlanders.

The Calgary Highlanders have served since 1910, sending soldiers overseas during both world wars as well as on numerous UN peacekeeping and NATO missions. Further, 126 soldiers were deployed into Afghanistan. The regiment also joined forces with other army reservists in Operation Lentus, as part of 41 Canadian Brigade Group in responding rapidly to the Calgary flood of 2013.

Members of the regiment today are part-time “citizen soldiers” and undergo challenging training yearly to operate as dismounted light infantry. The training is rigorous — whether from an offensive or defensive perspective  — and includes dismounted light infantry tactics, mechanized infantry training, tactical helicopter operations, amphibious operations and mountain warfare training. Other training encompasses civil security, patrolling and annual qualification in skills such as marksmanship, heavy weapons handling, first aid, response to chemical and nuclear weapons, and landmine awareness.

In addition to the Calgary Highlanders, a number of other regiments were represented at this year’s ball, including the 15 Field Ambulance, the King’s Own Calgary Regiment and the Southern Alberta Light Horse. The event was philanthropic, raising more than $100,000 for the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Funds Foundation. The foundation supports the regiment’s veterans, serving soldiers and their families as well as affiliated cadet corps around the city. It also helps to preserve and provide education on the contribution of Calgary’s Infantry Regiment — most notably through the Regimental Gallery at the Military Museums.

Other highlights this night included Robbie Burns’s “Ode to a Haggis,” performed by Chief Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths, and the singing of the Glenwhorple by Capt. Andrew Pittet. The perennial favourite Grand March was followed by Scottish country dance lessons led by John and Janyn Bertram. The evening also featured performances by the Massed Cadet Corps Pipes and Drums as well as the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Pipes and Drums. One of the more moving moments this night was the audio presentation of bestselling author Jack Whyte’s poem Kandahar. 

Next year’s ball, the 70th annual, will surely be one of the highlights of the season and I for one cannot wait to attend.

Dressed for the occasion at the Calgary Highlanders 69th Grand Highland Military Ball are military historian Victor Taboika and his wife Cheryl McNeil. Photos, Bill Brooks

Politicians were well represented at the  Highlanders ball with MLA Nicole Goehring and MLA Graham Sucha.

Lieut.-Col. Kyle Clapperton and his wife, Devan Kublik of The Reading Foundation.

 Maj. Ryan Palmer, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Calgary Highlanders, was emcee of the Military Ball. Pictured with Palmer is his wife Lisa Palmer.

Pictured, from left: Citadel Drilling’s Dan Hoffarth and his wife Holli Hoffarth with Karen Bayerle and Huron Resources’ Bruce Shultz.

Pictured, from left: Agile Recruiting’s Alistair Shepherd-Cross with Calgary Highlanders board member Elizabeth Stock of Bell & Stock LLP; Jennifer Stone and her husband, ball chairman Greg Stone.

Pictured, from left: Linsey Gibbons; Lieut.-Col. Simon Cox; and Arc Financial’s Michelle Nikkel.

Special guests Cpl. (retired) George Morasch and his wife Fern. George served with the Highlanders during the Second World War and landed in Normandy in July 1944 and was involved in the regiment’s capture of Hill 67 south of Caen.

Scottish dance instructors John and Janyn Bertram led the several hundred guests in the art of country dance.

Pictured, from left: George Leitch and his wife Kathleen McNally, in front; Ann McCaig and Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd.

From Left: RBC Capital Markets’ Kent Ferguson and his wife Carrie Ferguson with Debra Law and her husband Darrell Law, also with RBC Capital Markets.

The Calgary Highlanders Grand Highland Military Ball would not have been a great success but for the tireless support of Bill and Corinne Macdonald.

Kevin and Diane Hall were among the hundreds of guests.

Being an artist — as creatively fulfilling as it can be — is often times not overly financially rewarding. The expression ‘starving artist’ unfortunately has gravitas. But thanks to the super folks at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP and their annual Art & Martini’s reception, more than 635 works of art have been sold to private Calgary collectors over the years, raising more than $70,000 for the talented young artists who created the canvases or sculptures. 

And this year’s reception, the 11th annual held in the Winter Garden, Jamieson Place on March 8 was attended by more than 350 clients, friends and art students from the U of C department of art. Since opening its Calgary offices in 2002, DLA Piper has been an avid supporter of the city’s cultural scene with the Art & Martini’s reception being but one of the firm’s ways to give back.

The pieces chosen for the reception were adjudicated by a committee of art professors from the U of C  and narrowed down to 44 original works created by students who will be graduating from the Department of Art this spring. Artists represented this year included: Ainna Randhawa; Alliya Lopez; Amelia Rodriguez; Angela Orser; Avril Lopez; Brenda Fox; Chantal Snodgrass; Chris Savage; Dan Tran; Dawn Mitchelson; Dylan McLernon; Gabrielle Haidl; Jasmine Wong; Jessica Semenoff; Kajil Aujla; Kiran Rai; Kun Chen; Kylie Berstad; Loralie Nickel; Mackenzie Lockett; Meaghan Shaw; Nicole Tritter; Orysya Rudnyk; Rachel Refael; Riya Rai; Sandra Sharkey; Sherry Ma; and Zoe Botting.

Others in attendance included: hosts with the most, Robert Seidel, national managing partner of DLA and Heather Treacy, office managing partner; Dick Averns, U of C art department instructor project lead and liaison with DLA Piper; DLA Piper partner Robert Calvert, and his wife Ann Calvert, U of C senior adviser to the provost; RBC Royal Bank’s Nicole Eaton and Norm Eaton; Alberta Securities Commission’s Lynn Tsutsumi; DLA Pipers Sharilyn Nagina; Terralog Technologies’ Nahida Charrouf and Roman Bilak; and my terrific handler, DLA Piper’s Doris Gunnell.

Calgary Home and Design Construction’s Helmut Scholz and Tanis Markevich were among the more than 350 guests at the 11th annual Art & Martini’s reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP at the iconic Winter Garden, Jamieson Place.

From left: U of C faculty of arts’ Susan Clifford, Tallin Energy general counsel Tamara Shawa, DLA Piper partner Robert Calvert, and his wife, Ann Calvert, U of C, senior adviser to the provost.

From left: Terralog Technologies’ Nahida Charrouf and Roman Bilak with RBC Royal Bank’s Nicole Eaton.

From left: Alberta Securities Commission’s Lynn Tsutsumi; RBC Royal Bank’s Norm Eaton; and DLA Piper’s Sharilyn Nagina.

From left: U of C artists Kajill Aujla; Sandra Sharkey; Chantal Snodgrass; and Dawn Mitchelson.

From left: U of C artists Kylie Berstad; Jessica Semenoff; and Alliya Lopez.

More than 600 guests gathered at the Westin Calgary March 9 to honour immigrants and refugees who have inspired the community with their passion, dedication and perseverance. Hosted by Immigrant Services of Calgary, the 22nd Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA) Gala saw 13 awards presented — including five scholarships — to those individuals and corporations who have done so much to contribute to the cultural, social and economic prosperity of our beloved city.

Kudos to all who supported the event and congratulations to the recipients of the 2018 awards: Hyder Hassan on being honoured with the Achievement Under 35 Award; Business Award recipient Marjan Eggermont; Miroslav Reljic on being presented with the Community Service Award; Dr. Rupinder Toor in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award category; Dr. Kamal Botros and Dr. Thomas Brown winners of  Lifetime Achievement Awards; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Award recipient Dr. Gobal Achari; Organizational Diversity Award winner Trico Homes; and Youth Scholarship recipients Mehul Gupta, Jannu Liao, Ruth Legese, Kevin Lin and Kirsty McGowan.

Others in attendance at the gala included: a plethora of politicians from Premier Rachel Notley and Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci to Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta Party Deputy Leader Greg Clark; Immigrant Services Calgary CEO Krystyna Beil; IDA chair Paul Avender; board chair Rolan Osske; Sue McMaster; directors Anita ReMartinez and Haritha Devulapally; Bow Valley College’s Mario Siciliano, Tas Rahim and Stacey Smith; UCP Calgary-Beddington nominee Josephine Pon; 2016 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Award recipient Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura with his wife Senani and their son Seniru; Arts and Culture Award nominees Tayebe Jookaki and Olga Semenova; Community Service Award nominee Atul Thanki and his wife Madhu; Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award nominees Jane Eruchalu and Swarochish Goswami with his mom Priya; Njide Harris-eze; and Moji Taiwoo. 

Janaka Ruwanpura, U of C vice-provost, international (right) his wife Senani and son Seniru were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 22nd Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards Gala at The Westin Calgary.

Arts and Culture category finalist Tayeb Joodaki with Ethan Soleimany. Thirteen immigrants were awarded for their community involvement and innovative developments this night.

Community Service Award finalist Atul Thanki and his wife Madhu Thanki.

From left: Immigrant Services Calgary board members Paul Avender, Anita ReMartinez, Haritha Devulapally, CEO Krystyna Biel, Rolan Osske and Sue McMaster.

Posing for the lens at the gala at The Westin Calgary is Arts and Culture category finalist Olga Semenova.

Joining Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci (left) at the awards gala are Bow Valley College’s Stacey Smith, Tas Rahim and Mario Siciliano.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award category finalist Swarochish Goswami and his proud mom Priya. Swarochish, or Swish as he is affectionately known, is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, businessman and university student. He has been recognized in Plan Canada’s Top 20 under 20.

MLA Richard Gotfried and his wife Kathy were among the hundreds of guests at the 22nd Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA) Gala.

Alberta Party Deputy Leader Greg Clark and Alberta Minister of Infrastructure Sandra Jansen were among the many politicians in attendance.

UCP candidate for Calgary-Beddington Josephine Pon and Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

From left Njide Harris-eze, Moji Taiwo and Jane Eruchalu.

Premier Rachel Notley is pictured with Jane Eruchalu, a finalist in Entrepreneurship and Innovation award category at the 22nd Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA) Gala.

The tradition continued as scores of guests attended the Boyden Executive Search hosted Guinness and Green reception Mar. 16 in the newly renovated Calgary Petroleum Club. The pre-eminent executive search firm boasts offices worldwide and its Calgary office has supported myriad charitable organizations throughout the years. Its signature fundraiser, Guinness and Green, affords guests the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while supporting a charitable organization.

This year’s recipient of funds was Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to a matching formula presented by Shaw, nearly $50,000 was raised. This heartfelt letter from an appreciative client sums up the invaluable service Ronald McDonald House offers.

“We stayed at Ronald McDonald House for 44 days. I was pregnant and our son Max decided to make his appearance two months early, leading to several medical complications. One of the hardest days of my life was the day I was discharged from the hospital. I had to leave without my baby. The only reason I was able to muster up enough courage to walk out the front doors that day was because I knew we would be just steps away, at the Ronald McDonald House. It truly is a home away from home. We will never forget what you did for us during those hard days and we will be forever grateful for all the people and organizations that make it possible for Ronald McDonald House to operate in the manner that you do.”

Hosts with the most, Boyden partners Brent Shervey, Robert Travis, Kevin Gregor and Tim Hamilton barely had the chance to sample the fantastic food, green martinis nor the Guinness on tap as they were kept busy greeting guests the likes of: MP Ron Liepert; Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci; Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach; Herald colleague Licia Corbella; Alpine Insurance board chair Ken Hughes; ATCO president, new ventures and commercialization Norm Bogner with colleague Steve Biswanger, ATCO chief information security officer; Sean McKell, Wood Mackenzie senior vice-president-Americas; CompleTest president and CEO Danny Dalla-Longa; Coun. Joe Magliocca; Boyden associate partner Morgan Campbell; Tourism Calgary’s Rod McKay; Boyden senior associate Kenny Gregor; and Jason Evanson, CEO, Ronald McDonald House, Southern and Central Alberta.

From left: Boyden’s Kevin Gregor; Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci; and Boyden’s Morgan Campbell. The super St. Paddy’s Day bash raised nearly $50,000 for Ronald McDonald House.

Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella and Alpine Insurance board chair Ken Hughes were among the hundreds of guests.

From left at the Calgary Petroleum Club. are MP Ron Liepert, Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach and Tourism Calgary’s Rod McKay.

From left: Wood McKenzie senior vice-president-Americas Sean McKell; with ATCO’s Norm Bogner and Steve Biswanger.

Boyden senior associate Kenny Gregor (left) with Robert Travis, managing partner, Canada and the U.S.A.

For lovers of beautiful vehicles, symphonic music and supporting charitable causes, the annual Vehicle and Violins Gala is the perfect offering. The gala, launched in 2000, has raised more than $3.9 million for invaluable organizations such as: Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre; ALS Society of Alberta; Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation; Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre; Children’s Cottage Society; Fresh Start Recovery Centre; Inn From the Cold Society; The Mustard Seed; KidSport Calgary; Canadian Diabetes Association; The Alex; Kids Help Phone and myriad others.

The gala, on Mar. 13 at the BMO Centre Stampede Park, gave guests a first-hand look at the scores of vehicles on display at the 38th annual Calgary International Auto & Truck Show. That 2017 saw auto sales in Canada reach an all-time record, eclipsing two million vehicles sold, bodes well for the industry.

Another first was that this year’s gala was hosted by the newly formed Calgary Motor Dealers Charitable Foundation. The foundation ensured tax receipts were issued for donations and 50 per cent of the gala ticket as well. The first benefactor under the new foundation was Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern and Central Alberta.

Among the scores of guests in attendance were: 2018 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show chairman Corry Baum; show manager Jim Gillespie; Ronald McDonald House volunteers Peter Appleby, Latoya Graham and Arianna Mamer; CPO musicians Gianetta Baril and Roxanne Young; Prima Investments’ Robert and Winnie Bezemer; Penny Lane Entertainment Group’s Dave Urner and Kevin Danschinko; Dilawri Group of Companies’ Tony Dilawri; BILD Calgary Region CEO Guy Huntingford and Bev Jarvis; Lorne Motley, regional vice-president editorial and editor in chief of the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun; McManes Automotive president Jim McManes; Lone Star general manager Wayne Desrosiers; and McManes Automotive vice-president of real estate Rick Bowie and his wife Jane Bowie.

CPO harpist Gianetta Baril performed at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2018.

Lone Star general manager Wayne Desrosiers at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala which raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern & Central Alberta.

From left: McManes Automotive president Jim McManes, Wynn Carr, Jane Bowie and Rick Bowie, McManes vice-president, real estate.

CPO violinist Roxanne Young at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2018. 

From left: Corry Baum, 2018 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show chairman, with Penny Lane Entertainment’s Kevin Danschinko and Dave Urner.

Posing for the lens in front of the drool-worthy BMW i8 is Dilawri Group of Companies’ Tony Dilawri.

From left: Postmedia regional vice-president, editorial Lorne Motley, with BILD Calgary Region’s Bev Jarvis and CEO Guy Huntingford.

From left: Prima Investments’ Robert and Winnie Bezemer with show manager Jim Gillespie.

Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS), has, for nearly three decades, helped people overcome the challenges of poverty to attain brighter futures. Without intervention, the trauma, stress and instability of living in poverty puts a child at higher risk for lifelong health problems, developmental delays, behavioral disorders and repeating the cycle of poverty. Thousands upon thousands of low-income individuals benefit from CUPS programs thanks to myriad fundraising successes-none more so than CUPS’ annual Moonlight Lounge Gala.

Readers may recall the annual must-attend gala has featured the likes of  Sara Bareilles, Boz Scaggs, Chantal Kreviazuk, Holly Cole, Amanda Marshall, Jim Cuddy, Jann Arden, Jewel and Melissa Etheridge performing to standing-room-only crowds. And this year’s gala, held Mar. 21 at the Hyatt Regency, saw 540 guests attend to support CUPS and enjoy a fantastic performance by Canadian sensation Shawn Hook.

The 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala was a tremendous success, with nearly $400,000 raised. A powerful video celebrating the journey of three special young Calgarians — Tanesha, Jordan and Michelle — who as five-year-olds, were the first graduates of CUPS child development program and today are pursuing their dreams in post-secondary education, reinforced the amazing work CUPS does and the importance of supporting this invaluable organization.

Hosts with the most, CUPS executive director Carlene Donnelly and CUPS board chair Michael Lang were kept busy this night greeting and thanking guests the likes of: avid supporter Gary Nissen; vice-chair Chad Robinson; Gary Lang; Parkland Fuel’s Darren Smart and Colbeck Strategic Advisors’ Margot Smart; TD Wealth’s John Cornish and his wife Kiran Cornish with ATB Financial; CUPS’ Dean Schroeder and his wife Rhonda; Arpis Industries’ Barry Cousins and his wife Jackie Arthrell; Lokken College’s Rick Butler and his wife Bernedette Butler; Hyatt general manager Amy Johnson and her partner Charlotte Cabrol; Calaway Park’s Gordon Dixon and his wife Marion Dixon; Franca DeJong and her son Bill DeJong with Kayleigh Wilmot; Ellen Parker, Parker PR founder; and invaluable volunteers Meryl Oberhofer and Darcy Chalifoux.

Pictured, from left, at the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala held Mar 21 at the Hyatt Regency are Arpis Industries’ Barry Cousins and his wife Jackie Arthrell with Rhonda Schroeder and her husband CUPS’ Dean Schroeder.

TD Wealth’s John Cornish and ATB Financial’s Kiran Cornish were among the more than 500 guests who attended the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala. The gala was the most successful since its inception raising more than $375,000.

Franca DeJong, Kayleigh Wilmot, Bill DeJong and Ellen Parker, founder of Parker PR.

From left: Lokken College’s Rick Butler and his wife Bernedette Butler, Charlotte Cabrol and Hyatt general manager Amy Johnson.

Pictured, from left, at the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala are invaluable CUPS supporter Calaway Park’s Gordon Dixon, CUPS’ Carlene Donnelly, Marion Dixon and CUPS board chair Michael Lang.

From left: CUPS’ Carlene Donnelly with Parkland Fuel’s Darren Smart and Colbeck Strategic Advisors’ Margot Smart. The gala featured a performance by Canadian sensation Shawn Hook.

The success of the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala would not have been possible were it not for the invaluable sponsors, guests in attendance and the scores of volunteers. Pictured are volunteers Meryl Oberhofer and Darcy Chalifoux.

More than 550 guests donned their finest Mar. 17 to attend what is arguably one of the best events there is — Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) annual Black and White Ball. The fabulous fete dates back to 1984 when the first ball was held at the Fairmont Palliser. The stunning success of the event saw it outgrow the Palliser and move to the Jube. But, as in life, things do come full circle and the ball returned to its historical location at the Palliser in 2015.

DJD was founded in 1984 to reignite an appreciation and love for the traditional values and authentic roots of jazz dance. Since then, DJD has carved a niche for itself as one of Canada’s most unique dance companies as one of the few professional dance companies with jazz as its raison d’etre. In 2016, DJD opened the spectacular new $26-million, purpose-built DJD Dance Centre in Calgary.

Highlights of this year’s Black and White Ball were numerous indeed including performances by the DJD company dancers and the perennially favourite Penguins on Broadway. The ball raised more than $70,000 thanks to the support of ticket purchasers as well as longtime sponsors Don and Anne McPherson from Richardson GMP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, who joined Richardson GMP as co-sponsor of this year’s ball.

Guests having a wonderful time this night included: DJD executive director Kathi Sundstrom; professional clown Chad Bryant;  DJD board member and ball chair Claire Auroi; DJD artistic director Kimberley Cooper; Old Trout Puppet Workshop’s Peter Balkwill; DJD’s professional training program member Mara Katherina; longtime supporters Kory Ireland and Art Silver; Osler’s Corinne Grigoriu with pals Tracy Vaessen and Carrie Saxon; McArthur Fine Furniture and Interior Design’s Robert and Jennifer Pound; Dynasty Power’s Nancy Cho and Juan Carlos Morales; Acro Yoga performers Rose Venne and Miles Kroker; Osler’s Simon Baines; Blakes’ Nancy Diep; Kanovsky Foundation’s Nicole Lepore and Kyle Kanovsky; Hello Gorgeous’ Michelle McPherson; BMO’s Randy Ollenberger; Holt Renfrew’s Debra Kerr; Bernadette Geronazzo and Cody Slater; Cavalier Energy Consulting’s Jina Abells Morissette; McCarthy Tetrault’s Greg Turnbull and his wife Shirley; Parker PR’s Ellen Parker; Patrick and Sharie Hunter; Jennings Wealth’s Ryan Jennings; Nam Dang Mitchell and Jim Mitchell; DJD professional company dancers Julia Consentino and Shayne Johnson; and DJD board chair Pam Corbett.

From left: DJD artistic director Kimberley Cooper, DJD’s professional training program member Mara Katherina and Peter Balkwill of The Old Trout Puppet Workshop pose for the lens at DJD’s Black and White Ball at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel.

Longtime supporters of DJD, Kory Ireland and Art Silver showed off their Black and White with a splash of green attire at this year’s fundraiser which took place on St. Patrick’s Day.

From left: at DJD’s Black and White Ball are Corinne Grigoriu (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP), Tracy Vaessen and Carrie Saxon.

Robert and Jennifer Pound (McArthur Fine Furniture and Interior Design) were among the more than 550 guests in attendance.

Nancy Cho (Dynasty Power Inc.) and Juan Carlos Morales were among the more than 550 guests at DJD’s Black and White Ball.

Acro Yoga performers Rose Venne and Miles Kroker pulled out all the stops for DJD’s Black and White Ball.

Richardson GMP’s Don McPherson and his wife Anne Hawthorne (left) are joined by DJD’s executive director Kathi Sundstrom at DJD’s Black and White Ball held Mar 17 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. More than 550 guests attended the fab fete.