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Jim Button saluted at Magnificent Men! Leadership Lunch

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Several hundred guests attended the Magnificent Men! Leadership Lunch Nov. 13 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser to pay tribute to one of the greatest guys you could ever hope to meet — all the while supporting the Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (cc4ms). cc4ms is a not-for-profit organization committed to being a world-class, dedicated treatment centre with evidence-based, holistic programs for adult male survivors. At least one in six men have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The consequences can be significant and long-term, including mental and physical health issues and dysfunctional relationships. It has been difficult for men who were sexually abused as a child to come forward and there are relatively limited resources available focused exclusively on understanding men’s’ issues and considerations for healing.

One of the more inspirational addresses you’d be fortunate to experience was the one delivered by luncheon honoree, Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery. Button’s passion for community investment has been a common thread throughout his career and has earned him a philanthropy award from the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals, two Avenue Magazine “40 Under 40” awards, an e-Award for Community Service from Alberta Venture Magazine, the Sherrold Moore Community Award through the Calgary Chamber and, most recently, was recognized as a Calgary Leader by Business in Calgary Magazine. Button’s contributions to Dave Kelly Live! have also proved invaluable.

Why bad things happen to good people is one of life’s unanswerable questions as how does one come to grips with the fact Jim has terminal cancer and was given a year to live? He has passed this date and is directing much of his energy to his health, his family and helping others deal with cancer through his blog www.gatherwithjim.com.  Button’s often quoted mantra “My philosophy isn’t that I’m dying; my philosophy is that I’m living!” is proof positive of his inspirational and undaunted spirit.

Friends, family, former Magnificent Men! Leadership Lunches honorees and cc4ms members in attendance at the Dave Lougheed/Raymond James sponsored event included: Supreme Court Justice Jack Major; Ron Ghitter; Grant Bartlett; emcee and Button bestie Dave Kelly; cc4ms board chair Jim Pender; Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show creative producer Dave Pierce; Hydro Processing and Mining president Jack Schneider; Torode Realty’s Richard Lewis; avid arts supporter Gregory Forrest; Roxanne and Jane McCaig; MLA Greg Clark; Fire Chief Steve Dongworth; Hunter Family Foundation’s Derrick Hunter and his wife Mona Hunter; Stand and Command principal Avnish Mehta; Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) executive director Pam Heard; PCC board members Dr. Shelley Spaner and Mark Wilson; Big Ball ambassador Karen Gosbee; Bennett Jones’ Steve Major; cc4ms president and CEO Frances Wright; cc4ms director Kim Berjian and her husband Mike Smillie; community leader Debra Ross; Business in Calgary publisher Pat Ottmann; and Button’s fabulous wife Tracey Seagram.

You’ll want to mark May 9, 2019, on your calendar to attend the next luncheon saluting George Brookman, CEO, West Canadian Digital Imaging. Visit www.cc4ms for more details.

Hunter Family Foundation’s Derrick and Mona Hunter were among the several hundred guests at the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series which paid tribute to the incredible Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery.

 

Pictured at the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series at the Fairmont Palliser is honouree Jim Button with cc4ms’ Kim Berjian (left) and Frances Wright, president and CEO of cc4ms.

 

From left: Supreme Court Justice Jack Major, cc4ms’ Kelly Schuler and cc4ms board chair Jim Pender.

 

From left: Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show creative producer Dave Pierce, Tracey Seagram, proud spouse of honouree Jim Button, and Hydro Processing and Mining’s Jack Schneider.

 

Torode Realty’s Richard Lewis (left) and lawyer and avid arts supporter Gregory Forrest.

 

Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre board member, radiologist and Women for Men’s Health founder Dr. Shelley Spaner with mental health advocate Karen Gosbee.

 

 


Brooks: 2018 Generosity of Spirit Award honourees

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There was a time our beloved city was — on a per-capita basis, the most philanthropic metropolis in North America. It may well be years before we can boast such largesse — if ever again. However, we can still be fiercely proud of the fact Calgarians are a generous lot. Sure, the economic downturn has taken a nasty toll on many not-for-profits, arts organizations and the like, but thanks to the resolve of those who subscribe to the ‘giving is living mantra’, philanthropy is alive and well — albeit on life support.

National Philanthropy Day is the perfect opportunity to salute those who give so generously of their time, treasure and talent. Each year, the Calgary and area chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) marks National Philanthropy Day by honouring individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The Generosity of Spirit Awards is the vehicle the AFP uses to honour those who represent the diversity and breadth of Calgary’s philanthropic spirit.

A select group of guests gathered in Rotary House at Stampede Park recently for the Award presentations which were followed by a large reception in the Big Four Roadhouse. Heartfelt congratulations to the 2018 honourees: Tom and Debra Mauro — Lifetime Achievement Philanthropic Award; TELUS — Corporate Philanthropic Award; Supreme Menswear — Small Business Philanthropic Award; Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) — Philanthropic Group Award; Evan Hazell — Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropic Award; Alan and Shelly Norris — United Way of Calgary & Area Philanthropic Family Award; and Tina Guo — RBC Youth Philanthropic Award.

Individual award recipients, representatives from corporations honoured and others in attendance are pictured.

Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards held Nov. 14 are Alan and Shelly Norris, recipients of the 2018 United Way of Calgary & Area Philanthropic Family Award.

 

Darren Biedermann and his company, Supreme Men’s Wear, were honoured with the Small Business Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards.

 

Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are Evan Hazell, recipient of the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropic Award, and his wife, Calgary Opera board chair Jackie Pyke.

 

Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are TELUS’ Navin Arora and Christi Cruz. TELUS was the recipient of the Corporate Philanthropic Award.

 

Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are BMO’s Stephanie Potter, head of divisional operations for the Prairies and NWT, and emcee Angela Knight. BMO was the presenting sponsor of the awards.

 

From left, co-chairs of the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards Michele Chiasson-Suart, Amy Hurst and Jackie Lewis.

 

Tom and Debra Mauro were presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards.

 

From left: Children’s Hospital Aid Society’s (CHAS) Dianne Ferguson, Patricia Rossiter and Geri Moon have reason to smile as CHAS was chosen for the Philanthropic Group Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards.

 

U of C medical student Tina Guo was honoured with the RBC Youth Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards. Guo’s riveting thank-you speech garnered a lengthy standing ovation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooks: Splash of Red Gala supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary (BGCC) provides invaluable services to our community. Last year, the clubs served over 18,500 children, youth, and families in our city, and offered over 5,400 bed nights through their youth homeless shelter. Beyond youth homelessness, BGCC’s work also combats many other important community issues such as child sexual exploitation, poverty, food insecurity, youth unemployment, literacy, discrimination, and inter-generational trauma.

Providing these services does not happen for free, so thank goodness for the annual Splash of Red Gala. This year’s gala  — the 14th annual — was another great success and funds are still being tallied, but it appears cumulative funds raised since inception will come close to $5 million.

BGCC CEO Jeff Dyer summed up the impact of the event well in his address noting, “Through the generous donations made to Splash of Red every year, we are able to support youth by giving them a safe place to stay, helping them transition home (or to a home) and supporting them on their journey.”

With files from Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary

Pictured at the Splash of Red bash in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary are committee members (top, from left) Elaine Frame, Ruth Beddoe, Sara Shaak, Karen Allbright, and bottom, from left, Barb Shaunessy, Jeff Dyer, and Holly Goulard. Missing from the photo is Murlyne Fong

Brooks: Taste of Home Gala simply sumptuous

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The Third Annual Taste of Home – A Night Among the Stars held recently at the Westin in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities was a gastronomic delight for the more than 500 guests. The event raised an impressive $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Located across the street from Alberta Children’s Hospital, the house offers a warm, welcoming and compassionate environment where families can stay close to their children receiving medical care. The house was built in 2007 and offers 27 private suties, a commercial kitchen, a play area for children and home-style living rooms and programming for all ages, facilitated by the house’s family services team.

Presented by Raymond James and Dilawri, the evening featured a six-course sumptuous dining experience, silent auction items, a raffle of an Arcticmark Canadian diamond, courtesy J. Vair Anderson Jewellers and a luxury B.C. retreat raffle for four including private jet airfare, golf and accommodation courtesy of AirPartners. Kudos to event co-chairs Ellen Dilawri and Christina Chow and bravo to the six renowned chefs who expertly prepared one course each.

The six chefs demonstrating their culinary wizardry this night were: Matthew Batey, executive chef at Teatro Group; Federico Causapin, executive chef at Austin’s Bar & Grill; Eraj Jayawickreme, executive chef at Fairmont Palliser; Paul McGreevy, chef de cuisine at The Nash; Michael Batke, executive chef at the Westin; and Roy Oh, executive chef at Anju. Chefs were divided into two teams — one red, one blue — of three chefs each. Judges Betty Jo Kaiser, Dave Lawrence and SAIT instructor Patricia Koyich awarded Top Chef Challenge honours to the blue team comprised of chefs Batke, Batey and Oh.

Event hosts Gery Schubert and Food Network’s Brad Smith did a great job of keeping the evening light and full of laughs. Others in attendance included: Ronald McDonald House Charities board chair Thomas Lui and his wife Annie with colleagues Julie List, Randy Mouflier, John Phin and Sandi Ferchau; Rockwood Custom Homes’ Allison Grafton and Titan Energy Services’ Kevin Taillefer; realtor Peter Appleby; Park Place Manufacturing’s Heidi Neumann; Corinne Macdonald; Tom Dodd; TMG Events’ Stephen Furze and Eirin Lawrie; Sundial Growers’ Claire Buffone-Blair and her husband, Insights Matter’s Derek Blair; Take Flight president Vik Saini; Morgan Scott; Steve Knox; and Dilawri Group’s Tony Dilawri.

Take Flight president Vik Saini and Morgan Scott.

 

Community advocate Betty Jo Kaiser and Calgary entertainer Gery Schubert.

 

From left: Tom Dodd, Corinne Macdonald and Ronald McDonald House Charities’ John Phin.

 

Ronald McDonald House board chair Thomas Lui and his wife Annie Lui.

Brooks: Sobeys' Renee Hopfner saluted at AFP awards reception

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A select group gathered in the Cenovus Odd Fellows Building on Nov. 29 to attend the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Calgary Chapter hosted awards reception and winter social. Congratulations to 2018 honourees: Joelle Mar, director of resource development at Inn From the Cold, on being named Outstanding New Fundraising Professional; Vincent Duckworth, partner and chief marketing officer at ViTreo Group, being named Outstanding Fundraising Professional; and Renee Hopfner, director, corporate social responsibility at Sobeys Inc., on being the recipient of the prestigious Hazel Gillespie Community Leadership Award.

Hopfner’s contributions to the community are numerous indeed, but her invaluable support of the annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit ensured that the event — in its 19-year run — raised $8.8 million for the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.

Guests in attendance at the awards reception are pictured.

From left: Outstanding New Fundraising Professional recipient Joelle Mar, Outstanding Fundraising Professional recipient Vincent Duckworth and Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award recipient Renee Hopfner.

 

From left: Past recipients of the Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award are Vicki Reid, Barb Simic, Renee Hopfner (2018), Dani De Boice and Christi Cruz.

 

Brooks: President Cannon's farewell to the community

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For the past eight years, U of C president and vice-chancellor Elizabeth Cannon has tirelessly worked to transform the U of C into one of the top universities in the country. In 2017, the U of C was named one of the Top 200 universities worldwide. From her collaborative creation of the Eyes High campaign that has raised $1.3 billion to the phenomenal increase in sponsored research-to name but a few of her accomplishments, Cannon has left an indelible mark that will benefit students, research outcomes and the greater community for years to come.

Such a magnificent legacy is cause to celebrate and that is precisely what scores of friends and colleagues did recently as they gathered in the BMO Centre for President Cannon’s Farewell to the Community. Heartfelt tributes, anecdotes and the occasional good-natured ribbing (Cannon’s penchant for stunning stilettos springs to mind) were delivered by a who’s who in business, academia and politics.

Taking to the podium this night were: emcee Jim Dinning, chancellor emeritus; Universities Canada president Paul Davidson; Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; U of C provost and vice-president (academic) Dru Marshall; Engineered Air chairman and philanthropist Don Taylor; U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin; and Cannon’s understandably proud husband, Gerard Lachapelle, professor emeritus, Schulich School of Engineering.

Others in attendance included: U of C president-elect Ed McCauley; Hunter Family Foundation’s Doug Hunter; Matco Invesments’ Mike Tims; philanthropist Joan Snyder with U of C’s Sybil Choles; Werklund Foundation’s David Werklund and his wife Susan Norman; philanthropist, community leader and chancellor emeritus Ann McCaig; Garry and Ruth Ramsden-Wood; Mary Rozsa de Coquet; Kim Sturgess; RBC’s Jeff Boyd; CANA Construction’s John Simpson and Jollean Hancen; Jamie and Brenda Mackie; Jaymal and Rupa Ruparell; Calgary Economic Development executive chairman Steve Allan; Peter Garrett, U of C associate vice-president, research and innovation; Sundial Growers president Geoff Thompson; Dinos football past director of alumni Jack Newmann; Cheryl Dulaba; Ron Mannix; Shane Homes’ Cal and Edith Wenzel; West Coast Development Trust vice-chair Stephanie Felesky; dean of the Haskayne School of Business Jim Dewald; philanthropist and community leader Dick Haskayne; Anne Fraser; Cannon’s proud children, son Rene Lachapelle and daughter Sara Lachapelle; and others pictured.

From your friends at the Herald, heartfelt thanks for all you have done for the university and the community and best of luck with your future endeavours.

Pictured, from left: at the celebration of University of Calgary president Elizabeth Cannon’s incredible eight years of leadership are Ruth and Garry Ramsden-Wood, Mary Rozsa de Coquet and Kim Sturgess. Cannon retires as president and vice-chancellor Dec 31.

 

U of C’s Sybil Choles (left) and philanthropist Joan Snyder.

 

From left: Evelyn Main and her husband Jim Dinning with Ann McCaig.

 

RBC’s Jeff Boyd, Jollean Hancen and CANA Construction’s John Simpson.

 

Brenda and Jamie Mackie.

 

Jaymal and Rupa Ruparell.

 

Don and Ruth Taylor

 

U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux.

 

Calgary Economic Development executive chairman Steve Allan (left) and U of C associate vice-president Peter Garrett.

 

From left: Sundial Growers president Geoff Thompson, U of C provost Dru Marshall, Dinos Football alumni Jack Neumann and Cheryl Dulaba.

 

From left: Stephanie Felesky, Jim Dewald, Anne Fraser and Dick Haskayne.

 

From left: U of C president-elect Ed McCauley, Hunter Family Foundation’s Doug Hunter and Mike Tims.

 

 

 

Brooks: Santa makes a surprise appearance at the CHAS Holiday Luncheon

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The annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday Luncheon is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. And this year’s luncheon, held in the BMO Centre Dec. 3, had added cache in that none other than Santa himself popped by to extend greetings.

Readers may recall that CHAS is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in Alberta. Established in Calgary in 1908, the invaluable organization is 100 per cent volunteer run with up to 75 women volunteers intent on improving children’s health and welfare. Members pay a fee to join CHAS and it operates with almost no overhead. CHAS was recently presented with AFP’s Philanthropic Group Award. A wonderful honour, to be sure, but CHAS doesn’t spend money on an office so there is no place for the award plaque to hang. Talk about being mindful of keeping overhead to a bare minimum, thereby ensuring funds raised through its events go directly to charity.

CHAS is recognized on the Alberta Children’s Hospital “Wall of Donors” as a $1-million contributor and has donated more than $4.7 million to the hospital since 1977. Scores of other organizations have benefited from CHAS’s generosity and this year’s luncheon raised an impressive $80,000 with the majority of the funds being directed to The Distress Centre.

Among the hundreds of ladies in attendance at the luncheon this year were: event co-chairs Jennifer Foss and Jennifer Brookman; silent auction committee members Linda Vogt, Judy Shaw and Susan James; CHAS president Patricia Rossiter; Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation president and CEO Saifa Koonar with colleague Sheelagh Mercier; Dorothy Woolstencroft and her daughter Gillian; Linda Middlemiss; Wanda McNeil; Betty Stein; Dianne Ferguson; Lori Moch; Heide McClintock; Louisa Powell; Carrissa Richards; Jan Bellis; Bonnie Kucey; Deborah Ruste; Megan Mayell; Donna Remington; Pat Moore and her daughter Cynthia; Ann McCaig and others pictured.

Pictured with Santa at the Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Annual Holiday Luncheon held Dec. 3 in the BMO Centre are luncheon co-chairs Jennifer Foss (left) and Jennifer Bookman. The SRO luncheon raised nearly $80,000 for The Distress Centre, the main recipient of funds this year.

 

From left: the tireless trio silent auction committee Linda Vogt, Judy Shaw and Susan James.

 

From left: Linda Middlemiss, Wanda McNeil, Betty Stein and CHAS president Patricia Rossiter.

 

From left: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s (ACHF) Sheelagh Mercier, CHAS’ Dorothy Woolsencroft, ACHF president and CEO Saifa Koonar and CHAS’ Dianne Ferguson.

 

From left: CHAS members Carissa Richards, Jan Bellis, Bonnie Kucey, Deborah Ruste and Megan Mayell.

 

All smiles with Santa are CHAS’ Gillian Woolstencroft (left) and her proud mom Dorothy Woolstencroft.

 

From left: CHAS members Lori Moch, Heide McClintock and Louisa Powell were kept busy at the annual CHAS Holiday Luncheon accepting donations and processing silent auction payments. The event raised nearly $80,000.

Brooks: A Christmas Carol gala special treat for those less fortunate

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More than 400 children from six Catholic schools were treated to a free performance of Theatre Calgary’s iconic A Christmas Carol on Dec 1. The magical Dickens’ tale reminds us all about the importance of charity and compassion. And this year, the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Theatre Calgary, Project Warmth Society of Alberta, Alberta Champions and Operation Kickstart of Alberta, is proof positive what can happen when our community comes together to support one another.

The gala was not only a wonderful evening for all, but philanthropic as well, with funds raised supporting the aforementioned charitable organizations. Kudos to gala co-chairs and charity founders Gordie and Eva Hoffman and Christmas blessings to major donors Tim and Cindy Down.

From left: Margie Morsted, Cindy Down and Candy Schacter.

 

Christmas came early for the more than 400 schoolchildren who were treated to a free performance of Theatre Calgary’s famed A Christmas Carol, Dec 1. The spectacular Candy Cane Lane ensured all the schoolchildren were given free sweet treats post-performance.


Brooks: Candy Cane Gala sparkles with pixie dust

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The BMO Centre took on a decidedly London vibe Dec 7 much to the delight of the more than 1550 guests who donned their festive finest to attend the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s (ACHF) 2018 Candy Cane Gala.

The Peter Pan inspired gala celebrated the innocence of childhood – and the role our community plays in ensuring that even when they are sick, everyone from toddlers to teens can still experience moments of magic while receiving care at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Thanks to the stunning generosity of guests and sponsors, the gala netted more than $500,000 to fund special enhancements thereby ensuring the hospital experience is more caring and comforting for young patients and their families.

While adult guests enjoyed a pre dinner cocktail in the London Pub, had family pictures taken on Downing Street or shopped the auction tables nestled in Covent Garden, children and teens had adventures in the Neverland themed Kidzone, including games, arts and crafts, face painting and fun foods. Calgary Flames forward, Matthew Tkachuk (along with his dad, Keith) were on hand to meet the kids in the pirate ship photo booth and puppies from PALS (Pet Access League Society) enjoyed cuddles in Nana’s Nursery presented  by Lifetime of Joy sponsors, Petrogas Energy Corp.

Other memorable moments this night included local hip hop artist Dan Bennett- known as Transit22, presenting an inspiring original spoken word piece describing the excellent care received at the Alberta Children’s Hospital thanks to donor support. A highlight of his presentation saw ten-year-old oncology patient, Evelyn Roy, join him on the stage to lead off the donation celebration.

Additional guests in attendance included: Stan Owerko, Petrogas president and CEO with his wife Marge Owerko and colleague David Storoshenko, Petrogas COO with his wife Kelli; ACHF board members Ryan Giles and Alyson Goldman with board chair Steve Stretch; RBC Dominion Securities managing director Trevor Gardner and his wife Cindy; ACHF president and CEO Saifa Koonar; Dr. Sid Viner, Calgary Zone Medical Director for Alberta Health Services; Dr. Mark Anselmo, department head, pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital; Dr. Susanne Benseler, director, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute; Margaret Fullerton, senior operating officer, Alberta Children’s Hospital; Secure Energy’s Jay Brockhoff and his wife Nicole with their children Chase, Emery and Ty; Champion Child Milan Heck, with her mom Linda Hoy, dad Darryl Heck and sister Vienna Heck; Dr. Paul Henning and Dr. Ellie Vyver with children Victoria, Andrew, Olivia and Jack; Dr. Rohan Bissoondath, medical director, Preventous Collaborative Health, with his wife Nalini and their daughters Maya and Arya; gala co-chairs Mimi Coulton and Jean-Ann Naysmith-Rooney; my terrific handler, ACHF vice-president, development, Liz Ballendine; and others pictured.

Pictured at the Peter Pan inspired Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s annual Candy Cane Gala, held this year Dec 7, are James, a.k.a. Captain Hook and Jeff, a.k.a. Peter Pan.

 

Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s annual Candy Cane Gala was a success with 1,550 guests attending and raising more than $500,000 (net) to fund special enhancements, ensuring the hospital experience is more caring and comforting for young patients and their families. Pictured are invaluable supporters Preventous Collaborative Health’s Dr. Rohan Bissoondath and his wife Nalini with their daughters Arya (left) and Maya.

 

Secure Energy’s Jay Brockhoff and his wife Nicole with their children, from left, Chase, Emery and Ty.

 

From left, Dr. Mark Anselmo, department head, pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Dr. Susanne Benseler, director, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Margaret Fullerton, senior operating officer, Alberta Children’s Hospital and Dr. Sid Viner, Calgary Zone medical director, Alberta Health Services.

 

Champion Child Milan Heck (left) , with her dad Darryl Heck mom Linda Hoy and sister Vienna Heck.

 

RBC Dominion Securities’ managing director Trevor Gardner and his wife Cindy Gardner.

 

Pictured from left at Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s (ACHF) Candy Cane Gala are ACHF board members TriWest Capital Partners’ Ryan Giles, BD&P’s Alyson Goldman, foundation president and CEO Saifa Koonar and board chair Steve Stretch.

 

Dr. Paul Henning and Dr.Ellie Vyver had their hands full looking after these beautiful children at the Candy Cane Gala. From left Victoria, Andrew, Olivia and Jack.

 

From left: Dr. Wendy Hall, Andrea Gould and Shannon Burton.

 

Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Peter Pan-themed gala on Dec. 7 netted more than $500,000 to fund special enhancements. The event owes much of its success to presenting sponsor Petrogas Energy Corp. Pictured, from left, are Petrogas COO David Storoshenko with his wife Kelli and Marge Owerko with her husband Stan Owerko, Petrogas president and CEO.

Brooks: A look back at the most memorable events

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Amidst all the doom and gloom enveloping our fair city, Calgarians still find the time — and treasure — to attend and support myriad events. We might be down, but we’re certainly not out is a theme heard at many a function. Sure, there were less events this past year, and those that did occur raised less for charitable causes than before. Nonetheless, Calgarians are a generous lot and can always be counted upon to support those less fortunate.

Choosing which events to feature on these pages proved challenging. But I must admit, it was heartwarming to look back at the dozens and dozens of fetes your faithful social scribe had the pleasure of attending and covering. So as the year comes to a close, thank you for keeping our undaunted spirit alive, and here’s wishing you a new year filled with joy, love and prosperity. I look forward to seeing you out and about in 2019.

Pictured at last year’s Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Gala are gala chair Ann McCaig and Fire Chief Dongworth. This year’s gala, taking place Dec. 31 at Hotel Arts, will again support 13 invaluable charities including the 12 recipients of the 2018 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. Tickets are available at yycnye.ca

 

Opera is Forever, Calgary Opera’s Valentine Ball held at the Fairmont Palliser certainly hit all the right notes. Pictured with Calgary Opera general director and CEO Keith Cerny are ball co-chairs Sharie Hunter (left) and Jerilyn Wright.

 

All smiles at Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary exclusive store preview in February were Saks Fifth Avenue director of stores Larry Bruce and vice-president and general manager, Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary Lydia Seifert. The new, 115,000-sq.-ft. store at Chinook is a welcome addition to Calgary’s retail landscape.

 

Scores of guests gathered at the Regency Palace to celebrate Sien Lok’s 49th Annual Chinese New Year Gala and Fundraiser. Pictured are event emcee Grace Ma with Peter Lee. 2018 ushered in the Year of the Dog in the Chinese calendar.

 

Pictured at The Calgary Highlanders 69th Grand Highland Military Ball are Honorary Colonel and Arc Financial Corp. CEO Lauchlan Currie and his wife Karen Currie. The 70th Ball takes place Mar 2,2019 at the Fairmont Palliser.

 

At the 11th annual Art & Martini’s reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP are DLA Piper Canada managing partner Robert Seidel and Calgary managing partner Heather Treacy.

 

The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Turning Points 2018 gala was the most successful fundraiser to date, thanks in large part to honorary patron Bill Borger, president and CEO, Borger Group of Companies, pictured with Jaime Rasmussen.

 

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

 

At the official opening of the men’s health clinic at the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) are radiologist and PCC board member Dr. Shelley Spaner with Herald scribe and PCC board member Bill Brooks. The clinic is a Spaner family and Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit initiative.

 

The annual Gibson Energy Stampede BBQ was the perfect way for staff and clients to sip, sup, have a dance or two. Pictured from left at the event at Heritage Park are chief administration officer Sean Wilson; senior vice-president of engineering Mike Lindsay; George Dannecker, chief commercial officer; CEO Steve Spaulding; and Sean Brown, CFO.

 

Alan Norris, centre, RESOLVE Campaign chairman and Brookfield Residential chairman and CEO, is joined by colleague Trent Edwards, Brookfield COO (left), and RESOLVE Campaign vice-chairman Craig Hill at the RESOLVE wrap-up reception. The phenomenal campaign raised $74 million and counting.

 

Scores of guests donned their fashion finest May 19 to attend the Royal Wedding Watch Party at Royale on 17th Avenue. Pictured are event producer Lisa Shelley (left) and British Consul General in Calgary, Caroline Saunders.

 

There is more to Stampede than chuckwagons and rodeo. For the artistic types, the Art & Lifestyle Show was the perfect tonic. Pictured at the Stir’ Up Western Legacy Awards is Judy Edge, Barry Davdison and awards chair Colleen Goetz.

 

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 the 2018 recipient of the prestigious award, Guy Turcotte with his wife Dawn.

 

At the annual Nut Ale fundraiser held at Bottlescrew Bills were Bret “Hitman” Hart, Village Brewery’s Jeremy Mclaughlin and Geoff Allan, owner of Bottlescrew Bills. More than $10,000 was raised for Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre through the sale of specially made beer, courtesy of Village Brewery.

 

UCP leader Jason Kenney was seemingly everywhere this past Stampede. Pictured with Kenney at the U.S. Consul celebration is Josephine Pon.

 

Banff Centre board chair David Weyant and Janice Price, president and CEO, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, pictured at the Banff Midsummer Ball Weekend.

 

The Golden Seed Appreciation Cocktail Party held in the home of Marshall and Sherie Toner was the perfect way to thank those who generously support the Mustard Seed Gala 2018. Pictured, from left, are co-chairs Lee Rogers and Ebony Lewis, past co-chairs Karen and Jay Westman and co-chairs Sherie and Marshall Toner.

 

The Sobeys Better Food Fund Charity Golf Classic raised $800,000 for invaluable organizations the likes of Special Olympics Canada through the Sobeys Better Food Fund. Pictured, from left, are Special Olympian Allie Price, Sobeys president and CEO Michael Medline, Special Olympics CEO Sharon Bollenbach, and Special Olympians Mark Evans and Andrew Turnbull.

 

Pictured at the Priddis Greens Charity in support of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre are tournament chairman Ross Babcock with PCC executive director Pam Heard and PCC board chair, Bennett Jones LLP’s Jon Truswell. The tournament has raised more than $6 million for the centre since inception, more than $300,000 this past summer alone.

 

Pictured at the opening party for the fabulous New Central Library are architects Elaine Molinar and Craig Dykers. The $245-million library boasts 240,000 square feet of spectacular architecture.

 

Pictured at the BILD Calgary Region Awards 2017 are Calbridge Homes’ Joe Ferraro and his wife Sharon. Calbridge won big this night, picking up the coveted Builder of the Year Award.

 

The Two Randys, as these guys are affectionately known, Randy Remington (left) and Randy Magnussen, have reason to smile. The 11th Annual Remington Charity Golf Classic in support of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre raised a staggering $600,000. The tournament was the brainchild of the two men.

 

Pictured at the second annual Unity and Uniform event are Const. Diana McElroy, event organizer and chairman Gregory John, event co-founder Jim Heaton and Const. Alan Chamberlain. Unity and Uniform, Canada’s first community-based event, gave the LGBTQ community the opportunity to say thank-you to the service men and women who keep everyone safe, not only during Pride Week, but every day of the year.

 

An Intimate Evening With Sarah McLachlan was held at the Jubilee in support of the Owen Hart Foundation. From left, Oje Hart, Sarah McLachlan, Athena Hart and Owen Hart Foundation founder Martha Hart. This was the 18th annual event in support of the foundation.

 

 

Brooks: New Year starts with charitable focus

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Partying for a purpose took on additional gravitas Dec. 31 as hundreds of guests gathered at Hotel Arts for the second annual New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by the Calgary Firefighters Charitable Foundation in support of the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. Proceeds from the fun and fabulous event will be evenly distributed between the 12 recipients of the Herald Christmas Fund as well as the Calgary Firefighters Charitable Foundation (CF2) SAFE Program. The SAFE Program provides immediate, short-term support in the aftermath of a fire or unexpected disaster. This invaluable program offers three tiers of SAFE Care Packs — starting with essential everyday items and helpful information documents, expanding to include retail gift cards for immediate financial assistance and elevating to extended support in special circumstances. Recognizing the critical need to provide support in the early stages of crisis, SAFE Care Packs will be provided within the often overwhelming first 24 hours following an incident.

The Calgary Herald Christmas Fund has been honoured as one of the top local philanthropic fund development campaigns in North America. Since inception in 1991, the fund has raised more than $26 million — and counting. It not only provides much-needed funding, but also raises the profiles of Calgary’s charitable sector. The 2018 fund — as well as part of the net proceeds from the New Year’s Eve Celebration — will be directed toward these 12 invaluable agencies: Alzheimer Society of Calgary; Awo Taan Healing Lodge; Calgary Catholic Immigration Society; Calgary Drug Treatment Court Society; Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter; Centre for Suicide Prevention-2005; Closer to Home Community Services; Community Kitchen; Distress Centre of Calgary; Oxford House Foundation of Canada; Samaritan Club of Calgary; and Two Wheel View-Calgary Ltd.

Thanks to the incredible support from myriad sponsors, donors and guests, 2019 will be brighter indeed for the aforementioned organizations. So take a well-deserved bow: ATCO; Boyden Global Executive Search; Business in Calgary; title sponsor Canada Safeway Sobeys; Corus Entertainment; Crowfoot Liquor; Dalton Timmis Insurance; Halliburton; Hotel Arts; J. Vair Anderson Jewellers; major sponsors Tim and Cindy Down and James McRoberts; Mawer Investments; Postmedia; Trail Appliances; and Trimac Transportation.

Highlights of the evening were memorable and included: heartfelt remarks from event chair Ann McCaig and Mike Carter, president of the Calgary Firefighters Association; superb emceeing and musical performances from legendary trumpeter Jens Lindemann; a delectable four-course meal prepared by Hotel Arts’ culinary wizards; silent and live auction items; and dancing ’till the wee hours at the Black-Tie Ball featuring Jens Lindemann and his orchestra or at Station 54 Disco in the Raw Bar with DJ Johnny.

Other guests having a marvellous time this night included: Calgary Firefighters Chief Steve Dongworth and his wife Sheree; J. Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro with her husband Harold Huber, Dylan Barr and Bryn Quinlan; Safeway Sobeys’ Renee Hopfner and Colby Cavanagh with their spouses Cory Hopfner and Sixela Figueroa; Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife Kerry with colleagues Caroline Seymour and Brian Brownlee (and here, I must congratulate Brownlee and his partner Brad Philpott on their fourth anniversary this night); Travis Fode and Amanda Burns; Leah Carter, spouse of Mike Carter; SAFE Program’s Marco Ficaccio and his wife Kristy; Patrick Elliott and his wife Trish; Randy Ferguson and Lisa Maragh; Grant and Jen Rinas; Patsy Maron; Dalynne Peters; MNP’s Randy Mowat and his wife Kim with pals Theresa Kirks and Roland Smith; Business in Calgary’s Pat Ottmann; committee member Kim Berjian and her husband Mike Smillie; Calgary Herald deputy editor Monica Zurowski with her partner Terry Spath; Calgary Herald director of sales Dean Jager and his wife Kim; Laura Linnell, Herald manager of media sales, advertising and her husband Gord; Calgary Herald editor Lorne Motley; and event producers, Advance Your Cause’s Samantha Morahan and Tom Dodd.

J. Vair Anderson’s Annette Toro is pictured with, from left, Dylan Barr, her husband Harold Huber and Bryn Quinlan. J. Vair Anderson graciously donated a men’s and ladies watch for auction at the New Year’s Eve Celebration.

 

The Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Celebration was a great success thanks to myriad sponsors, donors and guests. Pictured representing title sponsor Safeway Sobeys are Renee Hopfner (second from left) and Colby Cavanagh (far right) with their spouses Cory Hopfner (left) and Sixela Figueroa.

 

Pictured, from left, at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hotel Arts are event producer, Advance Your Cause’s Samantha Morahan, emcee and renowned trumpeter Jens Lindemann, event chair Ann McCaig and event producer, Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd.

 

Hotel Arts Group’s Mark Wilson and his wife Kerry Wilson.

 

Hotel Arts’ Brian Brownlee and Caroline Seymour.

 

Pictured at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Celebration in support of the Firefighters’ CF2 SAFE program and the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund are Calgary Firefighters Association president Mike Carter and his wife Leah.

 

Marco Ficaccio and his wife Kristy Ficaccio.

 

Calgary Herald deputy editor Monica Zurowski and her partner Terry Spath.

 

Patrick and Trish Elliott.

 

Travis Fode and Amanda Burns.

 

From left: Calgary Herald director of advertising Dean Jager and his wife Kim Jager with Calgary Herald manager media sales Laura Linnell and her husband Gord Linnell.

 

Randy Ferguson and Lisa Maragh.

 

From left:  Randy Mowat, Kim Mowat, Theresa Kirk and Roland Smith.

 

Patsy Maron (left) and Dalynne Peters had a great time at the Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Celebration  at Hotel Arts.

 

Grant and Jen Rinas.

 

Brooks: Tourism Calgary Open House great way to kick off the new year

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Prognosticators opine that 2019 will be economically more challenging than last year. It’s understandable then that many are finding it difficult to remain positive and hopeful. Sure our beloved city has slipped in terms of Overall Best Places to Live. MoneySense ranked us No. 1 (against 200 Canadian cities) in 2013. We are now ranked fourth in terms of the most livable cities in the world. However, 2019 will see Calgary play host to the 107th Grey Cup and the Canadian Country Music Association awards. So all is not doom and gloom and being the eternal optimists we are, things will get better as we move forward.

Optimism and camaraderie were the prevalent themes at Tourism Calgary’s Open House held recently at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. An apt choice indeed for venue given the CCMA’s return here this year.

Hosts with the most Tourism Calgary board chair Dan DeSantis and CEO Cindy Ady ensured the hundreds of guests were well looked after.  Jasmine Atay will have especially fond memories of the open house as it is she who won Air Canada tickets courtesy of the presenting sponsor. Presenting Atay with the winning tickets was Air Canada’s Serge Corbeil joined by colleagues Syed Hussain, Mark Sniderman, Caroline Johnson and Denise Fleming. Others in attendance included: Tourism Calgary’s Cindy Good, Emily Schmidt, Shelley Zucht-Shorter and Carson Ackroyd; Calgary Airport Authority’s Steve Warme; 2019 First Nations Princess Astokomii Smith; 2019 Stampede Queen Carly Heath with Princesses 09 and Courtney Dingreville; Sheraton Suites Eau Claire GM Cole Millen; Tourism Calgary board member Rod McKay; and others pictured.

 

Pictured with Brian Blackburn at Tourism Calgary’s Open House are, from left, 2019 Stampede Princesses Keily Stewart and Courtney Dingreville with 2019 Stampede Queen Carly Heath.

 

2019 First Nations Princess Astokomii Smith (right) and Denise Krueger.

 

From left: Greg Curtis of Tooth Blackner Presents; Tourism Calgary’s Cindy Good and Food Tourism Strategies’ Tannis Baker.

 

From left: Dan DeSantis, Tourism Calgary board chair, SAIT’s Mark Beattie and Sheraton Suites Eau Claire GM Cole Millen.

 

WinSport’s John Francis and Tourism Calgary’s Emily Schmidt.

 

From left: Air Canada’s Syed Hussain, Theatre Calgary’s Victoria Tharakan, Tourism Calgary’s Shelley Zucht-Shorter, Air Canada’s Mark Sniderman and Calgary Airport Authority’s Steve Warme.

 

Burwood Distillery’s Blair Bullied.

 

WURST’s Alex Dardori and Melissa Davies.

 

 

 

Brooks: SNL star supports Owen Hart Foundation

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Famed actor and Saturday Night Live (SNL) megastar Alec Baldwin recently wowed a packed house at the Jubilee Auditorium when he took the stage with event moderator and Canadian sitcom comedian Andrew Phung of Kim’s Convenience and The Beaverton fame.

Baldwin performed in Calgary in support of The Owen Hart Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million and is celebrating its 19th anniversary. Billed as “An evening with Alec Baldwin,” the night was just that as Baldwin took guests on a stroll down memory lane of his acting career.

Baldwin highlighted his most recent work on SNL, which has earned him worldwide acclaim and landed the actor an Emmy for his role as POTUS Donald Trump. Much to the delight of the captivated Calgary audience, Baldwin intermittently slipped in and out his Trump impersonation throughout the evening. Baldwin was also very pleasantly surprised when Martha Hart’s son, artist Oje Hart, presented the star with a drawing he had done of Alec as Trump. Martha Hart, founder and director of the foundation, also enchanted the audience with an entertaining introduction. She thanked Baldwin for donating his fee back to the foundation, meanwhile poking lighthearted fun at Baldwin’s temperamental battles of late, which had the crowd roaring with laughter. Hart also described the foundation’s long history of charitable work in providing scholarships and housing to low-income families as well as its global humanitarian work. She also announced two new causes the foundation is championing this year thanks to her children. It will focus on animal rights due to her daughter Athena’s love of animals and human rights as her son Oje is completing his final year of law school in England and plans to make human rights his primary focus.

Kudos to headline sponsor Maclin Ford and VIP reception sponsor Canadian Western Bank as well as the many other event and online auction sponsors for stepping up. Guests in attendance included: Owen Hart Foundation committee members Barb Simic, Ashid Bahl, Virginia Xavier and Tammi Christopher; online auction sponsor WestJet’s Jereme Kincaid; Shoe Muse’s Ambra Hudson; Collector’s Art Gallery’s Romana Kraft; Canadian Paralympian Patrick Jarvis with his wife Lisa from Air Canada; Trapped Escape Room Experience’s Kelly Patterson with Darcy Anderson; Pipella Law’s Tara Pipella, Kimber Pipella, Lucille Pipella and Del Manhas; event producers Dave Howard and Lisa McCann of The Event Group; the parents of Humboldt Broncos hockey team survivor Ryan Straschnitzki; Canadian veterans whom Hart honours every year with a special invite; and others pictured.

Baldwin now joins the impressive list of performers who have been featured at past Owen Hart Foundtion events including: Robin Williams; Bob Newhart; Elvis Costello; Jerry Seinfeld; Ringo Starr; Steve Martin; Martin Short; Russell Brand; Dane Cook; Howie Mandel; Paul Anka; Neil Sedaka; and Sarah McLachlan, to name but a few.

With files from OHF

From left: Jill Stewart, Rachel Binnion, Susan Howard with Canadian comedian Andrew Phung of sitcom Kim’s Convenience and The Beaverton who was the event moderator, with Tom Howard from the Canadian Legacy Project.

 

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation committee members Barb Simic from The Educational Partnership Foundation; Ashid Bahl from For the Love of Children of Alberta Society; Virginia Xavier from the University of Calgary; and freelance journalist Tammi Christopher.

 

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation sponsors Travis Rhine from Molson’s Belgium Moon Beer; Valerie Pek from Evolve Sponsorship and Engagement; Careen Chrusch from Brookfield Residential; and Brian Dehaan from Junior Foods South Street Burger and New York Fries.

 

Alec Baldwin admires the drawing artist Oje Hart (left) sketched for him of the Donald Trump character he often portrays on SNL, with his mother Martha, far right, and sister Athena looking on.

 

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation sponsors Dr. Brian Killick and his wife Sandy from Market Mall Dental Care with Jeff Bowling and Dustin Jones of Canadian Western Bank.

 

From left: foundation online auction sponsor Jereme Kincaid from WestJet with event sponsor Ambra Hudson from Shoe Muse and online auction sponsor Romana Kraft from Collector’s Art Gallery.

 

Canadian Paralympian Patrick Jarvis (left) with wife Lisa from Air Canada and online auction sponsors Kelly Patterson with Darcy Anderson from Trapped Escape Room Experience.

 

Monique Auffrey (left) from Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society with Dr. Nicole Letourneau from the University of Calgary/Alberta Children’s Hospital.

 

From left: Pipella Law’s Del Manhas, Lucille Pipella, Kimber Pipella and Tara Pipella.

Brooks: Men's mental health focus of the Big Ball

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Listen up guys. Women have us beat, hands down. Especially when it comes to taking care of one’s health.

When one looks at the top 13 causes of death in Alberta — including all cancers, heart disease, accidental or unintentional injury, diabetes, stroke, chronic liver disease and respiratory disease, men lead women in every category except one — women die more frequently than men from Alzheimer’s disease/dementia. The reason for this is that men simply do not live long enough to die from this.

The inequity in gender health becomes even more staggering when one looks into men’s mental health struggles. More than 500 Albertans die of suicide every year. Of those, more than 400 are men between the ages of 30 and 69.

Dr. Shelley Spaner, a radiologist/partner at Mayfair Diagnostics and a board member at the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC), is determined to change the inequity in gender health. Roughly two years ago, Spaner launched the Women For Men’s Health Group with the support of the Prostate Cancer Centre. Since then, the group has held several successful fundraising events with proceeds helping to expand the recently opened Men’s Health Clinic at the PCC.

Feb. 1 saw the group’s biggest initiative to date with the presentation of the Big Ball at Hotel Arts.

The focus of the hugely successful event was men’s mental health. Big Ball ambassador Karen Gosbee and her daughter Isla spoke eloquently about the importance of having open dialogue about mental health and depression. Karen’s husband and Isla’s father, George Gosbee, a well-known and incredibly successful Calgary businessman, killed himself at 48 years of age in November 2017. One might think such a powerful address from these two ladies — as well as Spaner’s heartfelt address — would have put a real damper on the party vibe. Not so as the more than 450 guests understood why they were there and what they were raising funds for. That more than $100,000 was raised at the Big Ball will go a long way to support men’s mental health at the Men’s Health Clinic.

Fabulous food, stunning decor, superb live and silent auction items and terrific tunes from Side One created a memorable evening for all in attendance. Kudos to presenting sponsors Hotel Arts, Women for Men’s Health and PCC. Take a bow sentiments as well go out to major sponsors EFW Radiology; Postmedia; Gord and Robyn Ritchie; Willow Park Wines & Spirits; DLA Piper; Ike Kolias; Jayman BUILT; Dick and Lois Haskayne; Ronmor Holdings; Preventous Collaborative Health; Borger Group of Companies; Homes by Avi; Philip and Harriet Libin and Family Foundation; One West Event Design; Orange Frog; Brandsmith; Lana Rogers; SAIU; Solidaire Investments; Avenue Magazine; Copeman Healthcare Centres; Village Brewery; E. Ann Falk; Techworks; Rockwood Custom Homes; Owen Hart Foundation; 95.9 CHFM; 660 News; Sportsnet; and many others.

And heartfelt thanks to the incredible Big Ball volunteer committee who gave so tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. Other guests are pictured on this two-page spread. Next year’s Big Ball promises to be bigger and better than ever. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gus and Wendy Kolias. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

Kathy Hays (left) and Patti O’Connor had a great time at the Big Ball, held Feb. 1 at Hotel Arts. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

Big Ball 6 Hotel Arts’ Kimberly Dobbins. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

Isla Gosbee, daughter of Big Ball ambassador Karen Gosbee, spoke eloquently about her late father George and the importance of men’s mental health awareness. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

PR and media consulting ace Lana Rogers ensured the live auction items received top bids. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

Big Ball invaluable sponsor, Krita Investments’ Ike Kolias (left) with Herald scribe and ball honorary chairman Bill Brooks. Courtesy, Brian Buchsdruecker

 

Taittinger’s Kathy Rawlyk (left) and Kelley Abbey greet guests at the Big Ball Feb. 1 at Hotel Arts with a glass of bubbly.

 

From left: Paul Day, Kakai Mabonga, Stephen Warnica and Victoria Carter.

 

The Big Ball at Hotel Arts was a success, raising more than $100,000 for men’s mental health at the Men’s Health Clinic at the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC). Pictured, from left, are ball ambassador Karen Gosbee, Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and ball chair, PCC board member and Women for Men’s Health founder Dr. Shelley Spaner.

 

Pyramid Productions’ Sheila Rae and Larry Day. Day did a great job in the role of emcee at the Big Ball and Pyramid Productions produced the powerful video screened at the event.

 

From left: UCP executive director Janice Harrington, UCP director Cynthia Moore and Kasian’s Sharon Martens.

 

Community leader Guy Huntingford, BILD Calgary Region’s Bev Jarvis, city councillor Jyoti Gondek and Todd Gondek.

 

Dr. Shelley Spaner (left) and her sister Donna Spaner.

 

Prostate Cancer Centre’s Shannon de Vall and her parents Harry and Moira de Vall.

 

From left: Big Ball invaluable sponsors, EFW Radiology’s Summit Sawhney, Tawnya Moore, Eric Herget and Roy Park.

 

Ann Falk and Mahedi Meghani

 

From left: Jay and Tara Cowles, Olivia Popowich, Wanda and Jonathan Lee.

 

From left: Jesse Bains, Jessica Gill, Perl Gill, Roby Brar, Jas Dhaliwal and Harman Dhaliwal.

 

Suzanne Stewart and Shea Kerwood

 

Delta Airlines’ Karli Kincaid (left) and WestJet’s Gloria Kay

 

From left; Tammi Christopher, Martha Hart and Virginia Xavier

 

 

Brooks: Calgary Opera Valentine's Ball hits high note

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Glacial temperatures certainly didn’t put a chill on the attendance nor success of this year’s Calgary Opera Valentine’s Ball held Feb. 9 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Presented by Strategic Group and co-chaired by Jerilyn Wright and Shaire Hunter, funds raised at the fab fete supported the Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Development Program. One of only four training programs in Canada, artists from coast to coast audition annually for the opportunity to study under a prestigious staff of teachers and performers.

Each season, up to eight young Canadian singers enter the program, which serves as a bridge between academia and the highly competitive world of opera. And many alumni have gone on to successful international careers, performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London and the Broadway stage. Calgary native, baritone Andrew Love, is but one of the program’s success stories and is in the enviable position of balancing his time between engagements on Broadway and on the opera stage. That Love, who just performed in Calgary Opera’s Everest, headlined this year’s Valentine’s Ball was a treat for guests.

Other highlights included: a champagne reception; a fabulous dinner; silent auction items; performances by Calgary Opera Emerging Artists; and dancing to Johnny Summers Little Big Band.

Take a bow sentiments go out to 2019 gala committee volunteers: Dianna Barry; Kate Abbott; Katrina Olson-Mottahed; Patti Dibski; Rob Mabee; and Holly Marshall. Others in attendance included: Strategic Group founder and CEO Riaz Mamdani; Coun. Evan Woolley; Arthur/Hunter’s Patrick Hunter; Everest composer Joby Talbot; Calgary Opera managing director and CEO Heather Kitchen; Hotel Arts Group’s Mark and Kerry Wilson; McCarthy Tetrault’s Greg Turnbull and his wife Shirley; Holt Renfrew’s Debra Kerr; Chris and Penny Stathonikos; Calvin Buss; Marjorie Zingle; and Scott Finlayson.

Everest composer Joby Talbot and Calgary Opera managing director and CEO Heather Kitchen.

 

Scott Finlayson and Marjorie Zingle were among the several hundred guests at Calgary Opera’s Valentine’s Ball on Feb. 9 at the Fairmont Palliser.

 

Coun. Evan Woolley (left) and Arthur/Hunter’s Patrick Hunter.

 

Hotel Arts Group’s Mark and Kerry Wilson.

 

McCarthy Tetrault’s Greg Turnbull and his wife Shirley Turnbull.

 

Calgary Opera’s Valentine’s Ball was a success thanks to sponsors and guests. Pictured is presenting sponsor Strategic Group founder and CEO Riaz Mamdani with Kate Abbott.

 

Penny and Chris Stathonikos were among the guests in attendance at the Calgary Opera Valentine’s Ball.

 


Brooks: Sien Lok Society celebrates Chinese New Year and golden anniversary

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The Sien Lok Society of Calgary was created in November 1968. Its name is taken from the proverb “Wai Sien Gee Lok” which means “to be charitable gives one the greatest happiness.” Members of the society must surely be happy as the contributions to community service from this organization are numerous – not the least being saving Chinatown and its place in the future of our city. Indeed, Calgary is the only city in Canada with a Chinatown identified in its bylaws.

Sien Lok Society hosted a double celebration at the Regency Palace Feb. 2. Its 50th-anniversary gala coincided with Chinese New Year (Year of the Pig), ensuring guests had a marvellous evening. So popular was this year’s gala, tickets sold out within three weeks. Highlights included a complimentary champagne reception, a pig roast ceremony, 10-course gourmet Chinese dinner, Chinese lion dance, live auction, free giveaways and raffle draws.

Host with the most, Sien Lok president and Royal Liquor Merchants president John Dong was kept busy this night greeting the 570 guests in attendance. Spotted at the festive fete were: MPs Kent Hehr, Len Webber and Michelle Rempel; MLAs Ric McIver, Richard Gottfried, Prasad Panda, Karen McPherson, Ric Fraser, Jamie Kleinsteuber and Greg Clark; Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci; Consul General Mme Lu Xu, Consulate General People’s Republic of China; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Sien Lok founder and past president Ray Lee and his wife Loretta; past Sien Lok president Kevin Wong; emcee Grace Ma; Dialog Architect’s Robert Jim; Kinnear Financial president Jim Kinnear and his sister Sally Kinnear; Chinatown BIA chair Grace Su; RBC Insurance’s Alexandria Sham; gala committee chair Danny Ng; Dentons’ Bill De Jong and his wife Franca; Peter Lee doing an admirable job in the role of God of Fortune; Calgary Flames’ Bill Mooney; HSBC vice-president, Western Region, Jim Saclamacis; HSBC branch manager Carie Ku; and others pictured.

Here’s wishing all our friends in the Chinese community a new year filled with joy and prosperity. The Year of the Pig promises good fortune. Gong Hey Fat Choy.

The Sien Lok Society 50th-Anniversary Gala and Chinese New Years Celebration Feb. 2 at the Regency Palace was a success. Pictured are Sien Lok Society board members with some of the dignitaries in attendance.

 

God of Fortune (Peter Lee) pictured with Jamal and Rupa Ruparell at the Sien Lok Society 50th Anniversary Gala and Chinese New Years Celebration.

 

Pictured with Harvey the Hound at the Sien Lok Society 50th Anniversary Gala and Chinese New Years Celebration are, from left: Robert Jim, Dialog Architect and past president Sien Lok Society; Alexandria Sham, past national president, Hong Kong Canada Business Association; and Loretta Lee.

 

From left: MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber, Dentons partner Lillian Pan, Consul General Mme Lu Xu (Consulate General People’s Republic of China), Chinatown BIA chair Grace Su, Sien Lok Society president John Dong and Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci.

 

 

God of Fortune (Peter Lee) with emcee Grace Ma and Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

 

Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci and his wife Christine.

 

Charles Lewton-Brian with a 71-million-year-old ammolite fossil worth a cool $20,000.

 

From left: Danny Ng, vice-president Sien Lok Society and gala chair; Consul General Mme Lu Xu and MLA Richard Gottfried.

 

 

 

 

Australia offers a riviting tale of two cities

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The famous Dickens’ novel of 1859, A Tale of Two Cities, begins with “It was the best of times.” And that would sum up our recent trip to Australia. And Australia’s two largest cities — Sydney and Melbourne — are as disparate as Dickens’s London and Paris.

Sydney was, in 2013, Australia’s top tourism destination with Melbourne being second. But that was then. Recent figures show an almost dead heat between the two and it is predicted Melbourne will be the number 1 destination within a year.

Sydneysiders — as residents of Sydney are known, will tell you it is the best, while Melburnians feel just as strongly about their city. For the layperson who has never visited either, a loose comparison might be Los Angeles vs. San Francisco.

Having spent a week in each of the Australian capitals — and with respect to all Sydneysiders — Melbourne was a better fit for our tastes.

The Sydney Opera House is the world’s second modern architectural wonder, bested only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Sydney is stunningly beautiful, boasting an iconic harbour and the world’s second modern architectural wonder — the Sydney Opera House (the Burj Khalifa in Dubai ranks at the top). Sydney is more of a ‘beachy city’ than Melbourne with its famous Bondi and Manly beaches. If you only have time to don your swimwear and luxuriate on one beach, Manly is it simply because it’s a half-hour ferry ride from Circular Quay. On the ferry, there are sweeping views of downtown Sydney, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Festival in summer (remember that Australian summer is opposite to ours) and Vivid Sydney in (their) winter offer a variety of performances, art installations and every imaginable experience in between. Where to stay in Sydney is easy. The Park Hyatt. Period. Location, amenities and the most helpful staff are but a few of this stunning hotel’s charms.

For foodies, lovers of beautiful gardens and those who are a bit more “chill,” Melbourne has it all. With a population of almost five million (slightly less than Sydney), Melbourne in 2003 was named a UNESCO City of Literature. It hosts most of Australia’s contemporary festivals, events and institutions, new galleries, music venues and museums. In 1956, the city was the first in the Southern Hemisphere and Oceania to host the Olympic Games. Its sporty side continues to this day, playing host to the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, held annually over the last two weeks in January.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne are ranked among the top 10 gardens in the world. Photos, Bill Brooks

The Royal Botanic Gardens on the south bank of the Yarra River in central Melbourne are among the top 10 internationally renowned botanical gardens, sharing this honour with the likes of Versailles and Monet’s Giverny in France and Kew Gardens in London, England.

At almost 40 hectares, the stunning gardens feature myriad Indigenous plant material as well as exotics, topiary, water features, a children’s garden, guided tours and a charming cottage available for private function rental. One can easily spend a full day exploring the garden’s gorgeous greenery.

Should you choose to spend a day indoors, galleries and museums galore dot central Melbourne. From the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and Australian Centre for the Moving Image to the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum, the choices are seemingly endless.

For foodies, this is where Melbourne really takes the cake (pardon the pun). Whether Italian, Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Korean or Australian cuisine, the challenge is deciding what cuisine fits your fancy as there are hundreds of restaurants begging to be experienced. Aussie steaks are great, to be sure, and the top two picks are Rockport Bar & Grill and Angus & Bon. Italian fare at Tippo OO or Tiamo will delight (note that Tiamo, a Melbourne institution that has been around for almost 30 years does not take reservations) while Bistro Thierry is rated tops for French cuisine. Thai fusion at Chin or Korean fare at Buza Chicken are great options and the up and coming ‘hot and new’ places to dine include Meatmaiden, Entrecote and France-Soir.

Melbourne and Sydney are roughly the same size with a population of about five million each. Sure, Sydney has a gorgeous harbour, but Melbourne has ample charms as well. Pictured is downtown Melbourne from the banks of the Yarra River.

As one can imagine, a world-class city like Melbourne has myriad accommodation options. We made the right choice with the Grand Hyatt. Perfectly in the heart of the city, pretty much anything you care to experience is within walking distance. Treat yourself to a room on a Club Floor as complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails/appetizers served in the Club Lounge on the 32nd floor are included in the price.

For a true beach getaway, a mere hour and a half flight northeast from Melbourne takes you to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland where fabulous beaches stretch as far as the eye can see.

As cheery as Dicken’s novel was in its opening sentence, A Tale of Two Cities takes a turn in the second: “It was the worst of times.” And that pretty much sums up how it felt leaving Australia, where it was 36C, for Calgary, where the mercury plunged to -36C.

Melbourne hosts most of Australia’s contemporary festivals, events and institutions, new galleries, music venues and museums. Pictured is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Centrally in Federation Square, the ACMI is the first of its kind in the world.

 

Brooks: Flames Celebrity Poker Tournament raises more than $365,000

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Times are indeed tough these days, but the recent success of the Calgary Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament, held Feb. 5 at Cowboys Casino, is proof that philanthropy is alive and well. The tournament raised more than $365,000 for the Calgary Flames Foundation, bringing the total raised through the poker event to more than $5 million in 14 years. The foundation has supported more than 80 charities in southern Alberta.

Calgary Flames players, coaches, alumni and local celebrities including Calgary Stampeders and PGA player Graham DeLaet competed against 350 other poker players at Cowboys Casino. Participants bought in to play against their hockey heroes and the chance to win more than $50,000 in prizes.

Making it to the top three was Flames Ambassador Carey Bracko, who finished in third place. Second place went to Concorde Group’s Victor Choy and the first place prize and poker champion was season ticket holder Hung Ngo. Ngo won a $10,000 Poker Championship ring from Maxime’s, $5,000 cash, two Calgary Flames Top Shelf tickets and a 2019 Poker Championship belt buckle and jersey. Sportsnet 960 the FAN’s Derek Wills finished in fifth place, making it to the final table for the second year in a row.

Others in attendance included: Shane Homes’ Dave Rickett; Cheap Smokes & Cigars’ Jeff Lawrence; artists and philanthropist Chris Tutty; Coun. Joe Magliocca; committee members Shannon Warren and Dan Forigo; Elevate Auctions’ Bill Brown; media star Beesley; Dave Mullen; Phil Sprung; Sammy’s Pizza’s Lou Borhot, Amir Borhot, Monier Borhot and Sammy Borhot; legendary Lanny McDonald; Cowboys’ Scarlet Lee; Flames general manager Brad Treliving, Craig Conroy, Don Maloney, Brad Pascal and Bill Peters; Flames co-owner Jeff McCaig; and others pictured.

Kudos to all the participants on the success of the tournament and good on you sentiments go out to tournament co-chairs Rollie Cyr and Steve Major.

From left: Shane Homes’ Dave Rickett, Cheap Smokes & Cigars’ Jeff Lawrence, artist and philanthropist Chris Tutty and Coun. Joe Magliocca.

 

Dave Mullen (left) and Phil Sprung.

 

Awesome auctioneer Elevate Auctions’ Bill Brown (left) with “the other voice of the Flames” Beesley.

 

The 14th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament was a success thanks to participants and sponsors. Pictured from left, Sammy Borhot, Rich Waller, Monier Borhot, Amir Borhot and Lou Borhot.

 

Brian McGrattan (left) and Dan Forigo.

 

From left: Calgary Flames player Rasmus Andersson, Cowboys’ Scarlet Lee, Flames’ players Michael Stone and Sean Monahan.

 

Pictured with reason to smile at the 2019 Calgary Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held Feb. 5 at Cowboys Casino is tournament winner — and Flames season ticket holder — Hung Ngo showing off his $10,000 poker championship ring. Courtesy, Calgary Flames Foundation.

 

Scott Lovett, Baytex vice-president of business development, was the winner of Matthew Tkachuk’s jersey. Joining Lovett is the Flames’ left winger himself. Courtesy, Calgary Flames Foundation.

 

Brooks: Glenbow wows with Christian Dior exhibit

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J’adore Dior could easily be the title of Glenbow’s newest offering. The exhibit is drawn from the permanent textile and fashion collection of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The must-see installation features some 40 gowns, perfumes and accessories taken from the first decade of the House of Dior. Alexandra Palmer, curator of the Christian Dior exhibit at the Glenbow Museum and author of the book Christian Dior: History & Modernity, 1947-1957, interviewed aging Toronto socialites who owned Dior’s creations and was able to amass a considerable collection of the gently worn garments.

To say these garments have a storied history would be understatement. Dior showed his debut collection in 1947. The look consisted of a calf-length full skirt, a cinched waist and fuller bust than had been seen since the turn of the century. A rebuttal to postwar fabric restrictions, the average dress used 20 yards of fabric. Not surprisingly, the look received some criticism upon release and was considered far too opulent in such staid and frugal times. “My dream is to save women from nature” said the undaunted designer all those years ago. Uttering such words today might raise a few politically correct eyebrows.

Scores of guests gathered at Glenbow Feb. 9 for the exclusive VIP opening of the Christian Dior exhibit which was organized by the Royal Ontario Museum and, as mentioned, curated by Alexandra Palmer. In attendance were: Glenbow president and CEO Donna Livingstone; board chair Irfhan Rawji; past board chair Jim McLeod; Imperial Oil chairman, president and CEO Rich Kruger and his wife Jennifer Carter-Kruger; accomplished fashion designer and Glenbow board member Paul Hardy; Jean Merriman and her husband Jeff Perry; Ken Davis and his wife Jade Davis; exhibition sponsors Maddy Blake Lang, Elizabeth Middleton and Jan Wittig, to name but a few; National Bank Financial’s Paul Chave; Glenbow’s Susan Russell; Alberta University of the Arts board chair Carol Ryder; MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber; Dentons’ Bill DeJong and his wife Franca; Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president and general manager Debra Kerr; Anita Lachner; Rozsa Foundation’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet; Parker PR’s Ellen Parker; U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux; Chris Cran exhibition curator and Glenbow Fellow Nancy Tousley; Anne McKenzie; and Lancy Qiu.

The exhibition runs through June 2.

U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux were among the several hundred guests in attendance at the Glenbow Museum’s VIP opening reception for the Christian Dior exhibit.

 

From left: Dentons Bill DeJong and his wife Franca with the Dior-wearing Anita Lachner at the Glenbow Museum VIP opening reception.

 

Rozsa Foundaton’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet (left) and Parker PR’s Ellen Parker.

 

From left: Glenbow board member and uber fashion designer Paul Hardy, Jade Davis, Jean Merriman, Jeff Perry and Ken Davis.

 

Anne McKenzie (left) with Glenbow Fellow and curator of the Chris Cran exhibit Nancy Tousley.

 

Lancy Qiu channels her inner Dior at the opening reception of the Glenbow Museums’ Christian Dior exhibit which runs through June 2.

 

From left: National Bank Financial’s Paul Chave, Glenbow’s Susan Russell, Alberta University of the Arts board chair Carol Ryder and MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber.

 

Brooks: Chancellor's Club focuses on mental health and the brain

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At long last, mental health is being openly discussed and researched. Unfortunately, there still remains a stigma around mental health, mental illness and suicide. The University of Calgary Chancellor’s Club signature event on Feb. 28 did much to ensure the conversation continues to move forward.

The second and final Chancellor’s Club event for the 2018-19 season, held at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, was attended by many community leaders, academics and Chancellor’s Scholars. The Chancellor’s Club funds 40 scholarships, valued at $10,000 per year for up to four years. The club’s scholarships attract the brightest young minds who raise the standard of excellence at the U of C,  thereby enhancing our entire community.

Guests in attendance at the event included: host Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux; U of C president and vice-chancellor Ed McCauley; keynote speaker Brenda Mackie, chair of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Strategic Advisory Board; keynote speaker Dr. Paul Arnold, director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education; and keynote speaker Karen Gosbee, a community member impacted by family mental illness. Others presenting included: fourth-year scholars Brett Rothery and Sydney Sparanese. Rothery’s address focused on his research in the Department of Psychology on individuals with gambling disorders and addictive personalities and was supported in his presentation by researcher Dr. Andrew Kim. Rothery also discussed his work with the Calgary branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, supported by the organization’s executive director Laureen MacNeil.

Sparanese spoke to her research with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, which looks at the brain’s opioid mechanisms and the efficacy of treating opioid addiction with other substances. She was supported in her presentation by researcher Dr. Charlie Kwok. The evening concluded with remarks from Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO of Calgary Counselling Centre. Others in attendance are pictured.

With files from U of C Chancellor’s office

Mental health advocate Karen Gosbee (left) and Brenda Mackie, president, Hotchkiss Family Foundation were two of the keynote speakers at the University of Calgary Chancellor’s Club event.

 

From left: Canadian Mental Health Association executive director Laureen MacNeil, Dr. Paul Arnold, inaugural director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health & Education and the Alberta Innovates Translational Health Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health at the University of Calgary; and Brett Rothery, fourth-year Chancellor’s Scholar.

 

Dr. Richard Sigurdson and Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO, Calgary Counselling Centre.

 

From left: David Goldblum, Dr. Lesley Rigg, Linda and Roger Jackson.

 

U of C Chancellor emerita Ann McCaig and her daughter Roxanne McCaig.

 

Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Charlie Kwok (left) and Sydney Sparanese, fourth-year Chancellor’s Scholar from Victoria, B.C.

 

Beverly MacLeod (left) and Suzanne Devonshire Baker.

 

U of C professor emerita Gayla Rogers and her husband Brian Rogers of McLeod Law.

 

Dentons LLP partner, emeritus David Tavender and Marion Rogers.

 

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