Wow. Now wasn’t that a party?! The 17th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-themed  Rock A Billy and held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts-raised more than $675,000 for prostate cancer research, education and treatment.  More than 600 guests donned their rockabilly finest to sip, schmooze, sup, see, be seen, dance and bid on a amazing auction items. The Hotel Arts ballroom was transformed into a 60’s inspired venue which featuring fabulous themed-food (think haute TV dinners, banana-splits, gourmet burgers and fries), drinks, decor and more. Presented by Safeway and supported by invaluable partner the Calgary Health Trust,  the Brooks Benefit has raised, since its inception, nearly $7 million.

That these funds benefit the Prostate Cancer Centre will  prove invaluable for men-and their families-in the prostate cancer fight. The Centre relies solely on donor dollars to fund its operations.

The success of the benefit would not be possible were it not for the tireless support of a dedicated volunteer committee. So take a rockabilly bow: Larry Clausen; Annette Lambert; Caroline Seymour; Chad Cummins; Cheryl Star; Colin Cyr; Colleen McConnell; Daorcey Le Bray; David Crosson; Erin McKeague; Jame McIntyre; Jason Krell; Karissa Boley; Lynne Garrison-Thomas; Mark Wilson; Nicole Janke; Pam Heard; Phil Libin; Renee Hopfner; Tanya Cropley; and Tom Dodd.

And a big you rock it sentiments go out to event sponsors: Harley Davidson; BD&P; Calgary Jewellery; Cohn & Wolfe West; Dilawri Group of Companies; Farnum Construction; FirstEnergy Capital; Hotel Arts; Jayman Master; Homes by Avi; PCL Construction Leaders; Remington Development Corporation; Trail Appliances; Malcolm Albery and Shairole Henchall; Ike Kolias; Willow Park Wines & Spirits; Gregg Scott; Hopewell; McAra Printing; Village Brewery; Cheryl Starr Design Group; toon’z juke box; MNP; Orange Frog Productions; Avenue Magazine; CTV; XL 103 FM; and, of course, my beloved Calgary Herald.

Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly half the city attended including: Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynk and her husband Fred; Harley Davidson Calgary’s Rob Dzikewich; Alberta Ministers Jonathan Denis and Ric McIver with their spouses; urologists Dr. Bryan Donnelly, Dr. Jay Lee and Dr. John Dushinski; Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard and her small army of volunteers; MRU’s David Docherty and his wife Kris; famed artist and avid event supporter Chris Tutty and his proud parents; Marc and Desiree Bombenon; Kerry Brennan and her son Casey Wagar; Mary Rozsa de Coquet; Jay Westman and his Jayman team; UDI’s Guy Huntingford and his wife Riina; Sonny Mottahed and his wife Katrina; Hotel Arts’ Mark and Kerry Wilson and their daughter Chelsea; Trail Appliances’ Wally Broderick and his team; Tony Dilawri; Gary Sartorio; and others pictured on these two pages.

But the fun isn’t over just yet as one lucky winner will drive away on a brand new Harley Davidson! Raffle tickets are still on sale through the Calgary Health Trust with the draw taking place Friday, Feb 13. Tickets are $150 and there is a one-in-500 chance of winning. Log onto calgaryhealthtrust.ca/bill brooks or call 403-943-0619. And good luck.

Many, many thanks to all on your phenomenal support. We’ll see you in January 2016 for the 18th annual benefit.

Rock A Billy Brooks goes for a ‘spin’ with Calgary Herald executive producer Monica Zurowski at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit held at Hotel Arts.

Pictured at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit are team Trail Appliances represented by Steve Parkin, Roger Sebourin, J.M. Leblanc, Michael Seens and Wally Broderick.

Renowned urologist Dr. Bryan Donnelly and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard were the among the more than 600 guests who attended the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts.

The 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit raised record funds-$675,000 and counting. Pictured are Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife Kerry and their daughter Chelsea.

Homes by Avi’s Charron Ungar and his wife Christy pictured at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit. Homes by Avi was an invaluable sponsor again this year.

Emerging Equities president and CEO James Hartwell supported the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit again this year.

The 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts was a resounding success and raised record funds thanks in large part to terrific auction items. Pictured, from left, are the volunteer auction committee comprised of Lynne Garrison-Thomas, Annette Lambert and Colin Cyr.

The 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit raised record funds due in large part to invaluable sponsors the likes of Malcolm Albery and Shairole Henchall.

Sonny Mottahed and his wife Kristina Olson-Mottahed had a great time at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit.

Pictured, from left, at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit are Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Dr. Evelyn Donnelly, Kathy Hays and Patti O’Connor.

All smiles at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit are event sponsors Lisa and Ike Kolias with Heritage Park’s Alida Visbach. The Rock A Billy themed fundraiser raised more than $675,000 for the Prostate Cancer Centre, Calgary.

Showing off their Rock A Billy style at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit are, from left, Aly Velji, Global’s Reid Feist and Brooks committee member Jason Krell.

Calgary Health Trust’s Samantha Morahan and Tom Dodd pose for the lens at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts.

Silvera for Seniors’ Pamila Fonseka (left) and president and CEO Arlene Adamson were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit.

Having a ball at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit are Jerome’s Andrew Clelland (left) and Elaine Stadel (right) with Brooks committee member David Crosson. Crosson and his team did a stellar job creating the 60’s decor at Hotel Arts.

Alberta Minister of Justice Jonathan Denis and his stunning wife Breanna pose for the lens at the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit.

Sisters Kit Poole (left) and Loren Snyder have attended the annual 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit since day one.

Wade and Darla Wheeler were among the hundreds of guests who attended the 17th annual Bill Brooks prostate cancer benefit held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts.

Pictured, from left, at the 17th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit held Jan 30 at Hotel Arts are Wendy Wood with Fotis and Joann Kalantzis.

The 17th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit raised record funds thanks in large part to the scores of volunteers pictured.

The perfect way to kick off the new year is by attending Tourism Calgary’s Open House. Over the years, the event has taken place in iconic Calgary venues and this year saw hundreds of guests gather at the Military Museums Jan 29.

Tourism in Calgary is a big deal. Huge. In 2013, more than 7.5 million visitors came to our fair city and spent a whopping $1.6 billion. And tourism is responsible for employing one in ten working Calgarians. Governor General David Johnston declared 2015 as the Year of Sport in Canada and Calgary is playing an
integral role in this proclamation. Calgary will host no less than 12 national championships, three world championships and five international championships throughout the year, including the Tim Hortons Brier and the
Canadian Open Volleyball Championship.

Great food, libation, entertainment and a draw for an Air Canada flight for two anywhere in North America (good going Michael Sprake of Grey Eagle Resort & Casino on being the winner)  were but a few of the reception’s highlights.

Having a great time at the event this night were: Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady with colleague Shelley Zucht-Shorter; The Home Place Ranch’s Mac Makenny; Tourism Calgary board chair Rod McKay; Calgary Economic Development board chair Steve Allan; Hotel Elan’s Gordon Griffiths; TELUS Spark’s Sandy Bray; Ambassador Limousine general manager Brad McCarty with colleague Loni Griffiths; 2015 Stampede Queen Mick Plemel with Princesses Kimberly Stewart and Haley Peckham; 2015 Stampede Indian Princess Maya Many Grey Horses; Tourism Calgary board member Mark Wilson; TELUS Convention Centre executive director, business development, Dave Sclanders; Air Canada’s Eamonn Horan-Lunney and Mark Sniderman; Military Museums Foundation director Patti O’Connor; Travel Alberta board member and champion of all things Calgary George Brookman; and Rock Strategy and Leadership’s Terry Rock.

Tourism Calgary’s annual open house- held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums, would not be the same were there not royalty in attendance. Pictured, from left, are Maya Many Grey Horses- 2015 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess with Stampede Princess Kimberly Stewart, Stampede Queen Mick Plemel and Stampede Princess Haley Peckham.

The perfect way to kick off the new year is by attending Tourism Calgary’s annual open house held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums. Pictured, from left, are Hotel Elan’s Gord Griffiths, TELUS Spark’s Sandy Bray and Ambassador Limousine’s Loni Griffiths with general manager Brad McCarty.

Tourism Calgary board chair Rod McKay (left) and Calgary Economic Development board chair Steve Allan pictured at Tourism Calgary’s annual open house- held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums.

TELUS Convention Centre executive director, business development, Dave Sclanders (left) and Tourism Calgary board member Mark Wilson pictured at Tourism Calgary’s annual open house- held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums.

Tourism Calgary’s Shelley Zucht-Shorter is joined by Air Canada’s Eamonn Horan-Lunney (left) and Mark Sniderman at Tourism Calgary’s annual open house- held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums. The annual open house  featured the draw of a flight  for two anywhere in North America courtesy of  Air Canada.

Pictured at Tourism Calgary’s annual open house- held this year Jan 29 at The Military Museums are Calgary booster extraordinaire-and Travel Alberta board member George Brookman with Terry Rock, Rock Strategy and Leadership.

The challenging economic times ahead could very well prove difficult for fundraisers. Apparently this is not the case for our good friends in the Jewish community. Witness the enormous success of the recent 64th annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 at the Beth Tzedec. This year’s honourees were Gary Bettman and Alvin Libin.

From humble beginnings in 1950, the B’nai Brith Dinner has seen exponential growth and can boast more than 26,000 guests have attended with more than $3 million being raised for local charities. And the 64th annual smashed all previous records with more than 700 guests digging deep to raise funds for  the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta and The Calgary Flames Foundation.

Bettman and Libin’s contributions are impressive indeed. As Commissioner of the National Hockey League, Bettman has successfully promoted the growth of our national sport all the while creating You Can Play, Hockey Fights Cancer and NHL Green.  Alvin Libin’s dedication to health care research and education is nothing short of astounding. From  the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and the Alberta Ingenuity Fund to the Libin Gene Therapy Unit and the world-class Libin Cardiovascular Institute,  health care has benefited enormously through the Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation.  Bettman and Libin join the illustrious  list of past honourees the likes of: Gordie Hoffman, Q.C.; Lou Pomerance; Phil Libin; Romeo Dallaire; Normie Kwong; Harley Hotchkiss; and Ben Docktor, to name but a handful.

Highlights of the dinner were numerous including: an address from Premier Prentice; the Ben Docktor Award of Excellence being presented to Harold Lipton; terrific live auction items; superb emceeing skills demonstrated by Gord Gillies and Darrel Janz; a heartfelt moment of remembrance for dear Lou Pomerance who passed away in February last year; the largest kosher dinner in the history of the city masterfully prepared by executive chef Carlo Cecchetto and his team from The Metropolitan Centre; and, of course, moving tributes to this year’s honourees.

Guests in attendance this night included: Dr. Todd Anderson, director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute;  Michael Mostyn, CEO, B’nai Brith Canada; Dr. Robert Barsky, president, B’nai Brith Calgary; Calgary Jewish Centre’s Allan Herman; Harmin Holdings’ Stuart Libin; past dinner honourees Aron Eichler and Jack Edelson; renowned philanthropists Sam Switzer, W. Brett Wilson and Ann McCaig; Rochel Matusof; Lee Richardson; Bruce Calvin; Krita Investments’ Ike Kolias; Embassy Bosa vice-president Robert Marchand; WestJet vice-president communications and community relations, Richard Bartrem; Borger Group of Companies president and CEO Bill Borger; MLA’s  Dave Rodney and Linda Johnson; Calgary Herald editor Lorne Motley; Alvin Libin’s proud son Bobby and his daughter Eda; past dinner honouree Alfred Balm and his wife Phyllis; and Calgary Flames president and CEO Ken King.

The 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan. 28 was an SRO success with more than 700 guests gathering to honour Alvin Libin and Gary Bettman. Pictured with honouree Bettman (right) is Calgary Flames’ Ken King. King was honoured at the dinner in 1991.

The 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 honouring Gary Bettman and Alvin Libin was an SRO success with more than 700 guests in attendance. Pictured, from left, Michael Mostyn, CEO, B’nai Brith Canada and Dr. Robert Barsky, president, B’nai Brith, Calgary.

Lee Richardson (left) and Bruce Calvin were among the more than 700 guests who attended the 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28.

Renowned philanthropist Sam Switzer pictured with Rochel Matusof at the 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28.

Pictured, from left, at the 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 are Aron Eichler and Jack Edelson. Eichler was a dinner honouree in 1990 while Edelson was honoured in 1991.

The 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 was an SRO success with more than 700 guests attending including, from left, Krita Investments’ Ike Kolas, Embassy Bosa vice-president Robert Marchand and renowned philanthropist and community leader W. Brett Wilson.

Pictured, from left, at the 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 are Phyllis and Alfred Balm with Ann McCaig. Mr. Balm and Romeo Dallaire were the honourees at last year’s dinner.

Among the 700 guests in attendance at the 64th Annual B’nai Brith Dinner held Jan 28 honouring Gary Bettman and Alvin Libin were Calgary Jewish Centre’s Allan Herman (left) and Harmin Holdings’ Stuart Libin.

Schmancy, Glenbow’s annual signature fundraiser, saw more than 900 fashionably fabulous guests don their finest to raise funds for our beloved Glenbow. Highlights of the glam gala were numerous indeed including:  the Art Park silent auction where 20 artists from across Canada donated their work; incredible edibles from Hotel Arts; floating candy tables scattered throughout the museum; and the 4th floor Club Pivto featuring deejay Mickey Derosa that had guests dancing until the wee hours. And the entertainment component was not to be outdone. Tanya Tagaq, winner of this year’s Polaris Prize, seamlessly melded pop hooks and punk riffs with traditional Inuit throat-singing.
And Shane Koyczan-perhaps best remembered from the 2010 Olympics where he moved the world with his powerful words, had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his raw truths and ribald tales.

Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly half the city attended including: Schmancy co-chairs Jason Grelowski, Zia Mamdani and Katrina Olson-Mottahed; hostess with the mostess Jessi Cruickshank of Canada’s Smartest Person fame; Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque and Karen Radford; Shaw COO Jay Mehr and his wife Viviane Mehr, managing director, Barbara Edwards Contemporary Art Gallery; Glenbow board chair Jack Thrasher and his wife Dawn; Glenbow president Donna Livingstone and colleague Judy Black; Stratgic Group’s Riaz mamdani; Postmedia’s Jeff Funtasz and his wife Sandra; Sonny Mottahed; Schmancy committee member Murlyne Fong with entrepreneur Shawn Freeman; Flames fan extraordinaire Marcie Lynn with CIP’s Douglas McCrae; Trepanier Gallery owner Yves Trepanier and his wife  BDP’s Cheryl Gottselig, Q.C.; PARK’s Katie Marks; Andrew Tollerud; and Bill and Franca DeJong.

Looking fashionably fabulous at Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete are, from left, PARK’s Katie Marks, Andrew Tollerud and event co-chair Katrina Olson-Mottahed.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete were avid arts supporters Cheryl Gottselig and Yves Trepanier.

Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete was a huge success with more than 900 guests attending and $485,000 being raised. Pictured are Enbridge executive vice-president Karen Radford and event co-chair Jason Grelowski.

Schmancy 7 Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete was a huge success with more than 900 guests attending and $485,000 being raised. Pictured are event co-chair Zia Mamdani and her husband Strategic Group’s Riaz Mamdani.

Pictured with reason to smile at Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete are Glenbow senior development officer Judy Black with Enbridge vice-president enterprise and communications D’Arcy Levesque. Enbridge was one of the leading sponsors of the hugely successful event.

Pictured, from left, at Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete are Postmedia’s Jeff Funtasz and his wife Sandra with event co-chair Katrina Olson- Mottahed and her husband Sonny Mottahed.

Pictured, from left, at Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete are event committee member Murlyne Fong with entrepreneur Shawn Freeman.

Having a great time at Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete are CIP’s Douglas McCrae and avid Flames fan Marcie Lynn.

Fashionably forward fabulous people were out en mass Feb 7 to attend Schmancy-our beloved Glenbow’s signature fundraising fete. Pictured are avid arts supporters Viviane Mehr and her husband Jay Mehr, Shaw COO.

As celebrity emcee Dave Kelly noted – to uproarious applause – the only challenge when you get a room full of Scots and Jews is who is going to pay for dinner? The fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner-held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec, was an evening brimming with full-on fun-and philanthropy. More than 370 guests donned their kippahs and kilts to raise funds equally for  the Beth Tzedec Congregation and PREP-a resource centre of excellence dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in home, school and community life.

Highlights of the evening were numeous indeed including: masterful emceeing by Dave Kelly;  addresses from Rabbi Sahul Osadchey, Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson, Robert Shiell, Ron Pratt, Bill Hawes, Calgary Police Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux, Earl Caron, Maxine Fischbein, Gordon McCulloch, Gerry Wood and Rabbi Joshua Corber; live auction items garnering top dollar under the guidance of auctioneer extraordinaire Sheldon Smithens; a cigar and scotch tent; a delightful dinner catered by the Fairmont Palliser; and performances by the Calgary Burns Club Singers and the Calgary Police Service Pipe Band.

Kudos to all involved on the success of the event-especially lead sponsors Sam Switzer and his family and ATB Financial. Guests having a marvelous time this night included: PREP Program executive director Barbara Tiem; Milt Fischbein; Alfred and Phyllis Balm; Alastair and Gabriella Hay; Expedia Cruise Shio Centers John McIntyre and Jim Jarrell; J. Vair Anderson’s Ken Anderson with colleagues Lynne Gibson and Kim Keller; Robbie Burnstein Dinner chairman Len Seidman; ATB’s Shannon Peston and Jim Bladon; General Electric’s Brad Kuhne; Grit Communications’ Cathy Downey; Hyatt Auto Group brothers Steven and Perry Itzcovitch; Royal LePage’s Sharon Bercuson and Darren Abrahamson; and terrific volunteer coat-checkers, PREP Program’s Jacob Gulley, Siobhan Zobatar, Matthew Smyth and Hannah Copithorne.

The fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec raised significant funds for both the Beth Tzedec and PREP. Pictured are PREP students and superb volunteer coat-checkers this night Jacob Gulley, Siobhan Zobatar, Hannah Copithorne and Matthew Smyth.

Pictured at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are avid event supporters John McIntyre (left) and Jim Jarrell of Expedia Cruiseship Centers.

Pictured at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are Royal LePage’s Darren Abrahamson and Sharon Bercuson.

The Calgary Police Service Pipe Band did a superb job of piping in the haggis at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec.

Pictured, from left, at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are Alfred and Phyllis Balm with Gabriella and Alastair Hay.

Pictured at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are General Electric’s Brad Kuhne and Grit Communications’ Cathy Downey.

Pictured, from left, at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are event emcee Dave Kelly with Maxine and Milt Fischbein. Maxine delivered the Reply to the Lads again this year to thunderous applause.

Hyatt Auto Group brothers Steven and Perry Itzcovitch had a great time at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec. Funds raised this night were shared between the Beth Tzedec and PREP.

Pictured at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec are event lead sponsor Sam Switzer and his son Ron.

The fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec was the best ever with more than 370 guests in attendance. Superb auction items-not the least of which was an Omega Speedster ‘Moonwatch’ courtesy of J. Vair Anderson and Omega saw significant funds raised for PREP and Beth Tzedec. Pictured are J. Vair Anderson’s Lynne Gibson (left) and Kim Keller.

Among the several hundred guests in attendance at the fourth annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner held Feb 5 at the Beth Tzedec were ATB’s Shannon Peston and Jim Bladon. ATB was one of the event’s major sponsors.

There can be no more hurtful, destructive force to one’s psyche than bullying. Who can forget the tragic suicide of 17-year old Halifax high-school student Rehtaeh Parsons who was relentlessly bullied for more than a year? Parsons hung herself. Jamie Hubley, a  15-year-old from Ottawa, took his own life as a result of severe bullying for being openly gay. The list goes on and on.

Hubley’s tragic story resonated like nothing else for Calgary Police Constable Ted Milmine, himself a victim of bullying because of his sexuality. Milmine was inspired to take his personal struggle public and founded Bullying Ends Here in 2011. “Bullying Ends Here is not only a program for youth, but also for adults. It provides the support that many need” says Milmine who has spoken across North America and Europe reaching more than 120,000 youth-in person. Last year, Milmine received more than 15,000 e-mails and personally responded to each and every one.

Milmine is not alone in his heroic quest to end bullying. Witness the outpouring of support at last Saturday evening’s fundraiser held at Hotel Arts. That the likes of  Calgary Flames president of hockey operations, Brian Burke, Calgary Stampeders star running back Jon Cornish, Canadian Olympic Luger John Fennell, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, MLA Dave Rodney and CTV’s Kathy Le  joined forces with Milmine to speak passionately about the scourge bullying is was inspiring indeed.  “I am so grateful to Brian Burke, John Fennell, Jon Cornish, Mayor Nenshi, Kathy Le, and Mr.
Rodney, as well as all of our sponsors for their support this evening,” said  Milmine. “2015 will
be an exciting year for Bullying Ends Here and the funds raised at this weekend’s event will go a
long way to helping thousands of youth across Canada” he added.

Others in attendance this night included: CTV’s Brigitte Rothe; Shagnappi GM general manager Rob Miller; Calgary Police Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux; Engel & Volkers COO Zak Miller; Leslie Robinson, co-author of Milmine’s soon to be released book; Bullying Ends Here vice-president Andy Buck; and avid supporter JoAnn Trask.

Bullying Ends Here’s next fundraiser will take place on May 23rd at Webber Academy, where the
featured speaker will be CBC’s Rick Mercer.

Pictured at Bullying Ends Here held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts are Bullying Ends Here vice-president Andy Buck (left) and special guest speaker this night legendary running back Jon Cornish.

Bullying Ends Here fundraiser  held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts was a great success.Brian Burke, president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames and co-founder of the You Can Play project-a campaign dedicated to ending homophobia in sports in honour of his son, the late Brendan Burke, is pictured with Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

Pictured at Bullying Ends Here held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts are CTV’s Brigitte Rothe with Shaganappi Motors general manager Rob Miller.

Pictured at the  Bullying Ends Here event held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts are Bullying Ends Here founder Tad Milmine with Leslie Robinson. Robinson is co-authoring Milmine’s soon-to-be released book.

CTV’s Kathy Le (left) did a great job in the role of emcee at the Bullying Ends Here event held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts. Joining Le is avid supporter of the cause JoAnn Trask.

Pictured at the Bullying Ends Here fundraiser held Feb 21 at Hotel Arts are Olympian John Fennell (left) and Engel & Volkers COO Zak Miller. Fennel spoke passionately this night about being the only open gay Canadian male athlete competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Celebration was the order of the evening Feb. 20 as Calgary’s Chinese community gathered with friends and colleagues at the Regency Palace Restaurant to welcome the year of the sheep ( or ram- or goat, depending upon which Chinese Zodiac one references). The Year of the Sheep is forecast to be gentle, mild-mannered, stable and brimming with kind-heartedness.

Hosted by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA), Calgary Section, highlights of the SRO gala were numerous indeed including: a champagne reception; a scumptious multi-course meal; remarks from myriad politicians and HKCBA executives; the traditional Lion Dance; scholarship presentations; prize draws; and dancing to Jason Hastie and The Alibi.

Proceeds from the Gala funded $2500 individual scholarships to four deserving students- two from the Bissett School of business (Mount Royal University) and two from the Haskayne School of Business (University of Calgary). Congratulations to Pavel Petkov, Sadiq Valliani, Jade Wishart and Jessica Wong on being this year’s recipients.

Guests in attendance included: dignitaries Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Bonita Wong, president, HKCBA (Calgary); Alexandria Sham, national chair, HKCBA; Alberta Minister Ric McIver and his wife Christine; Alberta Minister Teresa Woo-Paw; Wang Xinping, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China; Catherine Yuen, principal consultant, Western Canada, Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO); Tony Kay, Consul General of the United Kingdom; Peter Kujawinski, Consul General of the United States of America; Andres Talero, Consul General of Colombia; Ryosaku Tamura, Consul General of Japan; Cecilia Villanueva, Consul General of Mexico; U of C president Dr. Elizabeth Cannon; and MRU president Dr. David Docherty.

Others in attendance included: Avison Young vice-president John Savard and his wife Miren; Randy Paquette, national executive director, HKCBA (and here, I must wish Randy and his fiancee Bonita Wong all the best. Paquette had proposed mere hours before the gala); Dialog associate Robert Jim; Calgary Economic Development business development manager Rachel Yin; Cathay Pacific’s Marks Johannus; HKCBA immediate past president Tim Onyett; HKCBA governor Audrey Kwan; Vin Room owner Phoebe Fung and Huadian Natural Gas Canada deputy CFO Rob Leong; Scotiabank North Hill branch manager Jacquie Griffiths; Royal Liquor Merchants’ John Dong; avid community supporters Raymond Lee and his wife Loretta; HSBC vice-president and regional manager Darren Oko; Josephine Pon; KPMG Enterprise’s Chris Day and his wife Veronica; and Calgary Zoo president and CEO Dr. Clement Lanthier.

Pictured at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala 2015 held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant are HKCBA immediate past president Tim Onyett with HKCBA governor Audrey Kwan.

Pictured at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala 2015 held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant are HKCBA director and Royal Liquor Merchants’ owner John Dong with Scotiabank north hill branch manager Jacquie Griffiths.

The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala would not be complete were it not for the attendance of long-time supporters Raymond Lee and his wife Loretta pictured at the 2015 gala held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant.

Lovers of great wine, food and ambience know well of the Vin Room. Pictured at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala 2015 held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant are Vin Room proprietor Phoebe Fung and her husband Rob Leong, deputy CFO, Huadian Natural Gas Canada.

U of C president Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is joined by Calgary Zoo president and CEO Dr. Clement Lanthier (left) and HSBC vice-president and regional manager Darren Oko at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant . HSBC was the silver sponsor of the SRO gala.

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant were KPMG Enterprise’s Chris Day and his wife Veronica Day.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Josephine Pon pose for the lens at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant . The year 2015 is the year of the sheep (ram or goat) in the Chinese zodiac.

Pictured, from left, at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant are Catherine Yuen, HKETO principal consultant, Western Canada, Marks Johannus, Cathay Pacific account manager and Rachel Yin, Calgary Economic Development business development manager.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala 2015 held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant were Avison Young vice-president John Savard and his wife Miren. The year 2015 is the year of the sheep ram or goat in the Chinese calendar.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) has helped raise more than $11 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 21 years of presenting the annual STARS & Spurs Gala. This year’s gala, held Jan 24, raised an impressive $1,068,488 , once again demonstrating the generosity of Canada’s oil and natural gas industry.

Over 1,100 guests attended the gala at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. “This year’s event was another huge success,” said Mark Salkeld, president and CEO of PSAC. “Our event helps ensure that STARS’ emergency medical response services stay in the air. Our partnership with STARS has endured two decades, and not a wonder with the continued generosity and support of PSAC members and the industry as a whole”, he added.

Pictured, from left, at the gala are Andrea Robertson, president and CEO, STARS, Salkeld and Wally Dumont, chair, gala organizing committee.

The 2015 Hearts for Arts Gala in support of the Performing Arts Youth Centre (PAYC)- home of
the Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC), was a great success and raised $45,000 for operations at the unique performing arts space.   The PAYC is
Calgary’s only purpose-built, space created for and dedicated to fostering the performance arts in kids.
Fully 800 performers pass through PAYC’s  doors every month.The building currently provides
rental space to six other related groups in the city as well. Scores of arts supporters donned their cabaret finest to gather at the University of Calgary Downtown Campus for the Hearts for Arts Gala.  Guests in attendance included: Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis; WestJet CFO Vito Culmone and his wife Nancy with colleague Hugh Harley, director, investor relations and his wife Jill; presenting sponsor were Crowfoot Wine and Spirits’  Terry Richardson, DJ Richardson, Bob Richardson, Dave
Clark and Kyle McCoubrey; Youth Singer patron Claudette Tremblay and her daughter Brigitte and son in-law, Terry Moore;  Cari Chernichen, YSC board chair and her
partner Jim Swiss, both of Alliance Borealis Canada Corp.;  Shirley Penner, CEO and artistic director of YSC and her husband Don McLean of Long View Systems;
long-time supporters Dr. Josie Wilson-Emmett and her husband
Dr. Jim Emmett; Norton Rose Canada LLP’s  Everett Bunnell and his wife Diana Kidd; Derek Fraser, president of iDophilanthropy and his wife Andrea;  Kim Anthony of Make-A-Wish Foundation,Southern Alberta with her husband Rod Garossino, Encore Fellow with Social Venture Partners
Calgary; Finley & Associates’  Donna Finley; Katrina Bradley, Calgary Counselling Centre; gala co-chairs former YSC board
chair, Eugene Beaulieu of the University of Calgary and his partner Catherine Barclay; event coordinator Dawn Dymond; and emcee Ken Lima-Coelho, YMCA Calgary vice-president.

Joining Wang Xinping, Consul General for the People’s Republic of China in Calgary at the Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC) Hearts for Arts Gala are Julie Moore, board chair, Xinping, Cari Chernichen and Jim Swiss of Alliance Borealis Canada Corp., Wang Lina, wife of the Consul General and Tony Moore, general director Culture Path and tour director for the Youth Singers of Calgary 2015 Tour of China in July.

The Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC) Hearts for Arts Gala was a resounding success thanks to long-time supporters Claudette Tremblay (right) and her daughter Brigitte (left) joining Shirley Penner (centre), artistic director and CEO.

Joining Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis (centre) at the Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC) Hearts for Arts Gala held at the University of Calgary Downtown Campus Event Centre are, from left, Don McLean of Long View Systems and his wife YSC founder, CEO and artistic director Shirley Penner and event co-chairs Catherine Barclay and Eugene Beaulieu. The cabaret-style gala raised $45,000.

Eugene Beaulieu (centre) loves his green boa. Joining the co-chair of the Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC) Hearts for Arts Gala are WestJet’s Hugh Harley and his wife Jill with Nancy and Vito Culmone, WestJet CFO.

Theatre Calgary’s Night with the Stars, the see-and-be-seen gala that celebrates the Academy Awards, had all the glitz and glamour one would expect on Oscar night. The fabulous-and fashionable fundraiser in support of our beloved Theatre Calgary, took on a James Bond theme with guests donning their finest shaken-not stirred attire. Terrifically extravagant auction items as varied as a trip to Antarctica (which garnered a cool $15,000) , a luxury home in Provence, a James Bond-themed tour of London, a mountain vacation at Purcell Mountain Lodge, the opportunity to be an actor for day in A Christmas Carol and a gourmet dinner in your home catered by Rouge had guests grabbing their licence to give and raising nearly $100,000 for Theatre Calgary programming. And  100 lucky attendees received Calgary’s version of the famous Oscar swag bag — including a bottle of port, tickets to Storybook Theatre, a gift certificate from the Calgary Farmer’s Market, a makeup session with Smashbox Cosmetics and brownies from Elana Chin. Heck, there was even a celebrity make up booth so guests could get that last minute touch-up ensuring red carpet readiness. Major sponsors of the 21st annual glam gala included Jayman, ATB Financial Services and Strategic Group.

Attendees spotted this night included: the terrifically talented Dave Kelly in the role of emcee; gala co-chairs Barry Kenley and Michele Beitel; Theater Calgary executive director Colleen Smith; artistic director Dennis Granhum; director of communications Christopher Loach; board members Joy Alford and Chad Newcombe with their spouses Dan and Jill; Eric Wigston; and Lara Schmitz.

Pictured at Theatre Calgary’s Night With the Stars held Feb 22 are Eric Wigston and Lara Schmitz. The James Bond themed gala raised nearly $100,000 for our beloved Theatre Calgary.

Theatre Calgary’s 21 st annual Night With the Stars held Feb 22 was a resounding success and raised nearly $100,000 for Theatre Calgary. Pictured at the glam gala are co-chairs Barry Kenley and Michele Beitel.

Looking their glam finest at Theatre Calgary’s Night With the Stars held Feb 22 are, from left, Theatre Calgary board member Joy Alford and her husband Dan with Theatre Calgary board member Chad Newcombe and his wife Jill.

Pictured at Theatre Calgary’s Night With the Stars held Feb 22 are Theatre Calgary’s new executive director Colleen A. Smith and artistic director Dennis Garnhum. The James Bond themed gala raised nearly $100,000 for our beloved Theatre Calgary.

The CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26- was a phenomenal success. That none other than rock legend Melissa Etheridge headlined may have a lot to do with the evening’s success. Pictured, are CUPS supporters Cannacord Genuity’s Bruce McDonald and his wife Candace.

Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)  is now in its 26th year of helping 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.  More than 9,000 low-income individuals benefit from CUPS programs thanks to myriad fundraising successes-none more so than CUPS’ annual Moonlight Lounge Gala.

All smiles at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are Calgary Counselling Centre’s Nancy Laird and her husband Scott Laird. Rock legend Melissa Etheridge headlined the SRO event

CUPS paediatrician Dr. Janice Heard and her husband RMP Energy’s Bruce McFarlane were among the hundreds of guests who attended the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt. Rock legend Melissa Etheridge headlined the SRO event

Pictured at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are Erin Donnelly, visiting this night from PEI and Foothills Hospital’s Rachel Donnelly.

FirstEnergy’s Jim Davidson gets the blonde sandwich at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt. Hugging the lucky Davidson are Korr Design’s Kasey Sterling (left) and The River’s Anne Clarke.

All smiles at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are, from left, Kathy Hnatiuk, Katie Morgan and Tara Mathison.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt were Corkscrew Media’s Scott Henuset and his wife Suzanne Henuset with The Vintage Fund.

Pictured at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are CUPS senior director Dean Schroeder and his wife Rhonda Schroeder. Rock legend Melissa Etheridge headlined the SRO event

Pictured at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are PC Candidate Fish Creek Richard Gotfried and his wife Babes in Bali’s Cathy Gotfried. Rock legend Melissa Etheridge headlined the SRO event

Being a member of the media certainly has its advantages. Your faithful social scribe has, over the past nearly 20 years, been afforded such marvelous opportunities as meeting royals, hobnobbing with movie stars and captains of industry, attending fabulous galas, restaurant openings and the like.

But surely topping the list was last Friday evening’s unforgettable stay at Azuridge Estate Hotel for the media launch of its Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets there is, Azuridge is the stunning 5-star wellness retreat located just 15 km southwest of the city.  With only 13 private guest suites-each featuring premium amenities and every imaginable comfort (think complimentary drinks and snacks, jacuzzi, walk-in shower, feather down duvets, 100% Egyptian cotton sateen sheets and in-floor heated granite spa ensuite) pampering is taken to new heights. And did I mention guests are taken care of by North America’s only Guilded Butler and Azuridge general manager Clarence McLeod and his unbelievably attentive team?

Our glorious getaway  started with champagne at the Fairmont Palliser and then guests were whisked away in either a Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maserati or Ferrari (we opted for the Maserati, which, much to our delight, was chauffered  by Ferrari Maserati of Alberta dealer principal Carlo Galasso). The luxury continued as our own butler- Jimmy-Lee Vennard checked us into the Garnet Suite, unpacked our bags and explained all the wondrous bells and whistles indigenous to the suite. Signature Dangerous Diamond cocktails in the Topaz Room and then the ultimate indulgence of a Chef’s Table five-course meal- prepared under the watchful eye of Azuridge executive master chef Yoshi Chubachi and his team ensured all were sublimely satiated.

A rousing (boozy?) game of Pictionary , fireside scotch and S’mores rounded out the evening. A few of the heartier souls donned swimwear to soak in the hot-tub and continue the festivities until the wee hours of the morning. Your faithful social scribe passed on the latter as I have been told-by many- my best look is not wet!

A wee bit tired Saturday morning seemed to be the common denominator- but can you image having three days and three nights of such unparalleled luxury? The Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat provides just that-and more. Additional Ammolite retreat inclusions are yoga classes, dance lessons, wine tastings, wellness sessions, poker lessons, cooking classes, personal training, massage, mani-pedi’s, golfing, hiking and just about anything else your heart would desire. With just 13 suites and only 13 spots available in each of the five 2015 Ammolite retreats, these ultimate indulgence packages will no doubt fill up quickly. And for a high-end fundraising event, I cannot think of a better venue.

A huge thank-you to Daily Ink Media & PR wizard Kelly Doody for one of the most memorable evenings I’ve had. Heartfelt appreciation to Azuridge amazing staff and a tip-of-the-hat to media colleagues for all the laughs, great conversation and over-the-top fun.

Pictured at the media launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series are Azuridge butlers Natasha Koury, James Ord and Jimmy-Lee Vennard, director of butlers at the 5-star luxury property.

Pictured at the media launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series are Azuridge’s Joanne McCormick (left) and Donna Young. The three-day, three-night retreat is nothing short of pure luxury.

A select media group was treated like royalty at the launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series. One of the many highlights was a five-course Chef’s Table dinner prepared by executive master chef and his terrifically talented team.

A select media group was treated like royalty at the launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series. One of the many highlights was a five-course Chef’s Table dinner prepared by executive master chef Yoshi Chubachi (pictured) and his terrifically talented team.

Pictured at the media launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series held last Friday evening are, from left Oliver & Spence’s Kim and Jay Wallace with Azuridge’s Tammy Taylor.

Pictured at the media launch of Azuridge Estate Hotel’s Ammolite All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat series held last Friday evening are Azuridge director of food and beverage Steve Hill and Jessica Kurtz, food and beverage supervisor.

Leave it to the talented folks at Alberta Ballet to put on a fabulous fundraiser. La Nuit Noir, held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser had all the trappings one would expect from the premier dance company.

From dance competitions and fabulous auction items, to a scaled- down performance of the global hit Love Lies Bleeding, La Nuit Noir had something for everyone. But surely topping the list was the Love Lies Bleeding performance. For those who saw the $1.6 million extravaganza  when it premiered in May 2010, you know well how marvelous it was. So what a treat for the 175 guests in attendance to either re-visit the delightful dance or see it for the first time.

The evening started with a champagne reception in the CP Rail Pavilion and then it was off to the Crystal Ballroom for welcoming remarks from Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre. Alberta Ballet board chair Dawn McDonald was ill this night so unable to welcome guests which was adeptly handled by  her husband Dr. Grant Bartlett. Amazing auction items the likes of the chance to debut on stage with Alberta Ballet and a behind the scenes experience with Sarah McLachlan to a Paul Hardy shopping trip and a weekend at Fox Harb’r Golf Resort and Spa saw guests dig deep and succeed in raising more than $100,000 for Alberta Ballet Company dancers and artistic creations. A dance competition for select guests paired with Alberta Ballet dancers with prizes from Jewels by Maxime proved great fun for all.

Guests having a marvelous time this night included: Alberta Ballet executive director Martin Bragg and his wife Sarah; avid arts supporters Sherrold and Pat Moore and their daughter Cynthia Moore; Alberta Ballet board member Bryce Tingle and his wife Rebecca Tingle; U of C’s Lyndsay Campbell; Cisco Fellow Cullen Jennings; Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque; Honens’ Michele Stanners; Section 23 Design’s Rob Ollerenshaw; uber realtor Sue Anne Valentine; Alberta Ballet board member and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard; terrific table mates Rod and Jan Wittig; Alberta Ballet board member FirstEnergy’s Chandra Henry and her husband Tom Henry with Telus; presenting sponsor, Lexus of Calgary sales manager Giovanni Bianchini with colleague Les Krawec; Alberta Ballet publicist Danielle Bartha; head-turners Dave and Jane Pierce; event sponsor Pattison Outdoor’s Adam Seely and his wife Amy Seely; Brion Energy’s John Seto and Christel Mueller; Alberta Ballet dancers Laura Vande Zande and Luna Sasaki; Arts Commons president and CEO Johann Zietsman and his wife Tharrie; Mitchell Eye Centre’s Dr. Robert Mitchell and his wife Helen; and Roger Smith.

Pattison Outdoor’s Adam Seely and his wife Amy Seely were among the glam guests in attendance at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir.

Dave and Jane Pierce pulled out all the stops for Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Mitchell Eye Centre’s Dr. Robert Mitchell and his wife Helen pose for the lens at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Cutting up the carpet at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are renowned realtor Sue Anne Valentine with developer Rob Ollerenshaw.

Pictured at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Dr. Grant Bartlet with Alberta Ballet board member and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard.

Pictured at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Roger Smith and Alberta ballet dancer Luna Sasaki.

Looking fashionably fabulous at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Arts Commons president and CEO Johann Zietsman and his wife Tharrie.

Alberta ballet 6 Brion Energy’s John Seto had a great time at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser. Joining Seto are Christel Mueller (left) and Alberta Ballet dancer Laura Vande Zande.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Sarah Bragg with her husband Martin Bragg, executive director, Alberta Ballet and avid arts supporter Pat Moore.

Alberta ballet 1 Looking their glam finest at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque and Honens’ Michelle Stanners. More than $100,000 was raised this night for Alberta Ballet’s dancer and artistic creations.

Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre (left) joins Alberta Ballet board member Chandra Henry and Telus’ Tom Henry at La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser. More than $100,000 was raised this night for our beloved-and world renowned Alberta Ballet’s dancer and artistic creations.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are presenting sponsor Giovanni Bianchini, sales manager, Lexus of Calgary, Alberta Ballet’s Danielle Bartha and Lexus of Calgary’s Les Krawec.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Alberta Ballet board member Bryce Tingle and his wife Rebecca with U of C’s Lyndsay Campbell and Cisco Fellow Cullen Jennings.

Imagine being completely buried in a massive avalanche. Then, imagine being rescued by another group of back country travelers.  This bad news/good news story is not fictional. This actually happened in Cherry Bowl and is a remarkable story of avalanche rescue in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. On Mar. 5 at its annual gala, the Avalanche Canada Foundation Benefit announced funding for the Cherry Bowl project –a multimedia educational platform for future avalanche safety courses.

Avalanche Canada’s vision is to eliminate avalanche accidents and fatalities in Canada. Over the past fifteen years, the Avalanche Canada Foundation has been raising money for public avalanche forecasts, avalanche education, youth awareness, outreach programs and snow safety research.

This year’s benefit was held at the spectacular Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion adjacent to the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. Everyone was treated to CP Rail’s famous “Royal Canadian Pacific” service and enjoyed the opportunity to explore CP’s steam engine and historic railway cars. Avalanche Canada president, Kevin Seel’s opening remarks set the stage for an inspiring evening that raised $90,000 for avalanche safety in Canada.

Kudos to all involved on the success of the event-especially presenting sponsor Canadian Pacific Railway. Take a bow sentiment goes out to other sponsors, donors and supporters including:  Canadian Mountain Holidays; Ski Cellar Snowboard;  Cardel Homes;  Secure Energy Services;  Polar Capital; Brad and Tanya Zumwalt;  McDaniel & Associates Consultants; BMO Capital Markets; FirstEnergy Capital;  Peters & Co. Ltd. and Purcell Mountain Lodge.

Guests in attendance at the event are pictured at right.

CP Rail hosted Avalanche Canada’s benefit on March 5th. Pictured are CP Rail’s Peter Arato and his wife Judith, on the right, along with Gilles Valade and Gordon Ritchie from Avalanche Canada

Pictured, from left at the CP Rail hosted Avalanche Canada’s benefit on March 5th are Ski Cellar Snowboard’s Don Maher, Betty Conklin, Brian Anderson and Jean Hunt, with Stefan Billings from Sunshine Village.

Pictured, from left at the CP Rail hosted Avalanche Canada’s benefit on March 5th are Mountain of Wine volunteers Christa, Nicholson, Sue Stangl and Sue Finley.

Pictured, from left at the CP Rail hosted Avalanche Canada’s benefit on March 5th are FirstEnergy’s Andrew Osborne, Nathan Trainor and Jared Poplawski with Charles Bougie from Kluane Partners.

Pictured, from left at the CP Rail hosted Avalanche Canada’s benefit on March 5th are past Avalanche Canada director Morgan Hincks with husband Paul Boskovich and his father Joe Boskovich.

What took so long seemed to be the consensus of opinion Mar 7 as more than 700 stylish party-goers gathered at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel for the revival of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD)  infamous Black & White Ball. Attendees to previous Black & White’s know well of the terrific time this must attend event was. The re-launched event had all the trappings-and more-of previous years including: dancing the night away  to the big band sounds of Penguins on Broadway;  grooving to the Rondel Roberts Band;  impromptu performances by the DJD Company; a dance contest; super silent auction items; and libation galore.

Having a marvelous time this evening were: John Torode; Tara and Matthew Brister;  Modern Socialite’s Jeannette Vega; DJD board  chair Erin Waite with Riley Waite; Cody Slater and Bernadette Geronazzo;  DJD board vice-chair Ella Stuart; Councillor Evan Woolley; Angelique and Bab Fitzmartyn;  Martin Molyneaux and Deborah Yedlin; Monica and Michael Stevens;  Perren A.R. Stern; Hopewell’s Crystal Benner and Laren Lahure; Mawer Investment Management’s  Allison Webb, Jorin Mantei and Travis Goldfeldt; and others pictured at right.

Erica Morgan and Kristy Archibald were among the 700-plus guests who attended Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Striking a pose for the lens at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser are, from left, Chloe Montgomery, Alora Popow, Meredith Blackburn, DJD dancer Audrey Gaussiran and Kirstin Anderson.

DJD company members Rodney Diverlus and Natasha Korney pulled out all the stops for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Pictured, from left at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser are Andrea Wettstein, City Councillor Evan Woolley and DJD board member/Black and White Ball co-chair Evan Wilson.

Pictured, from left at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser are DJD artistic associate Sarisa F. de Toledo, DJD artistic director Kimberly Cooper and DJD Dance School principal Joanne Baker.

Pictured with reason to smile at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) triumphant return of the Black and White Ball held Mar 7 at the Fairmont Palliser are Riley Waite and DJD board president Erin Waite. More than 700 guests attended the fab fundraiser.

Lovers of vehicles, music from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), auctions and supporting charity was the draw for hundreds of  guests who attended  Calgary Motor Dealers Association’s (CMDA) An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015-the pre-cursor to the 2014 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show-the largest show of its kind in Western Canada.
Since the first gala in 2000, more than $2.9 million has been raised for myriad charities including: Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre; Calgary Prostate Cancer Foundation; Hospice Calgary; Canadian Diabetes Association; Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation; and The Missing Children Society of Canada, to name but a handful.
And this year saw proceeds shared equally between three deserving charities: Fresh Start Recovery Centre; Kids Help Phone; and Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta.

Congratulations to all involved on the success of the 16th annual event, especially  gala chairperson Cindy Clark and co-chair Kelly Temple and Creative Outlet’s Jeff Eichler- as well as  the scores of volunteers who made the evening so memorable.

Guests in attendance this night included: Calgary International Auto & Truck Show manager Jim Gillespie; Fresh Start board chair Craig Borgland with executive director Stacey Petersen; CPO’s Roxanne Young; Make-A-Wish board chair Lynne Douglas with CEO Kim Anthony; Kids Help Phone Alberta and NWT director Sylvia Whitworth with national board member Dwayne Vinck; Shaganappi GM owner Gary Sartorio and his daughter Dallas; Calgary Herald’s Dean Jager, Laura Linnell and Mike Slimm; CREB’s Jamie Zachary; McManes Automotive vice- president Rick Bowie and president Jim McManes with Sotheby’s Calgary’s Wynn Alex Carr; Willow Park Golf Course’s Ken Bowie; and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Alberta dealer principal Carlo Galasso.

Pictured with reason to smile at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015 is Jim Gillespie, manager of the must-attend Calgary Auto and Truck Show. Three deserving organizations shared in proceeds raised at the gala which has, since 2000 raised more than $2.9 million for myriad charities.

Pictured at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta board chair Lynne Douglas and CEO Kim Anthony. Make-A-Wish was one of three charities sharing in the evening’s proceeds.

at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Kids Help Phone director Syliva Whitworth and national director Dwayne Vinck. Kids Help Phone was one of three charities sharing in the evening’s proceeds.

Pictured at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Fresh Start Recovery Centre board chair Craig Borgland and executive director Stacey Petersen. Fresh Start was one of three charities sharing in the evening’s proceeds.

at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show is Shaganappi G.M. owner Gary Sartorio and his daughter Dallas. Dallas is among a handful of ladies enrolled in SAIT’s Automotive Management program.

Pictured, from left, at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Calgary Herald regional digital manager Dean Jager, media sales manager Laura Linnell, CREB manager, media services Jamie Zachary and Herald media sales consultant Mike Slimm.

Pictured, from left, at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are McManes Automotive vice-president real estate Rick Bowie, Sotheby’s Wynn Alex Carr, McManes president Jim McManes and Willow Park Golf Course’s Ken Bowie.

Pictured at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala 2015- the opening night gala pre-cursor to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show is Rolls-Royce dealer principal Carlo Galasso. Galasso stands in front of a Rolls Wraith – yours for only $430,000-plus tax.

It simply does not get any better than fashion supporting philanthropy. And especially when said philanthropy goes to taking care of our tiniest treasures-babies. Holt Renfrew Bella took the city by storm Mar 11 as hundreds of our city’s fashionably philanthropic souls gathered in the iconic store to sip, schmooze, see, be seen and view the hottest Spring 2015 fashions. That more than $500,000 was raised for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Foothills Medical Centre gives rise to a big grazie to all involved on the enormous success of the event. Take a well-deserved brava Bella chairwoman Marion Dixon and her small army of volunteer committee members comprised of: Cathy Whitehead; Kim Berjian; Ann and Jane McCaig; Tracy Logan; Deb Kerr; Cynthia Moore; Elsa Kothawala; Lindsay Hamilton; Franca DeJong; Margaret Markle; Anne Clarke; Maddy Lang; Jan Wittig; Nancy Taipale; Sue Anne Valentine; Deb Avis; Kim Brinkhaus; Lynn Grafton; Liz Henuset; Shannon Peters; and Julie Shaw.

Highlights of the evening were numerous but not surprisingly top of the list was the Spring 2015 parade of fashion featuring 68 models and 116 looks. Fabulous food prepared by Hotel Arts award winning chef Duncan Ly, wine and spirits courtesy of Willow Park Wines & Spirits, a performance from select dancers from Alberta Ballet, Stephania Romaniuk’s brilliant performance of Habanera from Carmen, a raffle of a $5000 personal shopping experience at Holt Renfrew, terrific auction items and of course, the after party ensured all in attendance had a wonderful evening.

Your faithful social scribe had the distinct pleasure of hosting the magenta carpet with media celebs Phoenix and Style Guys Jason Krell  and Aly Velji. Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly the entire city attended including: Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk; Shaw Communications COO  Jay Mehr and his wife Viviane (you’ll want to tune into Shaw Cable 10 Mar 28 at 4:30 for the premiere of the one-hour Bella special); W. Brett Wilson and Shauna Sky; Linda Hohol and her daughter Tara; Joe Colangelo with his fiancee Monika Jensen and his daughter Kristin Colangelo; Holt Renfrew’s Lisa Tant, vice-president, exclusive services with Calgary colleagues Tracy Logan, manager, marketing and public relations and Jesse Williams, manager, national merchandising; Alberta Ballet board chair Dawn McDonald and her husband Dr. Grant Bartlett; Cannacord Genuity’s Bruce McDonald and his wife Candace; event producer Brooks and Dodd Consulting’s Tom Dodd; Sophia Models owner Bill Giofu; Jerome’s Jerome Pinsonneault and his talented team who created the simple-yet elegant hair looks shown on the runway; Holts stylists Reba Hoff, Diandra Good and Caley McKay; and others pictured on these two pages.

Opera singer Stephania Romaniuk opened Holt Renfrew Bella with a goose-bump inducing rendition of Habanera from Carmen.

Pictured, from left at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Bill Brooks, Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk and event producer Tom Dodd. The fabulous spring 2015 parade of fashion raised more than $500,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew were Dr. Grant Bartlett and his wife Dawn McDonald, board chair, Alberta Ballet. The fabulous spring 2015 parade of fashion was opened with a performance from a select group of Alberta Ballet dancers.

Pictured with reason to smile at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Linda Hohol and her daughter Tara Hohol. Lucky Linda won the raffle this night-a $5000 Holt Renfrew shopping experience.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew were Shaw Communications COO Jay Mehr and his wife Viviane. Shaw filmed the fabulous fashionable fundraiser and the one-hour special will air on Shaw Cable 10 at 4:30 p.m. Mar 28.

Pictured, from left, at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife, Kensington Riverside Inn’s Kerry Wilson with award winning chef Duncan Ly. Hotel Arts provided the sumptuous fare this night.

Pictured at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Terry Berg and Julie Shaw. Shaw was one of the invaluable committee members that ensured Bella was an enormous success.

Pictured at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Rich Waller and his wife Jane McCaig. McCaig was one of the invaluable committee members that ensured Bella was an enormous success.

Herald social scribe Bill Brooks was one of four media personalties chosen to host the magenta carpet at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew. Joining Brooks is Bella chair Marion Dixon who had just been presented with a Holts Loves badge signifying she was one of the best dressed this night.

Cannacord Genuity’s Bruce McDonald and his wife Candace  cut an elegant swath at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew. The fabulous fashionable fundraiser raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at Foothills Medical Centre.

Looking gorgeous at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Holt’s divisional vice-president Deb Kerr with Ann McCaig, board chair, Calgary Health Trust. The fabulous, fashionable fundraiser raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at Foothills Medical Centre.

Joe Colangelo poses with his daughter Kristin (left) and his fiancee Monika Jensen at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew.

Pictured at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew is Gucci’s Stephanie Teo-wearing, of course, Gucci from head to toe.

A fundraiser would not be the same were W. Brett Wilson not in attendance. Joining the famed philanthropist at Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew is Shauna Sky.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew featured 68 models showcasing 116 must-have Spring 2015 looks. The fabulous fashionable event raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew featured 68 models showcasing 116 must-have Spring 2015 looks. The fabulous fashionable event raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew featured 68 models showcasing 116 must-have Spring 2015 looks. The fabulous fashionable event raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew featured 68 models showcasing 116 must-have Spring 2015 looks. The fabulous fashionable event raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Pictured at the hugely successful Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Holt’s vice-president, exclusive services Lisa Tant and Holts divisional vice-president Deb Kerr.

Pictured, from left, at the hugely successful Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew are Tracy Logan, Holt Renfrew manager marketing and public relations with Holts divisional vice-president Deb Kerr, event producer Tom Dodd, Brooks and Dodd Consulting and Calgary Health Trust’s Samantha Morahan.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew was an enormous success and raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre. Pictured is Shaw’s Phoenix, one of four magenta carpet hosts this night.

Holt Renfrew Bella held March 11 in Holt Renfrew was an enormous success and raised more than $500,000 for the NICU at the Foothills Medical Centre. Pictured are Style Guys Jason (left) and Aly- two of the four magenta carpet hosts this night.

This past academic year marked many a milestone for St. Mary’s University- not the least of which was being approved from the Premier of Alberta to delete the word ‘College’ from its name. This  small, but mighty learning institution also  launched its extraordinary First Nations, Métis and Inuit initiatives, unveiled its Coat or Arms and celebrated record growth. It’s small class sizes has created a culture of passionate participation from its student body with fully one-fifth of the students volunteering in some capacity.

Such extraordinary great news is cause to celebrate and that is exactly what the 20th Anniversary St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar. 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park was all about. More than 200 guests attended the dinner to show their support of SMU. That- and to hear keynote speaker Ann McCaig’s stirring address “Philanthropy is the ‘extra’ in an extraordinary University”.  And who better to speak on this topic than one of our city’s greatest community leaders and philanthropists? Guests in attendance obviously agree as McCaig’s remarks garnered a standing ovation.

Other highlights of the evening included possibly one of the best renditions of O Canada I’ve heard- so take a bow St. Mary’s choir. And your performances of You Raise Me Up and Ain’t That Good News were nothing short of award worthy.

John Cordeau, QC, chair of the President’s Dinner committee, brought greetings and thanked supporters and sponsors while St. Mary’s president Dr. Gerry Turcotte shared his inspiring story as to how he came to be where he is.

Others in attendance this night included: Terry McCoy, chair of St. Mary’s University board of governors; emcee Linda Olsen of Global fame; Believe in the Gold founder Shonalie Stadnyk; Calgary Catholic School vice-principal Jessica Badzgon; Lamont Brown Group’s Keith Brown; Digital Humanity president Angela Christianson and her husband Bob Christianson, board member, Clear Water Academy; Stone Creek Resorts’ Guy Turcotte and his wife Dawn Turcotte; SMU board member Denis Herard; Mackie Wealth Group’s Jamie Mackie and his wife Brenda Mackie; avid SMU supporters Ted Valentine and his wife Shirley Valentine; SMU vice-president advancement Therese Takacs; and Calgary Economic Development vice-president, marketing, communications and research Mary Moran with colleage Jeanette Sutherland, manager, workforce and productivity.

All smiles at St. Mary’s University (SMU) 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Calgary Economic Development manager workforce and productivity Jeanette Sutherland with colleague Mary Moran, vice-president, marketing, communications and research.

Global’s Linda Olsen (left) did a great job in the role of emcee at the St. Mary’s University 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park. Joining Olsen is Believe in the Gold founder Shonalie Stadnyk.

Digital Humanity president Angela Christianson and her husband Bob Christianson, board member, Clear Water Academy were among the 200-plus guests who attended the St. Mary’s University 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park.

Stone Creek Resorts’ Guy Turcotte and his wife Dawn Turcotte pictured at the St. Mary’s University 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park. The Turcotte’s are invaluable supporters of St. Mary’s University.

Denis Herard can always be counted upon to support myriad causes. Heard , who is on the board of directors at St. Mary’s University is pictured at the university’s 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park.

Among the more than 200 guests who attended St. Mary’s University 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park were Banff Centre board chair Brenda Mackie and her husband, Mackie Wealth Group’s Jamie Mackie.

Pictured, from left, at St. Mary’s University (SMU) 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Lamont Brown Group’s Keith Brown, dinner chair John Cordeau, Q.C. and Calgary Catholic School vice-principal Jessica Badzgon.

Among the more than 200 guests who attended St. Mary’s University (SMU) 20th anniversary President’s Dinner held Mar 12 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park were invaluable sponsors Ted Valentine and his wife Shirley Valentine.

All the doom and gloom in the ‘patch’ certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm- nor attendance- nor dollars raised at Boyden Global Executive Search Guinness & Green St. Patrick’s Day bash held at the Calgary Petroleum Club.

More than 700 guests attended and dug deep this day to raise funds for Enviros-an invaluable organization that offers a range of therapeutic programs to keep families safe and strong, help children, youth and adults with addiction, mental health or other challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Each Enviros experience is intentionally designed for an individual or family as the best vehicle for learning a particular skill, lesson or truth moving people from vulnerability to empowerment.

Who was not among the more than 700 guests in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly half of downtown attended. Hosts with the mosts, Boyden partners Brent Shervey, Kevin Gregor, Robert Travis and Tim Hamilton barely had the chance to enjoy the mound of oysters, green martinis nor season suds as they were kept super busy greeting guests including: TransAlta special advisor Hunter Wight; PGIB executive director  Craig Chandler; strategic marketing consultant Lindsay Hamilton; McCarthy Tetrault’s Greg Turnbull, Q.C.; Enviros CEO Chris Mahoney with colleague Christy Herdman; General Magnetic CEO Al Duerr and his wife, CFO Kit Chan; my fave former politician Jim Dinning; Sen. Elect Mike Shaikh; Pat Higgerty, Q.C.; Rich Waller and his wife Jane McCaig; Counc. Sean Chiu; Boyden Calgary’s Brian Mellor and Nathan Berko; Corus executive chair Heather Shaw and her sister Julie Shaw with Shaw Communications; ATB vice-president, energy, Bruce Edgelow; UDI, Calgary CEO Guy Huntingford; and UDI, Calgary past chair Karin Finley.

Pictured at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club. are Enviros CEO Chris Mahoney with colleague Christy Herdman. The festive fete raised funds for the invaluable charity.

Pictured at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club are Boyden’s Brian Mellor (left) and Nathan Berko. More than 700 guests attended the celebration.

Among the more than 700 guests in attendance at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club were Sen. Elect Mike Shaikh (left) and Pat Higgerty, Q.C.

Among the more than 700 guests in attendance at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club were General Magnetic CFO Kit Chan and her husband, General Magnetic CEO Al Duerr.

Pictured at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club are UDI Calgary CEO Guy Huntingford and past UDI Calgary chair Karin Finley.

ATB vice-president, energy, Bruce Edgelow and strategic marketing consultant Lindsay Hamilton had a great time at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club.

Pictured, from left, at Boyden’s annual Guinness & Green event held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Calgary Petroleum Club are Heather Shaw, Greg Turnbull, Q.C. and Julie Shaw. More than 700 of the city’s movers and shakers attended the festive fete.

A select group of 40 or so gathered at Model Milk Apr 8 for a fabulous evening of cocktails and dinner hosted by Hugo Boss and Nordstrom. The private dinner was held to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine- and fete Calgary’s Tastemakers-five of the coolest guys you would ever hope to meet. That the evening had a charitable component was in keeping with the Nordstom and Hugo Boss mandate to give back to the community. Fashion-savvy shoppers who snapped up spring 2015 Boss Collection at Nordstrom Apr 9-12 saw 10% of their purchase directed to Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids (BB4CK) -an invaluable charity that distributes 2500 lunches a day to 156 schools. Nordstrom Canada president Karen McKibbin kicked off the private dinner with the announcement of a $10,000 donation to BB4CK.

Showing their finest Hugo Boss on the black carpet this night  were: Sharp Magazine editor-in-chief Greg Hudson with colleague Ryan Moleiro, senior account manager, Americas; Hugo Boss Canada managing director Lanita Layton; Huog Boss president and CEO, Americas, Dr. Gerrit Rutzel; Tastemaker Justin Leboe, owner/chef Model Milk; Tastemaker Pieter Boekhoff, founder, Nobal Technologies and his wife, physician Dr. Lynn Beokhoff; Tastemaker Jordan Allen, co-director, Bioi Design and his wife, RAD Architecture’s Kate Allen; renowned philanthropist, community leader-and Tastemaker- W. Brett Wilson; Blacksquare co-founder- and Tastemaker- David Gluzman and his wife, clinical nurse Pam Hruska; BB4CK executive director Tanya Koshowski and her understandably proud mother Judy Koshowski; Hugo Boss’ Sara Brandt; Nordstrom Chinook general manager Lisa Berg and her husband Nick Stein; Anstice Communications’ Lana Rogers; Nordstrom Chinook’s Tianna Stevenson; mode models founder Kelly Streit with colleague Michael Meneghetti; and Sass Communications’ Sarah Geddes.

Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted a private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers. Pictured, from left, are Ryan Moleiro, Sharp Magazine senior account manager, Americas and Greg Hudson, Sharp Magazine editor-in-chief.

Looking their fashionably finest at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are tastemaker Jordan Allen, co-director, Bioi Design and his wife Kate Allen with RAD Architecture.

Posing for the lens at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are tastemaker Pieter Boekhoff, founder, Nobal Technologies and his wife, physician Dr. Lynn Boekhoff.

Looking super glam at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are, from left, Hugo Boss’ Sara Brandt, Anstice Communications’ Lana Rogers, Nordstrom Chinook gnarl manger Lisa Berg with colleague Tianna Stevenson.

Among the select group of guests in attendance at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers were mode models founder Kelly Streit (right) with colleague Michael Meneghetti.

Pictured at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are Nordstrom Canada president Karen McKibbin with tastemaker, renowned philanthropist W. Brett Wilson.

Pictured at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) executive director Tanya Koshowski and her proud mom Judy. 10% of all sales of Hugo Boss apparel sold in Nordstrom Apr 9-12 was donated to BB4CK.

Pictured at the Hugo Boss and Nordstrom hosted private dinner at Model Milk Apr 18 to celebrate the April issue of Sharp Magazine and fete Calgary’s tastemakers are tastemaker David Guzman, co-founder and president of Blacksquare and his wife, clinical nurse Pam Hruska.