Tony Kay, the British Consul General in Calgary, could easily be the next James Bond. Kay’s myriad postings from Hong Kong and Romania to the Republic of Moldova and Oman, are just the globe-trotting activities  Bond is known for.  And Kay’s work on the Arab Spring was recognised by him being awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List. April 2016 will see Kay and his family taking a posting in  Tel Aviv. He’s charming. And good looking to boot.  Bond material, to be sure.

Kay and his delightful wife Michell Htun-Kay hosted more than 400 guests Nov 2 at the Sheraton Eau Claire for a pre-screening of the new James Bond film-Spectre. That invited guests were afforded the opportunity to view the film four days before its Canada-wide release was cool indeed.

The evening started with a themed reception in the hotel and featured cocktails, projections of previous Bond films on the walls, canapes and several booths highlighting fabulous British products. Next it was off to the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire  for the screening of Spectre. No spoiler alerts here, but many are saying this is the best Bond film ever. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.

Guests in attendance this night included: Mkango Resources CFO Sandra Beaulieu and her husband Alan Beaulieu; Alberta Energy’s Craig Watt and his wife, Enbridge’s Lauren Andre; Mount Royal University president David Docherty and his wife Kris Docherty; CAAP’s Karissa Boley; Office of the Mayor’s Daorcey Le Bray; U.S. Consul General Thomas Palaia and his wife Sarah; Stephen and Mary Lougheed; Office of the Premier’s Marcella Munro; Talio Energy chairman and CEO Steve Mason and his wife, ATB Financial’s Wendy Shaw-Mason; Calgary Herald editor Lorne Motley and his wife Suzanne; and Jermyn Street’s Ako Ufodike, his wife Chioma Ufodike and colleagues Michael Harney and Katalin Szollos.

Pictured at the British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 are Mkango Resources’ Alan and Sandra Beaulieu. Guests moved to the Eau Claire Cinema post reception for a first-hand viewing of the newest Bond film Sceptre.

Pictured at the British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 are Enbridge’s Lauren Andre and her husband, Alberta Energy’s Craig Watt. Guests moved to the Eau Claire Cinema post reception for a first-hand viewing of the newest Bond film Sceptre.

CAAP’s Karissa Boley and Office of the Mayor’s Daorcey Le Bray were among the select group of guests who attended the British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2.

The British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 celebrated all things British. Pictured are Jermyn Street 1664’s Michael Harney and Katalin Szollos.

Among those in attendance at the British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 were Mount Royal University president David Docherty and his wife Kris Docherty.

Pictured, from left, at the British Consul hosted James Bond premiere held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 are Stephen and Mary Lougheed with our new United States Consul General Thomas Palaia and his wife Sarah.

Pictured at the British Consul hosted James Bond reception held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 are Talio Energy chairman and CEO Steve Mason and his wife, ATB Financial’s Wendy Shaw-Mason. Guests were treated to a first-hand screening of the new James Bond film post reception.

Calgary Herald editor Lorne Motley and his wife Suzanne were among those in attendance at the British Consul hosted James Bond reception held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 . Guests were treated to a first-hand screening of the new James Bond film post reception.

Pictured at the British Consul hosted James Bond reception held at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Nov 2 are Jermyn Street Fashions CEO Ako Ufodike and his wife Chioma Ufodike. Guests were treated to a first-hand screening of the new James Bond film post reception.

Being an arts organization with a successful business model-meaning making money-are not mutually exclusive. The arts can-and should-be profitable. The Rozsa Foundation-founded in 1990, is a philanthropic organization known for effective support and advocacy for the arts in Alberta. The foundation builds on the legacy of Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa, who were acknowledged champions of of the arts through their support of non-for-profit arts organizations active in the City of Calgary. In 2003, the Rozsa Foundation honoured the philanthropy of Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa who had combined their love of the arts with an insistence upon good business practice. The goal of the Rozsa Award was to recognize, promote and celebrate excellence in arts management in order to make the field more attractive for future leaders. In 2012, the Rozsa Foundation extended its commitment to professional development in the arts with the launch of the Rozsa Arts Management Program in partnership with the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. As of 2015, this program is also offered in Edmonton at the University of Alberta School of Business. For the past 25 years, the foundation has been one of the most effective supporters of arts in our city and province. Such phenomenal success is cause to celebrate and that is exactly what several hundred guests did recently as politicians, business leaders, arts advocates and managers and Rozsa Foundation board members gathered at the Rozsa Centre to celebrate the foundation’s silver anniversary. Guests in attendance are pictured at right.

1 Pictured, from left, at the Rozsa Foundation 25th anniversary celebration are Roger and Linda Jackson, immediate past-chair National Music Centre, and past-CEO of Own the Podium with Bill and Dianne Chomik, senior principal, Kasian Architecture.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended the Rozsa Foundation 25th anniversary celebration were, from left, Harold Finkleman, Design Psychology and Communication, Alvin Libin, CEO Balmon Investments and Jeff McCaig, chairman and CEO Trimac Transportation.

Pictured, from left, at the Rozsa Foundation 25th anniversary celebration are Arlene Strom, vice-president, Sustainability and Communications, Suncor Energy, Colin Jackson, chair, ImagiNation 150 and Dru Marshall, Provost and vice-president, Academic, U of C.

Pictured at the Rozsa Foundation 25th anniversary celebration are Bob McPhee, general director and CEO, Calgary Opera with Bev Foy, director, Canada Council for the Arts.

There must have been something magical in the air the evening of Nov 7 as seemingly the entire city was attending events- all the while raising funds for myriad causes. And your faithful social scribe was moving faster than a bubble dancer with a slow leak covering LOOK2015 and Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd Charity Wine Auction.

The evening started at the ‘old’ Planetarium as more than 700 guests gathered for a LOOK into the future of  contemporary art in Calgary. LOOK2015, the premiere fundraising event for Contemporary Calgary, brought together a diverse, vibrant, and passionate cross-section of Calgarians who champion contemporary art in Calgary. The goal of the event was to raise $1 million needed to establish Temporary Contemporary in the Centennial Planetarium, a pop-up space scheduled to open in the fall of 2016. Goal achieved due in large part to an unprecedented live and silent auction of contemporary art and a $500,000 matching commitment generously offered by anonymous donors. Galleries and artists across Canada stepped up big time with support and donations. Art works from artists as diverse as Cathy Daley and Ron Moppett to Chris Cran and David Thauberger garnered top dollar through live and silent auctions. Other highlights this night included excellent emceeing by Dan Levy of MTV’s The Hills After Show fame and keynote speaker, author Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker fame. Guests gathered post auction in the Art Lounge to enjoy entertainment by DJ Chris Brennan with drummer Jared Andres followed by the After Party featuring entertainment by HUMANS.

Kudos to the small army of volunteers who worked tirelessly on LOOK2015. Take a bow sentiments go out to: Lori D’Agostino; Arif Hirani; Alex Kingcott; Derek MacDonald; Jay Mehr; Erin O’Connor; Melanie Zens; Andrea Zurawicz; Tyler Stuart; D’Arcy Levesque; and Charles Robinson, to name but a few.

Others in attendance are pictured at right.

Pictured, from left, at LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium are artist Ryan Sluggett, Contemporary Calgary board members Natasha Pashak and Yves Trepanier with Alberta Views Magazine founder Jackie Flanagan.

LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium was an enormous success and raised an impressive $1 million. Pictured are last year’s honorary co-chairs, from left, Rob Mabee, Morris and Ann Dancyger and Mark Tewksbury.

Pictured, from left, at LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium are Contemporary Calgary managing director Erin O’Connor with Office of the Premier’s Marcella Munro, Contemporary Calgary board member D’Arcy Levesque and Making Treaty 7’s Michele Stanners.

LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium was an enormous success and raised an impressive $1 million. Pictured are emcee Daniel Levy (left) of MTV fame and keynote speaker Adam Gopnik of New Yorker fame.

Among the hundreds of guests who attended LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium, were, from left, Jay Mehr, chair, fundraising committee, Contemporary Calgary, WAX Partnernship’s Dan Wright and artists Kristopher Karklin and Shawn Evans.

Pictured, from left, at LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium, are Barbara Edwards Contemporary’s Tara Westermann, Viviane Mehr and Barbara Edwards.

Pictured, from left, at LOOK2015-a fundraiser in support of Contemporary Calgary held Nov 7 in the Centennial Planetarium, are ACAD board chair Carol Ryder, Rozsa Foundation’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Al Duerr and his wife Kit Chan. The full-on event raised $1 million to transform the Planetarium into Contemporary Calgary’s new home.

Those that were not in attendance at LOOK2015 were certainly front and centre at the Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd Charity Wine Auction. The best food and wine event of the year took on a tres cool French vibe this year as hundreds of guests channeled either their inner Toulouse Lautrec or Edith Piaf look for La Rouge Gala in support of Vintage Fund.  The Vintage Fund has donated more than $4 million since inception and this year will see $280,000 being directed to the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund and the Alberta Children’s Hospital KIDsim program. The Calgary Herald’s Christmas Fund splits all donations evenly towards 12 deserving charities in Calgary with a focus on hunger, homelessness, addiction and abuse. KIDsim at The Alberta Children’s Hospital is a community funded pediatric patient simulation training program that prepares doctors, nurses- and sometimes families in CPR, trauma and emergency situations.

Highlights of La Rouge Gala were numerous including killer entertainment, amazing people watching, fabulous food and, of course, winemakers from around the world pouring some of the best wines going. And the live auction items of  trips to wineries and distilleries, special dinners, rare bottles from local collectors and many other one-of-a-kind items saw guest bidding top dollar for these amazing items.

Cheers to gala co-chairs Scott and Suzanne Henuset on yet again raising the bar to create an outstanding event. Salute! as well to Wayne and Liz Henuset, Peggy Perry, Michael Bigattini and all the super folks at Willow Park Wines & Spirits for their hours and hours of work on the gala.

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance this night were: St. Supery Estate CEO Emma Swain; Terralsole owner Mario Bollag; Tinhorn Creek president and CEO Sandra Oldfield;Tolaini owner Louie Tolaini; Waterstone Winery owner Brent Shortridge; Noble Ridge owners Jim and Leslie D’Andrea; Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Saifa Koonar with colleague Liz Ballendine; Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife, Kensington Riverside Inn’s Kerry Wilson; Bordeaux Properties president and CEO Birol Fisekci and Michele Waters-Fisekci; Reid and Karen Henuset;  Calgary Herald colleagues Lorne Motley (with his wife Suzanne), Monica Zurowski, Michelle Jarvie and Val Fortney; chefs Michael Noble and Matt Wilson; CTV’s Bob Sumner and his wife Diana; Andrew Schultz and his wife Amanda; and everyone’s favourite morning radio trio Don, Joanne and The Coach.

Actor Brendan Hunter got into the Moulin Rouge vibe at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7. The glam event raised funds for the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund and the Alberta Children’s Hospital KIDsim program.

Pictured from left at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7 are Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Liz Ballendine with Bordeaux Properties president and CEO Birol Fisekci, Michele Waters-Fisekci and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Saifa Koonar.

Pictured at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7 are the Taittinger girls who ensured guests’ glasses were always full.

Pictured at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7 are Reid and Karen Henuset.

Pictured from left at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7 are renowned chefs Michael Noble and Matt Wilson with CTV’s Bob Sumner and his wife Diana.

Pictured with reason to smile at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7 are Willow Park’s Liz and Wayne Henuset with Peggy Perry. Funds raised this night were directed to the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund and the Alberta Children’s Hospital KIDsim program.

Michael Bigattini (centre) is joined by Andrew Schultz and his wife Amanda at La Rouge Gala, Willow Park Wines & Spirits 22nd charity wine auction held Nov 7. The Moulin Rouge themed event raised $280,000.

Pictured at Willow Park Wines’ La Rouge Gala are Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife Kensington Riverside Inn’s Kerry Wilson.

The Calgary Public Library Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the Bob Edwards Award Gala, is always a must-attend event. And this year’s, held Nov 5 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, was perhaps the best yet as record funds were raised to help the Library support literacy and lifelong learning. So how record you might ask? Try $296,400- plus an additional $100,000 pledge. More on the latter in a bit. Such phenomenal success-especially in these challenging economic times- can be attributed to this year’s award recipient-W. Brett Wilson. Wilson is legendary for his commitment to myriad causes and is passionate about giving back. Witness his pledge of the aforementioned $100,000. There is a catch though. Said pledge will be honoured once the City of Calgary gets with the times and licenses Uber. Enough said.

Your faithful social scribe had the distinct pleasure of joining forces with other ‘notable’ Calgarians in hosting one of the 36 tables at the great gala. Highlights of the evening were numerous, but surely topping the list was Wilson’s inspiring-and provocative- address. Pop-up performances from Kenneth Rogers, Cowtown Opera as represented by Michelle Minke and Sara Staples and Bel Canto Strings’ Radek Sokulski and Karri Quan provided just the right amount of musical entertainment.

Kudos to presenting partner TD on stepping up to the plate-again. And take a bow sentiments go out to Spirit Partner Willow Park Wines & Spirits,  Venue Partner Fairmont Palliser, Early Literacy Partner Nexen, emcee Jebb Fink and Human Potential Partner Canoe Financial, to name but a few.

Guests in attendance are pictured at right.

Pictured, from left, at the 2015 Bob Edwards Award Gala are TD’s Russell Anderson, Brian Gervais, Tracey Schmitz, Calgary Public Library Foundation vice-president Brent Buechler and TD’s Derek Turner. TD was a the presenting partner of the record setting gala that saw $296,400 being raised for the foundation.

Pictured, from left, at the 2015 Bob Edwards Award Gala are Calgary Public Library Foundation president and CEO Paul McIntyre Royston, foundation board chair Pat Moore with Calgary Public Library board chair Janet Hutchinson and Library CEO Bill Ptacek. A record $296,400 was raised for the library.

Among the several hundred guests in attendance at the 2015 Bob Edwards Award Gala were Prairie Merchant Capital’s Stacie Sceviour and Emily Corner. The ladies’ boss, W. Brett Wilson, was the 2015 award recipient.

Pictured, from left, at the 2015 Bob Edwards Award Gala are Rob Gray Asset Management’s Sabrina Siwiec, Scotia McLeod’s Maddy Marchese and Quintaro’s Heather Lawton.

Celebration and gratitude were the order of the evening Nov 17 as scores of guests gathered at TELUS Spark for the launch of the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund campaign. The evening took on special meaning as this marked the launch of the Fund’s 25th year. That nearly $23 million has been raised since inception is phenomenal indeed. And that 70 agencies from Calgary and surrounding area have received much needed funding is truly remarkable. Think about the ripple effect helping 70 agencies has had on our beloved city. Thousands of individuals’ lives have been changed for the better thanks to the Herald Christmas Fund. And every dime has gone to the different agencies. All administrative costs are absorbed by the Herald. To say that I am proud indeed to work at the Herald would be an understatement.

Hosts with the most, Herald editor Lorne Motley and executive producer Monica Zurowski announced the 14 agencies that will share in funds raised from the 25th annual campaign while Stacey Petersen, Fresh Start Recovery Centre executive director, spoke passionately as to the difference being a past recipient of funding has made to the centre and its clients.

This year’s campaign will benefit those who suffer from hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty and domestic violence. Your faithful social scribe is making a $200 donation to the fund and I throw a challenge out to every person whose name- and or picture has been in my pages this past year to match or better my pledge. Together we will ensure those who are much, much worse off than we are will get the support they desperately need. Donate securely online at heraldchristmasfund.com or call 403-235-7481, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thank you for your support and God bless.

Among the scores of guests who attended the launch of the 2015 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund held Nov 17 at TELUS Spark were Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ Wayne Henuset and Peggy Perry. A portion of the funds raised at Willow Park’s recent Wine Auction will be directed to the Fund-now in it’s 25th year.

Pictured at the launch of the 2015 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund held Nov 17 at TELUS Spark are Fresh Start Recovery Centre executive director Stacey Petersen with colleague Kate King. Petersen spoke passionately this night as to the difference being a past recipient of funds from the Herald Christmas Fund has made to Fresh Start clients.

Among the scores of guests who were in attendance at the launch of the 2015 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund held Nov 17 at TELUS Spark were UDI president and CEO Guy Huntingford (left) with Postmedia director of sales Ed Huculak.

Pictured with reason to smile at the launch of the 2015 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund held Nov 17 at TELUS Spark are Wellspring Calgary’s Suzan Valenta (left) and Patti Morris. Wellspring is one of the 14 recipient agencies from this year’s campaign.

Pictured, from left, at the launch of the 2015 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund held Nov 17 at TELUS Spark are Fund selection committee members Don McCreary, Lorie Armstrong and Jason Gaudry. 14 recipient agencies will share in the funds raised from this year’s campaign.

As Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes so adeptly put it “Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach.”

Scores of Calgarians concur with this statement as our beloved city is, on a per-capita basis, one of the most philanthropic cities in North America.

And celebrating those who give so much of their time-and treasure- is what Philanthropy Awareness Week 2015, National Philanthropy Day and the Generosity of Spirit Reception were all about.

Congratulations to those individuals and corporations honoured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held atop The Bow Nov 10. You do our city proud indeed. So take a well-deserved bow: the super folks at Alliance Pipeline who were presented the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award; Johnson Morrison Hunter & Co. (JMH & Co.) on being presented  the Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist Award; Visionary Homebuilders on being presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Group Award; Sue Riddell Rose on being presented the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award; Matthew Carrington on being presented the Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award; the Sevcik family on being presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Family Award; Linda Forzani, who accepted the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Philanthropist Award of behalf of her late husband, John Forzani; Cheryl Hamelin on being presented the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award; Marlene Mulligan on being presented the Outstanding New Fundraising Professional Award; and Vicki Reid on being presented the Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award.

Others in attendance included: National Philanthropy Day in Calgary co-chairs Heather Innes and Sybil Choles; AFP Calgary and Area Chapter president Wayne Steer; BMO’s Sumer Gil; Imperial Oil Foundation president Tom Huffaker; Vincent Duckworth and Sharon DeBoer, incoming chairs of the 2016 National Philanthropy Day in Calgary; Shane Homes’ Cal Wenzel; Brookfield’s Alan Norris and Allan Klassen; Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk; and others pictured at right.

Pictured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are Vincent Duckworth and Sharon DeBoer, incoming chairs of the 2016National Philanthropy Day.

Pictured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are 2015 National Philanthropy Day in Calgary  co-chairs Heather Innes (left) and Sybil Choles.

All smiles at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are, from left, Junior Achievement’s Cheryl Hamelin, Cenovus’ Vicki Reid and RESOLVE’s Sheryl Barlage.

Pictured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are Sue Riddell Rose and her husband Mike Rose. Riddell Rose was presented with the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award.

Pictured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk (left) and Linda Forzani. Forzani’s husband, the late, great John Forzani was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Philanthropist Award.

Pictured, from left, at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow are BMO’s Sumer Gil, Imperial Oil Foundation president Tom Huffaker and AFP Calgary president Wayne Steer.

Pictured at the Generosity of Spirit Reception held Nov 10 at The Bow is Alliance Pipeline president and CEO Terrance Kutryk. Alliance was presented with the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropic Award.

The economic challenges we are facing these days impact not only families, but our furry friends as well. Families may find themselves no longer able to provide adequate food, shelter or medical care forcing them into the heart-wrenching decision to surrender their cherished pets. The Calgary Humane Society  shelter numbers have risen just as fundraising becomes more and more challenging.

Thank goodness then for events the likes of Cocktails for Critters, the Humane Society’s signature fundraising initiative. The 2015 event, held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts, featured entertainment, fabulous food and beverages as only the Arts can do, silent auction items and the always popular pets and their owners fashion show. Avid philanthropist Joan Snyder accepted the role as honourary chair this year. Joan and her mother founded the Phoebe and Joan Snyder Education Fund at Calgary Humane Society more than 20 years ago. The Snyder’s know well of the invaluable benefit relationships with animals bring.

Guests joining in on the fun this night included: Calgary Humane Society board chair Deanna Steblyk and her husband Fortis Alberta’s Harvey Steblyk; society executive director Carrie Fritz; board member Anne Hobbs; society manager of resource development Rae Fehr; 27-year volunteer extraordinaire Lynne Paul; mentalist Greg “T”; animal lovers Desiree Ellis and Ryan Brown; presenting sponsor Preventous Collaborative Health’s Nalini Bissoondath, Stevie Blanchard and Tara Therien; emcee CTV News anchor Tara Nelson with Stephen Harper; fashion show commentators At Large Communications’ Jason Krell and his partner, uber designer Alykhan Velji; and realtors Leisa Fuller and Bob Sheddy.

Looking smart indeed at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov6 at Hotel Arts are Alykhan Velji (left) and Jason Krell. The stylish gents commentated the pets and their owners fashion show.

CTV News anchor Tara Nelson and her husband Stephen Harper were among the guests in attendance at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters signature fundraising event held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts. Nelson was the event’s emcee.

Pictured at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts are society board chair Deanna Steblyk (left) and society executive director Carrie Fritz.

Pictured at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts are realtors Leisa Fuller and Bob Sheddy. The fab fundraiser featured a pets and their owners fashion show.

The Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts was a resounding success thanks in large part to honorary chair Joan Snyder (right) and and society board member Anne Hobbs (left).

Among the scores of guests in attendance at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts were, from left, Mentalist “Greg T” and animal lovers Desiree Ellis and Ryan Brown.

The Calgary Humane Society’s signature fundraiser-Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts was a great success thanks in large part to presenting sponsor Preventous Collaborative Health. Pictured, from left, are Preventous’ Stevie Blanchard, Nalini Bissoondath and Tara Therien.

Pictured at the Calgary Humane Society’s Cocktails for Critters held Nov 6 at Hotel Arts are society board chair Deanna Steblyk and her husband Harvey Steblyk with Fortis Alberta.

Silence is not a virtue when it comes to the cycles of family violence, homelessness and poverty. Speak up. Speak out. Such are the mantras of the YWCA of Calgary’s Why Whisper Gala. The YWCA of Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in the city. Through its more than 104 year history, the organization has touched tens of thousands of lives and evolved its programs to meet the changing needs of women in the community. The YWCA offers more than 18 programs that create a continuum of service for women and their families who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, family violence and isolation. The importance the Y makes to the community cannot be overstated and it is thanks to the scores of guests and volunteers who have supported the Why Whisper Gala over the years, the Y will continue to provide invaluable services for years to come.

This year, the 5th annual gala held Nov 19 at the Telus Convention Centre, featured keynote speaker Martin Luther King III. Readers may recall past speakers have included notables such as Michaelle Jean, Gloria Steinem, Naomi Judd, and Erin Brockovich.  King inspired  the more than 500 guests in attendance with his message of global injustice, prejudice and the struggle for equity across the board. Other highlights this night included masterful emceeing from Dave Kelly, fabulous auction and raffle items and inspiring messages from YWCA CEO Sue Tomney and honourary chair Leslie O’Donoghue. But, for many, the highlight of the evening was Impact speaker Lynn Molvik who beautifully shared her message of turning tragedy into triumph and hope.

Other guests in attendance this night included: gala chair Rebecca Morley; founding chair Jane McCaig and her husband Rich Waller; advisory committee members Ann McCaig, Stephanie Felesky, Lesley Conway and Deb Kerr, to name but a few; Hello Gorgeous Skinlab’s Michelle MacPherson; Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque; GMP Securities’ Wade Feleksy; Alberta Party’s Greg Clark; auctioneer extraordinaire Bill Brown with colleague John Murray; and Tidewater Midstream’s Toby McKenna and his wife, Renfrew Educational Services’ Michelle McKenna.

Pictured with Martin Luther King III at the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre is YWCA of Calgary CEO Sue Tomney. King was the gala’s keynote speaker.

Pictured with Martin Luther King III at the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre are, from left, Ann McCaig, King, gala founding chair Jane McCaig and her husband Rich Waller.

Tidewater Midstream’s Toby McKenna and his wife Renfrew Educational Services’ Michelle McKenna were among the 500 guests who attended the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.

Hello Gorgeous Skinlab’s Michelle MacPherson (left) and Holt Renfrew’s Deb Kerr pictured at the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. A luxury shopping day at Holt’s was one of the coveted auction items.

Pictured, from left, at the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre are GMP Securities’ Wade Felesky, Alberta Party’s Greg Clark and Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque.

Auctioneer extraordinaire Bill Brown (left) and colleague John Murray ensured top dollars were bid on terrific auction items at the YWCA’s signature fundraising initiative-Why Whisper Gala held Nov 19 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.

Over the past two decades, FirstEnergy Capital has evolved from a Calgary-based energy focused investment bank, to one of the preeminent providers of investment banking services for investors and corporate participants in the energy sector worldwide. Over the past 20 years, FirstEnergy’s cumulative efforts have resulted in over $36 million being donated to 620 charities and community organizations. FirstEnergy has been an invaluable sponsor of the Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit for many, many years. If one were to look up the word philanthropy-and fun- in the dictionary, no doubt the iconic firm’s name would be top of the list.

And fun was what the recent seasonal celebration held Nov 25 was all about. A clever email invite to the soiree featured a drawing of a box of wine with the words Everything tastes better after the third glass…Chardon…Yayyy. Lower expectations. Higher returns.

What in year’s past had been an elegant party with food, flowers and libation galore had morphed  into a pared down version with food samplings consisting of peanuts, popcorn, beer and wine. Appropriate indeed given these challenging times.

Hosts with the most-FirstEnergy CEO John Chambers and executive chairman Jim Davidson, were kept busy this night greeting seemingly everyone in the ‘patch’ and the not-for-profit sector including: Scott Land and Lease’s Gregg Scott; Quest SME Consulting’s Gordon Aldcorn; Core Linepipe vice-president of finance and CFO David Burgess; Providence director Maureen O’Connor; Raging River Exploration’s Bruce Beynon; RMP Energy’s Bruce McFarlane; Wood’s Homes Foundation past board chair Heather Heasman with colleague Karen Karpuk, director of development; Walker Lawson Interior Design’s Reagan Brown and Jane Lawson; LCol Kyle Clapperton, Commanding Officer, The Calgary Highlanders and Hon LCol and co-CEO of ARC Resources Lauchlan Currie; and FirstEnergy’s Nicholas Johnson, Kathy Hnatiuk, Valerie Aucoin, Oana Stanculescu and Beverley McCartney.

Pictured, from left, at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration open house held Nov 25 in the iconic firm’s offices are RMP Energy’s Bruce McFarlane, Providence’s Maureen O’Connor and Core Linepipe vice president operations and CFO David Burgess.

Wood’s Homes Foundation past board chair Heather Heasman (left) and Karen Karpuk, Wood’s Homes director of development were among the several hundred guests in attendance at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration open house held Nov 25 in the iconic firm’s offices.

All smiles at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration held Nov 25 in the iconic firm’s offices are FirstEnergy’s Kathy Hnatiuk (left) and Valerie Aucoin (right) with Quest SME Consulting’s Gordon Aldcorn.

Pictured at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration held Nov 25 are Walker Lawson Interior Design’s Reagan Brown (left) and Jane Lawson.

Pictured at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration held Nov 25 are The Calgary Highlanders Commanding Officer LCol Kyle Clapperton (left) and Honorary LCol and ARC Resources co-CEO Lauchlan Currie.

Pictured at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration held Nov 25 are FirstEnergy’s Nicholas Johnson (left) and Raging River Exploration’s Bruce Beynon.

Pictured at FirstEnergy’s annual seasonal celebration held Nov 25 are FirstEnergy’s Oana Stanculescu (left) and Beverley McCartney.

If one is averse to change, 2015 may have proved challenging indeed. New provincial and federal governments took front page news.  Massive layoffs unlike anything we have seen for decades caused many to lose heart.

But we are a resilient lot and took it all in stride. We still supported myriad causes, had great fun and raised millions of dollars for those in need. One need simply add up the dollars mentioned in this feature and you will no doubt feel inspired-and hopeful.

So enjoy this look back at the year that was. I wish to personally thank each and everyone one of you for getting out there and making our city the best place on earth in which to live. I look forward to seeing you out and about and here’s to a New Year filled with joy, health, prosperity and love.

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.

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

All smiles, from left, at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section Chinese New Year Gala 2015 held Feb 20 at the Regency Palace Restaurant are Dialog’s Robert Jim, HKCBA national chair Alexandria Sham, Calgary section president Bonita Wong and national executive director Randy Paquette.

Pictured with rock legend Melissa Etheridge (centre) at the CUPS Moonlight Lounge, held Feb 26 at the Hyatt are CUPS board chair Michael Lang and executive director Carlene Donnelly. Etheridge headlined the SRO event – much to the delight of all in attendance.

Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser featured a fantastic excerpt from the ballet’s hugely successful Love Lies Bleeding. Pictured-post performance- are Alberta Ballet’s supremely talented dancers.

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. Such phenomenal success is thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteer committee pictured.

Pictured with reason to smile at the 2014 SAM Awards are, from left, Morrison Homes matriarch Irene Morrision and her son Al Morrison and his wife Donna. Morrison Homes won big this night by taking home the Grand Sam Builder of the Year Award.

Calgary Health Trust’s 11th annual Funny Bone Comedy Night in support of Peter Lougheed Centre starring Jann Arden and Rick Mercer was an enormous success. Pictured, from left, with the Canadian comic legends are Funny Bone committee members Bruce Edgelow, Arden, Scott Thon, Kirk Bailey, Ann McCaig and Mercer.

The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter (CWES) Turning Points 2015 held Apr 30 at the Telus Convention Centre was a tremendous success and raised more than $650,000. Pictured with reason to smile are event co-chairs Sherri Logel (left) and Shelly Norris with their proud husbands Tim Logel (left) and Alan Norris.

The 17th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit raised record funds for the Prostate Cancer Centre. Pictured, from left, at the Rock A Billy themed fete held at Hotel Arts are founder Bill Brooks, Renee Hopfner, director community investment for Sobeys Inc and Larry Clausen, event chair. The 18th annual-Billy of Oz-takes place Friday, January 29 at Hotel Arts. Tickets are available through calgaryhealthtrust.ca/brooksbenefit.

Wishes came true for the Wylie family at the Children’s Wish Foundation Gala held May 20 at the Telus Convention Centre. The Wylies toured Universal Studios and saw Harry Potter. Pictured are mom Lindy and dad Todd with their son Elijah. The super hero themed event raised more than $500,000.

The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre’s (AARC) 18th annual Voices of Hope Gala Benefit Dinner held May 21 at the Telus Convention Centre was a resounding success and netted $815,000. Such a magnificent milestone would not be possible were it not for the outstanding support of Remington Development Corporation-title sponsor of the gala since day one. Pictured, from left, are Remington president Cody Clayton, Alanna Remington, Randy Remington, Jamie Cooper, senior-vice president, construction and land and Ryan Remington.

The 53rd Calgary Italian Sportsmen’s Dinner, held June 4 featuring guest of honour and keynote speaker Mario Andretti (centre) was an SRO success and was attended by more than 800 gentlemen. Joining the legendary racing icon are emcees Tony Spoletini (left) and Frank Mafrica.

The annual Tusks & Tails gala in support of our beloved zoo is a must attend event. Pictured at this year’s gala, held June 11 are Tusks co-chairs Mike and Sherri Balm.

The second annual Breakfast on the Bridge held on the Peace Bridge at dawn June 20 raised funds for our beloved military and their families through the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre. This day also marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Holland from German occupation. Pictured, from left, are guest of honour and keynote speaker this morning Lt. General Mart de Kruif, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army and event co-founder George Brookman.

Pictured at the annual Hay’s Breakfast, held July 5 at Heritage Park are, Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach with breakfast co-host Dan Hays. The annual breakfast is the place to see and be seen.

The Sir Winston Churchill Society of Calgary 49th Annual Memorial Banquet featured keynote speaker Emma Soames (centre), Sir Winston’s granddaughter. Joining Soames are society president Steven Robertson (left) and avid supporter Fred Mannix.

The 2nd annual Rockyview Invitational saw the ‘patch’ and homebuilders join forces to raise more than $1 million for programs and services at the Rockyview General Hospital. Pictured at the pre- tournament reception held at Barcelona are tournament hosts Plains Midstream Canada’s Dave Duckett (left) and Jayman Built’s Jay Westman.

The Sobeys Inc. Better Food Fund Charity Golf Classic held July 22 and 23 raised an incredible $820,000 for Sobeys Inc. Better Food Fund partners. Pictured are Chuck Mulvenna, president, corporate operations, Sobeys West (left) and Sobeys Inc. CEO Marc Poulin.

Pictured with 395,000 reasons to smile at the 2015 Priddis Greens Charity Classic held Aug 11-13 in support of the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre are Pam Heard, executive director of the centre and tournament chair and centre board member Bas Wheeler.

The 36th annual Banff Centre Midsummer Ball Weekend was wondrous indeed. For many, the highlight was a surprise performance from legendary k.d. lang. The ball weekend was the most successful in history raising a phenomenal $1.348 million.

The first major performance space to be built in Calgary in 30 years, the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, opened its doors in grand style Aug 26. The magnificent space would not be possible were it not for the phenomenal $21 million donation from the Taylor family. Pictured, from left, at the opening are Don and Ruth Taylor, Premier Rachel Notley and MRU president David Docherty and his wife Kris.

Encore 2015 was an enormous success and raised more than $800,000 for bone and join health in Alberta. The evenings of musical entertainment kicked off with a VIP reception held in the home of co-chair Ann McCaig (right). Headlining the fabulous fundraiser was Holly Cole (centre) pictured with Encore co-chair Marilyn McCaig (left).

With one in seven men developing prostate cancer in their lifetime, battling this disease is a call to action we all must heed. The 18th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-taking place Friday Jan. 29 at Hotel Arts (calgaryhealthtrust.ca)  will raise much-needed funding for the Calgary Prostate Cancer Center. This world-class facility relies solely on donor dollars and events such as the Brooks Benefit to continue helping the thousands of men and their families who utilize the facility each year.

And for the first time in its history, the Brooks Benefit is offering a fabulous raffle with the first prize being a 2016 Camero. Second prize is a 2016 Harley Davidson. And third prize, two tickets anywhere WestJet flies. It is thanks to the super folks at Shaganappi Motors and Harley Davidson Calgary that these fabulous raffle prizes are up for grabs.

Tickets are only $50 each or 3 for a $100 and with only 5000 tickets printed, the odds of winning are enticing indeed. Retired Calgary Stampeder great Jon Cornish attended the Calgary Harley Davidson booth at the Motorcycle Show this past weekend to help sell raffle tickets and create prostate cancer awareness. Raffle tickets are available by calling 403-943-0619 or log on to billbrooksraffle. ca. Many thanks for your support and good luck!

If ever there was a year we need to have fun and enjoy life, 2016 looks to be the one. Thank goodness there are myriad opportunities for same, but none more so than the One Yellow Rabbit (OYR) High Performance Rodeo. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the rodeo can always be counted upon to offer a plethora of performance events featuring top-drawer, fresh, young talent of local and international acclaim.

Scores of Rabbit supporters, Tourism Calgary brass and politicians gathered atop the Calgary Tower Jan 7 for the official launch of the 30th anniversary. The evening also saw the announcement of the official playlist of the Calgary Songs Project: 30 Songs Celebrating 30 Years as Mayor Nenshi proclaimed the official start to the Year of Music in Calgary.

For many this night, thoughts were of Michael Green, Rodeo founder, producer and curator who was tragically taken from us in a car accident February 10,2015. Green’s legacy will live on for many years through the Rabbits and High Performance Rodeo. As Ann Connors, OYR managing director and High Performance Rodeo artistic producer eloquently wrote ” The 2016 High Performance Rodeo is all about finding the beauty that arises from the forest floor after a fire’s devastation. The fact that rabbits are among the first creatures to re-inhabit and thrive in that kind of natural devastation is a fitting reminder of the resiliency of One Yellow Rabbit.”

Joining Connors and Nenshi at the official kick-off were: Alberta Minister of Finance, Joe Ceci; National Music Centre president and CEO Andrew Mosker with colleagues Julijana Capone, Brandon Wallis, Mary Kapusta and Chad Saunders; Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady; Cassandra McAuley, director, corporate communications, Tourism Calgary; OYR consultant Dale Turri; First Calgary Financial’s Megan Douglas and Teri Buckley; OYR board chair Peter Kufeldt; Kenna Burima, curator, Calgary Songs Project; Arif Ansari, Calgary Cassette Preservation Society; and Herald colleague Mike Bell. One Yellow Rabbit’s 30th anniversary High Performance Rodeo runs through Jan. 31. Tickets and information at hprodeo.ca. Year of Music information available at pushplaycalgary.ca

 Pictured at the official launch of One Yellow Rabbit’s 30th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo held Jan 7 atop the Calgary Tower are First Calgary Financial’s Megan Douglas (left) and Teri Buckley. First Calgary is one of the invaluable major sponsors of the rodeo.

Pictured at the official launch of One Yellow Rabbit’s (OYR) 30th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo held Jan 7 atop the Calgary Tower are Kim Green, widow of the late, great Michael Green who was tragically killed in a car accident last February and OYR board chair Peter Kufeldt.

 The official launch of One Yellow Rabbit’s 30th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo held Jan 7 atop the Calgary Tower featured the announcement of the official playlist of the Calgary Songs Project: 30 Songs Celebrating 30 Years. Pictured are Kenna Burima (right), curator, Calgary Songs Project and Arif Ansari, Calgary Cassette Preservation Society.

 All smiles at the official launch of One Yellow Rabbit’s (OYR) 30th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo held Jan 7 atop the Calgary Tower are Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady (left) and Cassandra McAuley, Tourism Calgary  director of corporate communications.

Pictured, from left, at the official launch of One Yellow Rabbit’s 30th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo held Jan 7 atop the Calgary Tower are National Music Centre president and CEO Andrew Mosker with colleagues Julijana Capone, Brandon Wallis, Mary Kapusta and Chad Saunders. 2016 will be a huge year for the National Music Centre as it opens it officially opens its doors.

Our beloved Rockies were a well kept secret until the 1920s. It was then that tourism in one of the most beautiful places on earth really took off. Of interest is that it was way back in 1887 that Canada’s first national park-Rocky Mountains Park- was established. And thanks to the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Banff Springs Hotel and Lake Louise Chalet-as they were then called, were built to attract tourists and increase the number of rail passengers.

But it was not until 1911 that Banff was accessible by automobile from Calgary. Fully nine years later, access to Lake Louise by road was available and 1923 saw the Banff-Windermere Road opened connecting Banff with British Columbia. Winter tourism in Banff began in February 1917 with the first Banff Winter Carnival.

Such a storied history is  cause to celebrate and that is precisely what a select group of guests did recently at the Fairmont Banff Springs by attending the Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser hosted by the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE). AMPEE directors, politicians, Parks Canada and Travel Alberta brass and lovers of all things Rocky Mountains donned their finest 20’s garb for an evening of sipping, supping, schmoozing and fundraising.

The annual gala is a key source of funding for AMPPE, whose advocacy work represents over 125 businesses and individuals in the pursuit of balance between sustainable tourism, ecological integrity and positive visitor experience in Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks. AMPPE members include a complete cross section of industry from tour operators, accommodation providers, ski resorts, business firms, restaurants, municipalities, retailers and recreationists in Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay. Highlights of the evening included the live auction where the first ever barrel of single malt whisky to be distilled in a National Park was donated by Park Distillery as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Other premium items included an a gold leaf trip on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, a CMH heli ski vacation, a VIP dinner for 20 at the Cliff House at Mount Norquay and a private movie screening at the Lux Cinema. Hostess with the mostess, Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen, was kept busy this night greeting guests the likes of: MP’s Blake Richards and Michelle Rempel;  former Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle and his wife Josée Latourelle; Banff Centre president Janice Price; Carsten Sorensen; AMPEE executive director Casey Peirce; Canmore Mayor John Borrowman and his wife Lynnn Borrowman; Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland and his wife Bonnie Ireland; Travel Alberta CEO Royce Chwin and his wife Giselle Danis; and
Fairmont Regional vice-president David Roberts.

Casey Peirce, Executive Director of AMPPE was thrilled with the outcome of the event. “Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored or donated to the 2015 AMPPE Gala. Your support goes a long way to ensuring that Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks remain a world leader in visitor experience to the millions of guests we welcome every year. I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of our members for success in 2016!”

 Travel Alberta CEO Royce Chwin and Giselle Danis had a wonderful time at the Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE).

 Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland and his wife Bonnie Ireland were among the dignitaries in attendance at the Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE).

 Posing for the lens at the recent Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE) are Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen and Carsten Sorensen.

 Among the theme attired guests in attendance at the Roaring Twenties inspired fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE) were Canmore Mayor John Borrowman and Lynn Borrowman.

 Banff Centre president Janice Price and Carsten Sorensen cut an elegant swath at the recent Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE). Tourism in the Rockies really took off in the 1920’s.

 Looking fashionably fabulous at the recent Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE) are Casey Peirce, AMPEE executive director (left) with Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen.

 Bob Peirce was perhaps one of the more popular volunteers at the recent Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE). Tourism in the Rockies really took off in the 1920’s.

 Pictured at the recent Roaring Twenties themed fundraiser held recently at the Fairmont Banff Springs in support of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE) are Alan Latourelle, former CEO, Parks Canada and Josee Latourelle. Tourism in the Rockies was born during the twenties.

From humble beginnings in 1950, the B’nai Brith Dinner has seen exponential growth and can boast more than 26,000 guests have attended and almost $4 million has been raised for local charities.  Organizations as varied as Calgary Akiva Academy and Alberta Children’s Hospital to Yom Hashoah and Youth Philanthropy Project have benefitted from the annual dinner. Honourees the likes of Gordie Hoffman, Q.C. and Ken King to Phil Libin and Harley Hotchkiss have been fetted over the years and and the 65th annual dinner, held Jan 20 at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue, saw 500 guests attend to honour David Frum, Senior Editor, The Atlantic and MP Jason Kenney. Frum was born in Toronto and grew up as part of a well-known Canadian family. His mother, Barbara, was one of the more respected CBC journalists and his father was a businessman and art collector founding the Frum Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario. His sister is a Canadian Senator and a strong pro-Israel advocate.

Kenney’s storied political career began in 1988 and the rest, as they say, is history. Kenney has been recognized by all parties as one of the hardest working MP’s on Parliament Hill.

Apt indeed that these two gentlemen be honoured this year. Other honours this night were bestowed upon David Brodksy with the Ben Dockter Award for 2015 and a posthumous tribute to Dr. Martha Cohen.

Other guests in attendance this night included: famed philanthropist Sam Switzer and his daughter Darlene Switzer and her husband Bill; dentists Dr. Bruce and Stuart Yaholnitsky and Dr. Paul Chapman; Harmin Holdings’ Stuart Libin; Rogers & Co.’s Brian Rogers, Q.C.; Canadian Western Bank’s Glen Eastwood; former Sen. Ron Ghitter; dinner committee chair Howard Silver with CTV National News Alberta Bureau Chief Janet Dirks; B’Nai Brith Calgary president Dr. Robert Barsky and his wife Marcy; B’Nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn with colleague Frances Lazar; emcee, Global News anchor Gord Gillies; Calgary Jewish Community Centre executive director Lynne Preston with colleague Nessie Hollander; Krita Investments’ Ike Kolias; and Cheryl Cohen.

 Pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are honouree David Frum, senior editor, The Atlantic (left) and B’Nai Brith Calgary president Dr. Robert Barsky.

 Pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are B’Nai president Dr. Robert Barsky and his wife Marcy. This year’s dinner honoured David Frum and MP Jason Kenney.

 Pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are Calgary Jewish Community Centre executive director Lynne Preston (left) and Centre event co-ordinator and seniors program manager Nessie Hollander. This year’s dinner honoured David Frum and MP Jason Kenney.

Pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are emcee Global anchor Gord Gillies (left) and dinner committee chair howard Silver. The dinner was SRO with 500 guests in attendance.

 Pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are B’Nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn with colleague Frances Lazar.

 Among the 500 guests in attendance at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue were Canadian Western Bank’s Glen Eastwood (left) and former Sen. Ron Ghitter.

 A fundraiser would not be the same without the support of Sam Switzer and his daughter Darlene pictured at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue.

 Rogers & Co. Brian Rogers, Q.C. (left) and Harmin Holdings’ Stuart Libin were among the guests in attendance at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue.

 Pictured, from left, at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are co-honouree David Frum, CTV National News Alberta Bureau Chief Janet Dirks and dinner committee chair Howard Silver.

 All smiles at the 65th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner held Jan 20 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue are, from left, dentists Dr. Stuart Yaholnitsky, Dr. Paul Chapman and Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky.

Lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! Well tigers and bears were not to be seen, but there certainly were lots of witches (both good…and bad!), Dorothy’s, Munchkins and wizards. Such were the sights at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit taking  place Friday, Jan 29 at Hotel Arts.

The Billy of Oz themed event was an enormous success with more than 550 guests in attendance. That the event has, since inception,  raised more than $7.7 million for prostate cancer research, education and treatment at the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre is something we can all be proud of.

Presented again this year by Canada Safeway in partnership with the Calgary Health Trust, the evening featured food-themed stations (Toto’s nuts were a big hit), libation galore courtesy of Willow Park Wines & Sprirts and Andrew Dunn of Gold Medal Import fame, fabulous silent auction items (a private island in Fiji garnered top dollar), dancing to killer band Kyemara and fabulous decor that transformed the Arts into the wonderful land of Oz.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all who attended as well as invaluable sponsors and my amazing dedicated and talented volunteer committee. So a click of the heels to: Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP; FirstEnergy Capital; Cohn & Wolfe West; Hotel Arts; Ike Kolias; PCL Construction Leaders; Remington Development Corporation; Shaganappi GM; Trail Appliances; Aly Velji; Annette Lambert; Cheryl Starr; Colin Cyr; Colleen McConnell; David Crosson; Erin McKeage; James McIntyre; Jason Krell; Jerrica Goodwin; Karissa Boley; Lynne Garrison-Thomas; Mark Wilson; Nicole Janke; Pam Heard; Phil Libin; Renee Hopfner; Tom Dodd; terrific chairman Larry Clausen; and many others.

But the good news keeps coming as you still have the opportunity of supporting the cause by buying raffle tickets for a first place prize of a 2016 Camaro, second prize a 2016 Harley Davidson and third prize, two tickets anywhere West Jet flies. Tickets are only $50 each or three for $100 and the draw takes place Mar 2. Tickets are available through billbrooksraffle.ca or call 403-943-0619.

Thank you again for your invaluable support. We couldn’t do it without you.

 Kit Poole (left) and her sister Loren Snyder were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts. This year’s theme was Billy of Oz.

Harmin Holdings’ Phil LIbin (left) and Krita Investments Ike Kolas were an integral part of the success of the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit – Billy of Oz. The event has, since its inception, raised more than $7.7 million for Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre.

Looking fabulous at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz-held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are, from left, BDP’s Brianna Guenther and BDP partner Annette Lambert. BDP has been an invaluable sponsor of the event for many years.

 The annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit would not be the enormous success it is were it not for invaluable partner the Calgary Health Trust. Pictured, from left, at the 18th annual, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are Calgary Health Trust’s Nicole Janke, Brianne Underwood and Liana Polsinelli.

 Having a great time at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz-held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are, from left, Jennifer Bentley, Laura “Glinda, The Good Witch” Linnell and Suzanne Motley.

The annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit would not be the enormous success it is were it not for the support of invaluable corporate sponsors the likes of Homes by Avi. Pictured are Homes by Avi’s Doug Beach (right) and Charron Ungar.

 The annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit would not be the enormous success it is were it not for the support of invaluable corporate sponsors the likes of Trail Appliances. Pictured at the 18th annual- Billy of Oz, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are Trail’s Sean Broderick, Julie Broderick and Wally Broderick.

 Pictured, from left, at the 18th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz, held held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are Cicely Patrick, Stuart Libin and Shahr Savizi.

Hundreds of guests attended the 18th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts. Pictured are some of the fabulously attired attendees.

 Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard poses on a 2016 Harley Davidson with Harley Davidson Calgary owner Gary Sartorio at the 18th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz, held held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts. The Harley, as well as a 2016 Camaro and 2 tickets anywhere WestJet flies are being raffled off in support of the Centre. The draw takes place Mar.2.

 Jeff and Lisa Lawrence pulled out all the stops for the 18th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit-Billy of Oz, held held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts.

 The annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit would not be the success it is without the support of the presenting sponsor Safeway. Pictured at the 18th annual, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts, are Safeway/Sobeys brass and their spouses.

 Retired Calgary Stampeder great Jon Cornish (left) is pictured with Shaganappi Motors’ Gary Sartorio at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts. Shaganappi and Calgary Harley Davidson were major sponsors of the event.

 Rogers Insurance’s Lee Rogers and Ebony Lee had a great time at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts. The event has raised more than $7.7 million since inception.

 All smiles at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are, from left, committee members Aly Velji, Brooks and Jason Krell. The event has raised more than $7.7 million since inception.

 Orange Frog Productions’ Pierre Marleau (centre) is flanked by Brooks decor committee members Erin McKeage and David Crosson. The Billy of Oz themed event was attended by hundreds of guests.

 Pictured at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit- Billy of Oz, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are Calgary Health Trust’s Samantha Morahan and Brooks & Dodd Consulting and benefit committee member Tom Dodd. The Calgary Health Trust has been a major partner of the Brooks Benefit for many years.

Patti O’Connor (left) and Kathy Hays were among the hundreds of guests who attended the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit- Billy of Oz, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts.

 The annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit would not be the success it is without the support of XL 103 morning stars Don, Joanne and The Coach pictured at the 18th Annual – Billy of Oz, held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts.

 Pictured, from left, at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit – Billy of Oz held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are Kensington Riverside Inn’s Kerry Wilson and her husband, Hotel Arts Group’s Mark Wilson and their daughter Chelsea.

 Dressed theme appropriate at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit – Billy of Oz held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are, from left, Meagan Spezowka, Colin Hannay, Graham Hannay and Marilyn Hannay. The event has, since its inception, raised more than $7.7 million for Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre.

 Pictured, from left, at the 18th Annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit – Billy of Oz held Jan 29 at Hotel Arts are New Interiors’ Cortney and Wade Schultz and Megan Crawford.

Yes, Virginia. There is good news out there. Great news in fact if you are in the tourism industry. Our low Canadian dollar will see droves of tourists from the States and other countries beat a path to our foothills door to enjoy all the trappings one can in Calgary and surrounding areas.

The recent Tourism Calgary Open House-held Jan 28 at Arts Common had a wonderful vibe as scores of industry brass, hospitality providers and others gathered to kick off 2016 and push play on the Year of Music. Duncan Bureau, Air Canada’s vice-president, global sales, took great delight in announcing  that Air Canada’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft will begin non-stop Calgary/Heathrow flights. Those in the know say this is a game changer. And game-changing continued as it was announced mere weeks later that the first-ever Calgary Beijing flights offered by Hainan Airlines will commence June 30.

Guests in attendance at the open house included: Tourism Calgary president and CEO Cindy Ady with colleagues Marilyn Bell, Cassandra McAuley, Shelley Zucht-Shorter, Holly Swinton and Carlee Savory; Tourism Calgary chairman Rod McKay; Hyatt Regency Calgary new general manager Amy Johnson (and here, I must say a heartfelt welcome back Amy); photographer and film producer Kelly Hofer; Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation director, corporate sponsorships and suites’ Mike Mungiello; Calgary Economic Development chairman Steve Allan; Avery Productions’ Bill Avery; Travel Alberta CEO Royce Chwin; Fairmont Palliser’s Gail Ouellette; White Hat Hospitality’s Corinne Wilkinson; volunteer extraordinaire Elaine Baumann; Bistro Rouge’s Paul Rogalski and colleague Justin Estrada; Stampede Queen Maggie Shortt with Princesses Chelsey Jacobson and Bailee Billington; 2016 Indian Princess Vanessa Stiffarm; Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach; and Hotel Arts’ Fraser Abbott.

 Pictured at Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common are Bistro Rouge’s Justin Estrada (left) and Paul Rogalski. Bistro Rouge was but one of the fabulous restaurants serving up tasty treats at the event.

 Royalty was front and centre at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common. Pictured, from left, are Stampede Queen Maggie Shortt with Princesses Chelsey Jacabson and Bailee Billington. At right is 2016 Indian Princess Vanessa Stiffarm.

 Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach and film producer and photographer Kelly Hofer were among the several hundred guests in attendance at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common.

 All smiles at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common are Tourism Calgary chairman Rod McKay and vice-president Marilyn Bell.

 Hotel Arts’ Fraser Abbott is joined by Tourism Calgary’s Holly Swinton (left) and Carlee Savory at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common.

 Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation director, corporate sponsorships & suites’ Mike Mungiello and Cassandra McAuley were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common.

 Pictured, from left, at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common are Calgary Economic Development chairman Steve Allan, Hyatt Regency Calgary general manager Amy Johnson and Avery Productions’ Bill Avery.

 Pictured, from left, at the Tourism Calgary Open House, held Jan 28 at Arts Common are volunteer extraordinaire Elaine Baumann, Fairmont Palliser’s Gail Ouellette and White Hat Hospitality’s Corinne Wilkinson.

Calgary Flames players, alumni and  management joined forces with local celebrities at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino recently to take part in the annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament. What made the night particularly memorable-other than the $410,000 raised for the Calgary Flames Foundation-was Sam Bennett’s historic 4 goal performance the night before. The must attend tournament has raised nearly $4 million since inception 11 years ago. Myriad local charities benefit from the Foundation’s generosity.

Appreciation and heartfelt thanks were the order of the day Feb 3 as 14 not-for-profit organization shared equally in the phenomenal $1,388,648.64 raised through the 2015 Herald Christmas Fund. The 25th anniversary of the fund was launched this past November and ran for six weeks. More than 80 organizations applied to share in the Fund and the 13-member volunteer selection committee narrowed the applications down to 14-a monumental task, to be sure.

More than 3000 donations from individuals and corporations gave generously to the Fund in 2015 which has, since inception, raised more than $24 million. The Fund not only donates much needed dollars to myriad organizations, but sheds a light on the phenomenal work these not-for-profits do through voluminous editorial coverage.   And all of this is done at no cost to the Christmas Fund as administration, advertising and said editorial coverage is absorbed by the Calgary Herald. Now that has to make you feel great about giving. So a big good on you goes out to all those who supported the Fund. Your generosity will vastly improve the lives of so many. 

It’s in the genes. Having Andrew Lloyd Webber as your father would set the stage-pardon the pun-for a successful career in musical theatre.  And that is precisely the path Nicholas Lloyd Webber has taken.

Fanfare was the order of the evening Jan 22 as an SRO audience attended the world premiere of The Little Prince-The Musical, based upon the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, adapted by Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid.  Presented by Theatre Calgary, in association with Lamplighter Drama (London, UK), that Calgary was chosen as the city to premiere the musical deserves a standing ovation.

A musical for children and adults alike, The Little Prince is a tender tale of love, loneliness, friendship, and imagination. When a disenchanted pilot crashes his airplane in the middle of the Sahara desert, he meets a mysterious young prince from a distant asteroid who tells the story of his long journey to Earth – and helps the pilot open his heart again. Written in 1943, The Little Prince is one of the most beloved
books in history and has been translated into more than 250 languages and sold more than 140 million copies worldwide.  Composers Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid, who co-wrote the music, lyrics, and libretto for The Little Prince – The Musical, have been working on the project since 2009. After an inaugural staging at the Lyric Theatre (Belfast) in 2011, Lloyd Webber and Reid significantly developed and expanded the musical just in time for its Theatre Calgary premiere.  “In total, it has been seven years in the development and making, but this accounts for the care and detail required when tackling such an enigmatic and well loved story. The Little Prince is spellbinding and captivating, moving through space and time and with an array of weird and wonderful characters” said Webber.

The show was brought to life by one of Canada’s most imaginative designers, Bretta Gerecke-no stranger to the Theatre Calgary stage with her previous designs including Enron, Lost-A Memoir, Beyond Eden and West Side Story. 

The must-attend musical runs through Feb 28.

With files from Theatre Calgary.

 Pictured at the SRO opening night world premiere of The Little Prince – The Musical are Imperial president and CEO Rich Kruger with Theatre Calgary executive director Colleen A. Smith.

 All smiles at the the world premiere of The Little Prince – The Musical are actors Louise Pitre (left) and Sarah Caraher. Pitre plays the snake in the musical and hails from the original Mamma Mia cast on Broadway. Caraher plays the prince in the musical which runs through Feb 28.

 Pictured at the the world premiere of The Little Prince – The Musical are Stefanie Barton, contributions advisor public and government affairs, Imperial and Mission restaurant manager Jean-Pierre Pera.

Looking fabulous at the world premiere of The Little Prince – The Musical are, from left, cast members Keely Hutton, Jocelyn Gauthier, Chelsey Duplak, Nicole Norsworthy and Jena VanElslander. The must see musical runs through Feb 28.

 All smiles at the world premiere of The Little Prince – The Musical are, from left, Heather Hannah and her husband, Theatre Calgary board member Richard Hannah with Celeste and Kelly Bernakevitch. Kelly is also on the board of Theatre Calgary.