The business model seems like a no-brainer today. Yet years ago, when the concept was first launched, it was a game-changer. W. Brett Wilson showed us the way. He would host a huge party on the grounds of his Mount Royal home. He would supply all the food, libation and entertainment. There was not a set ticket price. Invited guests were simply to bring a meaningful cheque payable to the charity or charities which Wilson had chosen. Simple yet so very effective as this type of fundraiser had not previously been done. Over the years, Wilson's garden party has raised millions of dollars for myriad charitable organizations. Read More
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Brooks: Wilson Garden Party raises more than $500,000 for charity
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Brooks: Michael Culbert honoured as 2019 Distinguished Business Leader
The Distinguished Business Leader Award has recognized outstanding leaders in the Calgary business community since 1993. Co-presented by the Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber, the list of honourees reads like a who's who and have included the likes of Guy Turcotte, founder, president and CEO of Stone Creek Resorts; Nutrien's Leslie O'Donoghue; Ron Mannix; ARC Financial's Mac Van Wielingen; Brookfield Residential's Alan Norris; Sue Riddell Rose, president and CEO of Perpetual Energy; Rick George; Hal Kvisle; Patrick Daniel; and George Brookman to name but a few. Read More
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Brooks: Western Showcase perfect way to kick off Stampede 2019
There's more to Stampede than chucks, calf roping and the midway. So much more. And for lovers of art and refined experiences, the annual Western Showcase provides the perfect respite from the full-on excitement taking place outside the BMO Centre. The showcase features art, music, crafts and artisans all centred around the theme of western Canadian life. Read More
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Brooks: Village NUTRaiser features prairie oyster-infused suds
Trust the clever folks at Village Brewery to come up with an innovative and fun way to raise funds for Calgary's Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC). Local celebs participate in the cheeky event by having their own brew crafted through Village Brewery with the surprise addition of bull testicles. Now in its seventh year, the annual NUTRaiser has raised nearly $60,000 for the centre — $5,460 this year alone. In Alberta, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Read More
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Brooks: Stomp 2019 a great way to kick off Stampede
Stampede Starts With Stomp is the perfect slogan for Scott Land and Lease's annual bash. Indeed, the Scott Land Stomp is the first big hoedown of the marathon Stampede is known for. Read More
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Brooks: Venerable Hays Breakfast rides in to the sunset. Or does it?
It's as rare as a yeti sighting. Or getting a photo of Bigfoot. Yes, dear readers, seeing your faithful social scribe up and at 'em covering an event at 7:30 on a Sunday morning is a rare sight. Yet, the 69th — and final — Hays Breakfast simply could not be missed. Read More
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Brooks' garden report card: What worked, what disappointed
There is nothing quite like the halcyon days of summer. Gardens and containers should be at their peak about now. As this is my last gardening column for the season, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what worked this year and what was a disappointment. Read More
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Brooks: Banff Centre's 40th Midsummer Ball raises more than $1.2 million
There can be no better way to get over Stampede blues and ease into the halcyon days of summer than by attending the Banff Centre's Midsummer Ball weekend. It is the largest arts fundraiser in Western Canada and is a vital source for the Banff Centre’s Artists’ Fund. It ensures emerging and established artists get the education, mentorship and inspiration needed to realize their creative potential. That more than 3,000 artists annually have the opportunity to attend Banff Centre's world-class programming is astounding. Read More
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Brooks: Leaders Awards celebrate Calgary's finest business people
Business in Calgary Leaders Awards recognize exceptional Calgary businessmen and women who have led with purpose, integrity and strength. Read More
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Brooks: Calgary Flames Alumni Master Golf Tournament celebrates 25 years
Since its inception 25 years ago, the annual Calgary Flames Alumni Masters Golf Tournament has raised more than $2.7 million for Calgary and southern Alberta charities. And this year's tournament, the silver anniversary, raised $100,000 for Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families. Read More
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Prostate Cancer Centre wins big at Priddis Greens
The 2019 Priddis Greens Charity Classic in support of Calgary's Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) was a great success raising $370,000. Since its inception 21 years ago, the must-attend tournament founded by the late, great Bill Beattie has contributed in excess of $7 million to the centre. These funds have gone directly to support prostate cancer awareness, early detection, education, research and rapid access to the pre- and post-operative treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in southern Alberta. The centre does not receive any government funding. Were it not for invaluable tournaments the likes of the Priddis Greens Charity Classic, one shudders to think how men — and their families — would be impacted. Read More
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Calgary community welcomes new MRU president and vice-chancellor
At its recent convocation, Mount Royal University installed a new president and its first vice-chancellor. Tim Rahilly is assuming the role after David Docherty’s term concluded. Read More
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Prostate Cancer Centre wins big at the Remington Charity Golf Classic
The nicest day of the year — 31 degrees and not a cloud in the sky — was the perfect backdrop for the 12th Annual Remington Charity Golf Classic held Aug, 21 at Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club in Canmore. Read More
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Guys gear up to raise a little hull in support of Hull Services
A golf tournament held recently at Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie raised $20,000 for Hull Services. Kudos to golf course owner Reto Steine on his support. Pictured are the winning bidders from the live auction at the Hull in One VIP reception. The gents are continuing their support of Hull by hosting another fundraising event, Raise a Little Hull, on Sept. 14 at the buzz-worthy new Chairman's Restaurant in Westman Village. From left are: Bravin Goldade, Chris Richer, Marty Cheyne, Marc Staniloff, Bob Harris, Jeff Boyd and Lee Rogers. Missing is Allan Klassen. Read More
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Brooks: Pride Patio Party supports LGBTQ+ refugees
It's shocking that in this day and age, 72 nations still have anti-gay laws. And being gay is punishable by death in 11 of these — Saudi Arabia being but one. Unfathomable that people can be persecuted and criminalized simply for whom they love and who they are. But thankfully, registered charities the likes of the End of the Rainbow Foundation and Centre for Newcomers assist with settlement services for LGBTQ+ refugees coming to Calgary. These organizations assist refugees in finding housing, food, clothing, language training and career development. Read More
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Brooks: Unity in Uniform supports our men and women in blue
It’s more than a bit puzzling that, for the third year in a row, members of the Calgary Police Service were banned from marching in uniform in the Calgary Pride Parade, even though they were tasked with providing security at the parade. Granted, the CPS did not apply to march in the 2019 parade. The U.S. Consulate in Calgary did apply and were denied. Read More
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Brooks: Pride in Business Annual Pride kickoff
The recent Pride in Business Annual Pride Kickoff, held in Thomsons Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, was a success attended by hundreds of guests. The TD sponsored event featured a fashion show, performances by SNAP Dance Company, hors d’oeuvres and champagne. The unique community networking event also showcased LGBTQ+ individuals and local businesses in Calgary. Read More
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Brooks: Country music legends inducted into Hall of Fame
Country music was the resounding vibe in our city last week as Calgary played host to the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards for the first time since 2005. Myriad events took place prior to the awards show on Sept. 8 in the Saddledome, but for country music legends Ian Tyson and Sylvia Tyson, one event will stand out. On Sept. 5, each was honoured with their own plaque in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at Studio Bell. Read More
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Brooks: Sport Calgary honours retiring executive director and CEO
Scores of guests gathered at The Glencoe Club Sept. 7 to attend the Sport Calgary-hosted reception thanking Murray Sigler for his outstanding contributions and
to welcome Catriona Le May Doan as its new president and CEO. Read More
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Brooks: Big Ball 2020 kicks off poolside at Hotel Arts
It simply doesn't get any better than sipping a cool one and nibbling hors d'oeuvre poolside at Hotel Arts. And when said 'activities' are philanthropically motivated, nirvana springs to mind. More than 100 guests gathered at Hotel Arts Sept. 12 on a glorious late summer afternoon to kick off the Big Ball 2020. Read More
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