Here’s to the ladies who lunch
Readers will recall I have often opined if you want a fundraiser to be a success, best ensure the ladies are behind it. One need look no further for proof of this than the fantastic ladies who are team CHAS (Children’s Hospital Aid Society). This volunteerbased organization has been fundraising on behalf of the children of Calgary for over 109 years. And its signature Holiday Luncheon, held this year at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park on Dec. 4, was the best attended to date with more than 630 guests. No surprise that the goal of the luncheon — to raise $50,000 for the Children’s Cottage Society — was achieved.
Wonderful silent auction items, a heartfelt conversation between emcee Global Calgary’s Leslie Horton and Children’s Cottage Society CEO Patty Kilgallon, door prizes, parting gifts and more were the perfect pairings.
Guests in attendance this day included: luncheon co-chairs Carrie Ferguson and Vhalle Hohn; CHAS president Toshimi Sembo; Bay Point beauties Patricia Macleod and Winnie Bezemer; silent auction chair Susan James; Total Skin Care Centre’s Ildi Arlette; Banff Aspen Lodge’s Dorothy Woolstencroft; Calgary’s Child Magazine publisher Ellen Percival; Cottage Society board member Susan McWilliams with colleague Elisha Jackson; Air Canada’s Gary MacRae and his sister Bonnie MacRae; opera diva and Cowtown Opera founder Michelle Minke; Stephanie Felesky; Betty Stein; Mary Lougheed; Joan Cameron; Carol Myers; Marcy Kenway; and Calgary Stampede’s Joyce Laidlaw and Barb Denoon.