Firefighters’ gala supports 13 charities
2017 was, for many, a year that will not be remembered with particular fondness. And yet, if you were one of the lucky ones to attend the inaugural Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hyatt Regency, you will no doubt have wonderful memories of an evening that was the perfect way to close out the year.
That the event was not only fabulous, but philanthropic as well, ensured all in attendance welcomed 2018 full of hope and promise. Thirteen charities were supported through the gala. Recipients of funding included: the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society at the Foothills Hospital and the 12 charities selected by the 2017 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. These are: Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre; Calgary Counselling Centre; Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society; Further Education Society; Centre for Newcomers; Northern-Star Mothers Milk Bank; Renfrew Recovery Centre; Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team; Discovery House; Reset Society of Calgary; I Can for Kids; and The Mustard Seed. Funds raised this night were matched (up to $150,000) by the Calgary Health Trust.
Kudos to all involved in the success of the gala: chair Ann McCaig and her volunteer committee comprised of: Fire Chief Steve Dongworth and colleagues Jay Watson, Jim Fisher, Mike Carter and Thomas Kerr; gala producers Advance Your Cause’s Tom Dodd and Samantha Morahan; Clare Sheerin; Dr. Duncan Nickerson; Gio Pena; Jane McCaig; Hyatt GM Amy Johnson; Kim Berjian; Mona Hunter; Sarah Geddes; Teresa DeMare; and Herald colleagues Lorne Motley and Laura Linnell.
Highlights of the evening included fabulous decor, and food and drinks, raffle items, awesome entertainment and more.
Heartfelt thanks to sponsors who supported the gala including: host sponsor Canada Safeway/Sobeys; Stonegate Private Counsel; J. Vair Anderson which donated an Omega Seamaster Divers watch for raffle; Calgary Institute of Plastic Surgery, which donated an Advanced Aesthetics Wellness Package for raffle; Barbecues Galore on donating a Big Boy Kamada Grill; LGFG Fashion House on donating a Men’s Bespoke Tailored Suit; and gala chair Ann McCaig for donating a one-week stay in a private villa in Barbados for four people, with Airmiles provided for flights by Safeway Sobeys.
Amazing performances from trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann, Tyler Hornby on drums, Jeremy Coates on bass, Richard Harding on sax and Devin Hart on keyboard had guests in the ballroom dancing the night away while the “young ones” rocked it at the Station 54 disco. A big nod to the folks at Orange Frog Productions on the staging and lighting and to emcee, Global’s Jordan Witzel.
Salutations to those who bought tickets/tables and donated them to firefighters and burn survivors: Sean and Tracy Durfy, James McRoberts, Mawer Investment Management, Ernst & Young and ConocoPhillips.
Here is wishing all a new year filled with love, joy, health and prosperity. I’ll not be seeing you until mid February as Hong Kong and Australia await!