A SPOTLIGHT ON THE CITY

Around town with our Mr. Brooks

Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS), has, for nearly three decades, helped 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, behavioural disorders and repeating the cycle of poverty.

Thousands upon thousands of low-income individuals benefit from CUPS programs thanks to myriad fundraising successesnone more so than CUPS’ annual Moonlight Lounge Gala.

Readers may recall the annual must-attend gala has featured the likes of Sara Bareilles, Boz Scaggs, Chantal Kreviazuk, Holly Cole, Amanda Marshall, Jim Cuddy, Jann Arden, Jewel and Melissa Etheridge performing to SRO crowds.

And this year’s gala, held March 21 at the Hyatt Regency, saw 540 guests attend to support CUPS and enjoy a fantastic performance by Canadian sensation Shawn Hook.

The 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala was a tremendous success, with nearly $400,000 raised.

A powerful video celebrating the journey of three special young Calgarians — Tanesha, Jordan and Michelle — who as five-year-olds, were the first graduates of CUPS child development program and today are pursuing their dreams in post-secondary education, reinforced the amazing work CUPS does and the importance of supporting this invaluable organization.

Hosts with the most CUPS executive director Carlene Donnelly and CUPS board chair Michael Lang were kept busy this night greeting and thanking guests the likes of: avid supporter Gary Nissen; vice-chair Chad Robinson; Gary Lang; Parkland Fuel’s Darren Smart and Colbeck Strategic Advisors’ Margot Smart; TD Wealth’s Jon Cornish and his wife Kiran Cornish with ATB Financial; CUPS’ Dean Schroeder and his wife Rhonda; Arpis Industries’ Barry Cousins and his wife Jackie Arthrell; Lokken College’s Rick Butler and his wife Bernedette Butler; Hyatt general manager Amy Johnson and her partner Charlotte Cabrol; Calaway Park’s Gordon Dixon and his wife Marion Dixon; Franca DeJong and her son Bill DeJong with Kayleigh Wilmot; Parker PR’s Ellen Parker and invaluable volunteers Meryl Oberhofer and Darcy Chalifoux.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS Pictured, from left, at the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala held March 21 at the Hyatt Regency are invaluable CUPS supporter Calaway Park’s Gordon Dixon, CUPS’ Carlene Donnelly, Marion Dixon and CUPS board chair Michael Lang.

Pictured, from left, at the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala at the Hyatt Regency are Arpis Industries’ Barry Cousins and his wife, Jackie Arthrell, with Rhonda Schroeder and her husband, CUPS’ Dean Schroeder.

TD Wealth’s Jon Cornish and ATB Financial’s Kiran Cornish were among the more than 500 guests who attended the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala.

CUPS’ Carlene Donnelly with Parkland Fuel’s Darren Smart and Colbeck Strategic Advisors’ Margot Smart. The gala featured a performance by Canadian sensation Shawn Hook.

Pictured, from left, are Franca DeJong, Kayleigh Wilmot, Bill DeJong and Ellen Parker, Parker PR founder.

Pictured, from left, are Lokken College’s Rick Butler and his wife Bernedette Butler, Charlotte Cabrol and Hyatt general manager Amy Johnson.

The success of the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala held March 21 at the Hyatt Regency would not have been possible were it not for the invaluable sponsors, guests in attendance and the scores of volunteers. Pictured are volunteers Meryl Oberhofer and Darcy...

Pictured with reason to smile at the 2018 CUPS Moonlight Gala held Mar 21 at the Hyatt Regency are CUPS Carlene Donnelly and board chair Michael Lang. The gorgeous gala raised nearly $400,000 — a record — to fund the care and interventions that...