One last look at this year’s Stampede

One of the soggiest Stampede’s on record certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm — nor philanthropic spirit at many an event. Your faithful social scribe put the boots and jeans on for a few last hurrahs — the annual Hays Breakfast and Gibson Energy’s Annual Stampede soiree, both held at Heritage Park.

The former — as dubbed, I believe, by Mayor Naheed Nenshi — “The politicians petting zoo,” was attended by nearly 3,000 business leaders, community advocates-and a plethora of politicians. Over the years, political heavyweights the likes of former prime minister Stephen Harper, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former NDP leader Thoms Mulcair and nearly every MP, MLA and City of Calgary councillor have attended. No surprise there as the Hays Breakfast is the perfect opportunity to grip and grin with myriad voters — many with sizable bank accounts.

Spotted at this year’s bash were: hosts with the most, Ret. Sen. Dan Hays and his wife Kathy with Heritage Park’s Alida Visbach; U of C president Elizabeth Cannon with colleague U of C’s general counsel Karen Jackson; CHBAUDI Calgary Region co-CEO Guy Huntingford and his wife Riina; Highwood Distillers’ Gerry Berkhold and his wife Bev; Calgary Stampede honorary life director Glenn Street; and MLA Richard Gotfried.

Inclement weather the next evening didn’t faze the fun — nor philanthropy at Gibson Energy’s annual fete. This year saw funds raised being directed to BD&P’s Put the Boots to Hunger campaign. Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $3 million to support Calgarians in need. Gibson’s support came through the BD&P chuckwagon tarp which Gibson purchased for the chuck’s July 12 with driver Gary Gorst. Gibson Energy has been an invaluable member of the community for 63 years. Among those in attendance this night were: hosts with the most, Gibson president and CEO Stew Hanlon, chief commercial officer Doug Wilkins and event organizer and executive assistant Sheila Hellevang; Investor’s Group’s Wale Balogun; Joe Kajakajian; past Gibson Energy president Bob Laidlaw and his wife Esther; Rundle College’s Jessica Kim; Oxbow’s Rick Pineau; Aactive Coin’s Ted Basset; real cowboys and guests of honour, Tyler Harr, Ryan Dirteater, Brady Sims, Chase Outlaw, Cory Wiese and Jim Berry; Calgary Food Bank director Jim Bergeron; and the super Gibson gals Mary-Anne Good, Lillian Alli-Balogun, Launa Rauser, Chris Doncaster, Patti Dalk and Diane Bell.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS Stampede would not be the same were it not for the annual Hays Breakfast held this year July 10 at Heritage Park. Organizers estimate that more than 3,000 people attended the see-and-be-seen event. Pictured are hosts with the most Dan Hays and Heritage...

Pictured, from left, at Gibson Energy's annual BBQ held this year July 11 at Heritage Park, are the Gibson team of Mary-Anne Good, Lillian Alli-Balogun, Launa Rauser, Chris Doncaster, Pati Dalk and Diane Bell. The fab six raised funds for the Calgary...

Inclement weather didn't dampen the attendance nor dollars raised for Put the Boots to Hunger at Gibson Energy's annual barbecue held this year July 11 at Heritage Park. Among the celebs in attendance were REAL cowboys — as opposed to we wannabes —...

Guy Huntingford, co-CEO of CHBAUDI, Calgary region and his wife Riina were among the thousands of guests in attendance at the Hays Breakfast held July 10 at Heritage Park.

All smiles at Gibson energy's annual barbecue held this year July 11 at Heritage Park, are past Gibson president Bob Laidlaw and his wife Esther. Gibson's has been an invaluable member of the Calgary community for 63 years.

Highwood Distillers Gerry Berkhold and his wife Bev were among the thousands of guests in attendance at the Hays Breakfast held July 10 at Heritage Park. The who's who in business and political circles consider the Hays Breakfast a must see-and-be-seen...