Laughter, it is often said, is the best medicine. And we could sure use a good laugh in our beloved city these days. And who better to provide the much needed tonic than the super folks at Cowboys who presented the second annual Cowboys Blue Ball in support of the Prostate Cancer Centre and Women for Men’s Health.

The Blue Ball, held this year Nov. 16, featured four top comedians from The Comedy Store L.A. Taking to the stage this night were Pete Giovine, Bret Ernst, Steve Simeone and Steve Rannazzisi. Terrific auction items, free PSA testing, great prizes and of course laughs galore ensured all in attendance had a great time.

Tickets were only $20 each yet thanks to all in attendance the event raised more than $10,000 for the centre and the Women for Men’s Health initiative. Spotted among the several hundred guests were: Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) board member and Obsidian Energy president and CEO Dave French and his wife Aoife Cunningham; Dynamic Safety’s Michael Dery and his wife Jane Liang; Cowboys’ Dave Urner, Scarlet Lee, Paul Vickers, Austin Rieger, Tanya Twerdy, Trish Thompson, Meryl Oberhofer and Kayla Huber; Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey’s Shaun Vervena and Calin Manuel; PCC’s Pam Heard, Shannon de Vall, Eva Moreau, Camille Scheible and Anthony Prymack; East Village Barbers’ Luke McLoughlin; PCC board member and Women for Men’s Health founder Dr. Shelley Spaner; and others pictured.

You’ll want to mark Feb. 1, 2019, on your calendar to attend The Big Ball at Hotel Arts. The PCC/Women for Men’s Health hosted event will raise funds for men’s mental health at the Men’s Health Clinic at PCC. Tickets are available by visiting http://www.thebigball.ca

East Village Barbers owner Luke McLoughlin takes a little off the top of Cowboys general manager Austin Rieger at the Cowboys Blue Ball Nov 16.

From left: Dr. Shellley Spaner, radiologist and Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) board member, with PCC’s Pam Heard and Eva Moreau.

From left: Dynamic Safety’s Michael Dery, Obsidian Energy president and CEO and Prostate Cancer Centre board member David French with his wife Alta Gas’ Aiofe Cunningham and Alberta Health Services’ Jane Liang.

Prostate Cancer Centre nurse Anthony Prymack and his sister Diana Prymack had a great time at the Cowboys Blue Ball.

Several hundred guests attended the Magnificent Men! Leadership Lunch Nov. 13 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser to pay tribute to one of the greatest guys you could ever hope to meet — all the while supporting the Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (cc4ms). cc4ms is a not-for-profit organization committed to being a world-class, dedicated treatment centre with evidence-based, holistic programs for adult male survivors. At least one in six men have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The consequences can be significant and long-term, including mental and physical health issues and dysfunctional relationships. It has been difficult for men who were sexually abused as a child to come forward and there are relatively limited resources available focused exclusively on understanding men’s’ issues and considerations for healing.

One of the more inspirational addresses you’d be fortunate to experience was the one delivered by luncheon honoree, Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery. Button’s passion for community investment has been a common thread throughout his career and has earned him a philanthropy award from the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals, two Avenue Magazine “40 Under 40” awards, an e-Award for Community Service from Alberta Venture Magazine, the Sherrold Moore Community Award through the Calgary Chamber and, most recently, was recognized as a Calgary Leader by Business in Calgary Magazine. Button’s contributions to Dave Kelly Live! have also proved invaluable.

Why bad things happen to good people is one of life’s unanswerable questions as how does one come to grips with the fact Jim has terminal cancer and was given a year to live? He has passed this date and is directing much of his energy to his health, his family and helping others deal with cancer through his blog www.gatherwithjim.com.  Button’s often quoted mantra “My philosophy isn’t that I’m dying; my philosophy is that I’m living!” is proof positive of his inspirational and undaunted spirit.

Friends, family, former Magnificent Men! Leadership Lunches honorees and cc4ms members in attendance at the Dave Lougheed/Raymond James sponsored event included: Supreme Court Justice Jack Major; Ron Ghitter; Grant Bartlett; emcee and Button bestie Dave Kelly; cc4ms board chair Jim Pender; Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show creative producer Dave Pierce; Hydro Processing and Mining president Jack Schneider; Torode Realty’s Richard Lewis; avid arts supporter Gregory Forrest; Roxanne and Jane McCaig; MLA Greg Clark; Fire Chief Steve Dongworth; Hunter Family Foundation’s Derrick Hunter and his wife Mona Hunter; Stand and Command principal Avnish Mehta; Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) executive director Pam Heard; PCC board members Dr. Shelley Spaner and Mark Wilson; Big Ball ambassador Karen Gosbee; Bennett Jones’ Steve Major; cc4ms president and CEO Frances Wright; cc4ms director Kim Berjian and her husband Mike Smillie; community leader Debra Ross; Business in Calgary publisher Pat Ottmann; and Button’s fabulous wife Tracey Seagram.

You’ll want to mark May 9, 2019, on your calendar to attend the next luncheon saluting George Brookman, CEO, West Canadian Digital Imaging. Visit www.cc4ms for more details.

Hunter Family Foundation’s Derrick and Mona Hunter were among the several hundred guests at the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series which paid tribute to the incredible Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery.

Pictured at the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series at the Fairmont Palliser is honouree Jim Button with cc4ms’ Kim Berjian (left) and Frances Wright, president and CEO of cc4ms.

From left: Supreme Court Justice Jack Major, cc4ms’ Kelly Schuler and cc4ms board chair Jim Pender.

From left: Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show creative producer Dave Pierce, Tracey Seagram, proud spouse of honouree Jim Button, and Hydro Processing and Mining’s Jack Schneider.

Torode Realty’s Richard Lewis (left) and lawyer and avid arts supporter Gregory Forrest.

Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre board member, radiologist and Women for Men’s Health founder Dr. Shelley Spaner with mental health advocate Karen Gosbee.

The Third Annual Taste of Home – A Night Among the Stars held recently at the Westin in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities was a gastronomic delight for the more than 500 guests. The event raised an impressive $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Located across the street from Alberta Children’s Hospital, the house offers a warm, welcoming and compassionate environment where families can stay close to their children receiving medical care. The house was built in 2007 and offers 27 private suties, a commercial kitchen, a play area for children and home-style living rooms and programming for all ages, facilitated by the house’s family services team.

Presented by Raymond James and Dilawri, the evening featured a six-course sumptuous dining experience, silent auction items, a raffle of an Arcticmark Canadian diamond, courtesy J. Vair Anderson Jewellers and a luxury B.C. retreat raffle for four including private jet airfare, golf and accommodation courtesy of AirPartners. Kudos to event co-chairs Ellen Dilawri and Christina Chow and bravo to the six renowned chefs who expertly prepared one course each.

The six chefs demonstrating their culinary wizardry this night were: Matthew Batey, executive chef at Teatro Group; Federico Causapin, executive chef at Austin’s Bar & Grill; Eraj Jayawickreme, executive chef at Fairmont Palliser; Paul McGreevy, chef de cuisine at The Nash; Michael Batke, executive chef at the Westin; and Roy Oh, executive chef at Anju. Chefs were divided into two teams — one red, one blue — of three chefs each. Judges Betty Jo Kaiser, Dave Lawrence and SAIT instructor Patricia Koyich awarded Top Chef Challenge honours to the blue team comprised of chefs Batke, Batey and Oh.

Event hosts Gery Schubert and Food Network’s Brad Smith did a great job of keeping the evening light and full of laughs. Others in attendance included: Ronald McDonald House Charities board chair Thomas Lui and his wife Annie with colleagues Julie List, Randy Mouflier, John Phin and Sandi Ferchau; Rockwood Custom Homes’ Allison Grafton and Titan Energy Services’ Kevin Taillefer; realtor Peter Appleby; Park Place Manufacturing’s Heidi Neumann; Corinne Macdonald; Tom Dodd; TMG Events’ Stephen Furze and Eirin Lawrie; Sundial Growers’ Claire Buffone-Blair and her husband, Insights Matter’s Derek Blair; Take Flight president Vik Saini; Morgan Scott; Steve Knox; and Dilawri Group’s Tony Dilawri.

Take Flight president Vik Saini and Morgan Scott.

Community advocate Betty Jo Kaiser and Calgary entertainer Gery Schubert.

From left: Tom Dodd, Corinne Macdonald and Ronald McDonald House Charities’ John Phin.

Ronald McDonald House board chair Thomas Lui and his wife Annie Lui.

Amidst all the doom and gloom enveloping our fair city, Calgarians still find the time — and treasure — to attend and support myriad events. We might be down, but we’re certainly not out is a theme heard at many a function. Sure, there were less events this past year, and those that did occur raised less for charitable causes than before. Nonetheless, Calgarians are a generous lot and can always be counted upon to support those less fortunate.

Choosing which events to feature on these pages proved challenging. But I must admit, it was heartwarming to look back at the dozens and dozens of fetes your faithful social scribe had the pleasure of attending and covering. So as the year comes to a close, thank you for keeping our undaunted spirit alive, and here’s wishing you a new year filled with joy, love and prosperity. I look forward to seeing you out and about in 2019.

Pictured at last year’s Calgary Firefighters New Year’s Eve Gala are gala chair Ann McCaig and Fire Chief Dongworth. This year’s gala, taking place Dec. 31 at Hotel Arts, will again support 13 invaluable charities including the 12 recipients of the 2018 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund. Tickets are available at yycnye.ca

Opera is Forever, Calgary Opera’s Valentine Ball held at the Fairmont Palliser certainly hit all the right notes. Pictured with Calgary Opera general director and CEO Keith Cerny are ball co-chairs Sharie Hunter (left) and Jerilyn Wright.

All smiles at Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary exclusive store preview in February were Saks Fifth Avenue director of stores Larry Bruce and vice-president and general manager, Saks Fifth Avenue Calgary Lydia Seifert. The new, 115,000-sq.-ft. store at Chinook is a welcome addition to Calgary’s retail landscape.

Scores of guests gathered at the Regency Palace to celebrate Sien Lok’s 49th Annual Chinese New Year Gala and Fundraiser. Pictured are event emcee Grace Ma with Peter Lee. 2018 ushered in the Year of the Dog in the Chinese calendar.

Pictured at The Calgary Highlanders 69th Grand Highland Military Ball are Honorary Colonel and Arc Financial Corp. CEO Lauchlan Currie and his wife Karen Currie. The 70th Ball takes place Mar 2,2019 at the Fairmont Palliser.

At the 11th annual Art & Martini’s reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP are DLA Piper Canada managing partner Robert Seidel and Calgary managing partner Heather Treacy.

The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Turning Points 2018 gala was the most successful fundraiser to date, thanks in large part to honorary patron Bill Borger, president and CEO, Borger Group of Companies, pictured with Jaime Rasmussen.

Premier Rachel Notley with Jane Eruchalu, a finalist in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation award category, at the 22nd Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards Gala.

At the official opening of the men’s health clinic at the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) are radiologist and PCC board member Dr. Shelley Spaner with Herald scribe and PCC board member Bill Brooks. The clinic is a Spaner family and Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit initiative.

The annual Gibson Energy Stampede BBQ was the perfect way for staff and clients to sip, sup, have a dance or two. Pictured from left at the event at Heritage Park are chief administration officer Sean Wilson; senior vice-president of engineering Mike Lindsay; George Dannecker, chief commercial officer; CEO Steve Spaulding; and Sean Brown, CFO.

Alan Norris, centre, RESOLVE Campaign chairman and Brookfield Residential chairman and CEO, is joined by colleague Trent Edwards, Brookfield COO (left), and RESOLVE Campaign vice-chairman Craig Hill at the RESOLVE wrap-up reception. The phenomenal campaign raised $74 million and counting.

Scores of guests donned their fashion finest May 19 to attend the Royal Wedding Watch Party at Royale on 17th Avenue. Pictured are event producer Lisa Shelley (left) and British Consul General in Calgary, Caroline Saunders.

There is more to Stampede than chuckwagons and rodeo. For the artistic types, the Art & Lifestyle Show was the perfect tonic. Pictured at the Stir’ Up Western Legacy Awards is Judy Edge, Barry Davdison and awards chair Colleen Goetz.

The Distinguished Business Leader Award, co-presented by the Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, has recognized outstanding leaders in the Calgary business community since 1993. Pictured is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious award, Guy Turcotte with his wife Dawn.

At the annual Nut Ale fundraiser held at Bottlescrew Bills were Bret “Hitman” Hart, Village Brewery’s Jeremy Mclaughlin and Geoff Allan, owner of Bottlescrew Bills. More than $10,000 was raised for Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre through the sale of specially made beer, courtesy of Village Brewery.

UCP leader Jason Kenney was seemingly everywhere this past Stampede. Pictured with Kenney at the U.S. Consul celebration is Josephine Pon.

Banff Centre board chair David Weyant and Janice Price, president and CEO, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, pictured at the Banff Midsummer Ball Weekend.

The Golden Seed Appreciation Cocktail Party held in the home of Marshall and Sherie Toner was the perfect way to thank those who generously support the Mustard Seed Gala 2018. Pictured, from left, are co-chairs Lee Rogers and Ebony Lewis, past co-chairs Karen and Jay Westman and co-chairs Sherie and Marshall Toner.

The Sobeys Better Food Fund Charity Golf Classic raised $800,000 for invaluable organizations the likes of Special Olympics Canada through the Sobeys Better Food Fund. Pictured, from left, are Special Olympian Allie Price, Sobeys president and CEO Michael Medline, Special Olympics CEO Sharon Bollenbach, and Special Olympians Mark Evans and Andrew Turnbull.

Pictured at the Priddis Greens Charity in support of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre are tournament chairman Ross Babcock with PCC executive director Pam Heard and PCC board chair, Bennett Jones LLP’s Jon Truswell. The tournament has raised more than $6 million for the centre since inception, more than $300,000 this past summer alone.

Pictured at the opening party for the fabulous New Central Library are architects Elaine Molinar and Craig Dykers. The $245-million library boasts 240,000 square feet of spectacular architecture.

Pictured at the BILD Calgary Region Awards 2017 are Calbridge Homes’ Joe Ferraro and his wife Sharon. Calbridge won big this night, picking up the coveted Builder of the Year Award.

The Two Randys, as these guys are affectionately known, Randy Remington (left) and Randy Magnussen, have reason to smile. The 11th Annual Remington Charity Golf Classic in support of Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre raised a staggering $600,000. The tournament was the brainchild of the two men.

Pictured at the second annual Unity and Uniform event are Const. Diana McElroy, event organizer and chairman Gregory John, event co-founder Jim Heaton and Const. Alan Chamberlain. Unity and Uniform, Canada’s first community-based event, gave the LGBTQ community the opportunity to say thank-you to the service men and women who keep everyone safe, not only during Pride Week, but every day of the year.

An Intimate Evening With Sarah McLachlan was held at the Jubilee in support of the Owen Hart Foundation. From left, Oje Hart, Sarah McLachlan, Athena Hart and Owen Hart Foundation founder Martha Hart. This was the 18th annual event in support of the foundation.

Retired spaceman Chris Hadfield has been around Earth at least 2,300 times so a short jaunt across Canada should be easy.

Hadfield will hit Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver this spring with his tour Exploration: Where We’re Going Next, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. A decorated astronaut, engineer and pilot, Hadfield will be discussing the history and future of space exploration.

He has a lengthy background in aeronautics and space, earning a glider pilot scholarship at age 15. He spent 25 years in the Canadian Air Force and became an astronaut in 1992 and was promptly assigned to NASA. In 2013, he became commander of the International Space Station for six months. It was there that Hadfield became a science celebrity, known for his engaging videos from space, especially his rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, which was viewed by more than 75 million people.

Back on terra firma, Hadfield continues to make space accessible by bringing a sense of wonder and excitement to speaking engagements. He will be in Calgary at the Jack Singer Concert hall on April 29, at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre April 30 and Vancouver’s Orpheum May 6.

Presales for American Express members begin Jan. 30, Live Nation members and Facebook presale starts Jan. 31, with general public ticket sales starting Feb. 1.

Calgary Expo is once again heading back to the future.

Canadian Michael J. Fox and his former castmates have been announced as guests at this year’s Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. The Edmonton-born actor was set to be the star attraction at a Back to the Future reunion at Calgary Expo last year but Fox cancelled, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

He rebooked for the show in April, along with Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson and James Tolkan. Fans will be able to see them together at a special presentation April 26 at 7 p.m. in the Stampede Corral, and at weekend autograph signings and photo ops. Fox will be there April 26 and 27, while the others will be on hand April 26 to 28.

Tickets are sold separately from admission to Calgary Expo and will be available online only via calgaryexpo.com, starting at $20 (plus GST and service charges). Very limited backstage passes are available for the event, which include a chance to meet the cast for a photo and autograph signing.

“We’re thrilled that Mr. Fox and the rest of the cast wanted to make this dream come true for Calgary fans,” said Calgary Expo founder Kandrix Foong. “There was no question we’d do everything we could to make it happen, and we’re thrilled they were so enthusiastically on board to do it with us!”

Fox played teenager Marty McFly in the 1985 hit film, which found him having to play matchmaker for his parents after inadvertently sabotaging their first meeting when he travels back in time 30 years.

The film, which was directed by Robert Zemeckis, was followed by two sequels and helped turn Fox into one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s. He also starred in TV sitcoms Spin City and Family Ties. He won five Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29 and has semi-retired from acting as he works with his foundation on finding a cure.

Calgary Expo also recently announced a hero and villain pair as guests. Smallville’s Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) are booked for April 27 and 28.

Other guests already announced include David Harbour (Hellboy, Stranger Things), Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Zachary Levi (Shazam, Chuck) and Pamela Anderson (Baywatch).

Visit calgaryexpo.com for details on tickets, times and other show information.

Famed actor and Saturday Night Live (SNL) megastar Alec Baldwin recently wowed a packed house at the Jubilee Auditorium when he took the stage with event moderator and Canadian sitcom comedian Andrew Phung of Kim’s Convenience and The Beaverton fame.

Baldwin performed in Calgary in support of The Owen Hart Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million and is celebrating its 19th anniversary. Billed as “An evening with Alec Baldwin,” the night was just that as Baldwin took guests on a stroll down memory lane of his acting career.

Baldwin highlighted his most recent work on SNL, which has earned him worldwide acclaim and landed the actor an Emmy for his role as POTUS Donald Trump. Much to the delight of the captivated Calgary audience, Baldwin intermittently slipped in and out his Trump impersonation throughout the evening. Baldwin was also very pleasantly surprised when Martha Hart’s son, artist Oje Hart, presented the star with a drawing he had done of Alec as Trump. Martha Hart, founder and director of the foundation, also enchanted the audience with an entertaining introduction. She thanked Baldwin for donating his fee back to the foundation, meanwhile poking lighthearted fun at Baldwin’s temperamental battles of late, which had the crowd roaring with laughter. Hart also described the foundation’s long history of charitable work in providing scholarships and housing to low-income families as well as its global humanitarian work. She also announced two new causes the foundation is championing this year thanks to her children. It will focus on animal rights due to her daughter Athena’s love of animals and human rights as her son Oje is completing his final year of law school in England and plans to make human rights his primary focus.

Kudos to headline sponsor Maclin Ford and VIP reception sponsor Canadian Western Bank as well as the many other event and online auction sponsors for stepping up. Guests in attendance included: Owen Hart Foundation committee members Barb Simic, Ashid Bahl, Virginia Xavier and Tammi Christopher; online auction sponsor WestJet’s Jereme Kincaid; Shoe Muse’s Ambra Hudson; Collector’s Art Gallery’s Romana Kraft; Canadian Paralympian Patrick Jarvis with his wife Lisa from Air Canada; Trapped Escape Room Experience’s Kelly Patterson with Darcy Anderson; Pipella Law’s Tara Pipella, Kimber Pipella, Lucille Pipella and Del Manhas; event producers Dave Howard and Lisa McCann of The Event Group; the parents of Humboldt Broncos hockey team survivor Ryan Straschnitzki; Canadian veterans whom Hart honours every year with a special invite; and others pictured.

Baldwin now joins the impressive list of performers who have been featured at past Owen Hart Foundtion events including: Robin Williams; Bob Newhart; Elvis Costello; Jerry Seinfeld; Ringo Starr; Steve Martin; Martin Short; Russell Brand; Dane Cook; Howie Mandel; Paul Anka; Neil Sedaka; and Sarah McLachlan, to name but a few.

With files from OHF

From left: Jill Stewart, Rachel Binnion, Susan Howard with Canadian comedian Andrew Phung of sitcom Kim’s Convenience and The Beaverton who was the event moderator, with Tom Howard from the Canadian Legacy Project.

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation committee members Barb Simic from The Educational Partnership Foundation; Ashid Bahl from For the Love of Children of Alberta Society; Virginia Xavier from the University of Calgary; and freelance journalist Tammi Christopher.

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation sponsors Travis Rhine from Molson’s Belgium Moon Beer; Valerie Pek from Evolve Sponsorship and Engagement; Careen Chrusch from Brookfield Residential; and Brian Dehaan from Junior Foods South Street Burger and New York Fries.

Alec Baldwin admires the drawing artist Oje Hart (left) sketched for him of the Donald Trump character he often portrays on SNL, with his mother Martha, far right, and sister Athena looking on.

Pictured, from left: Owen Hart Foundation sponsors Dr. Brian Killick and his wife Sandy from Market Mall Dental Care with Jeff Bowling and Dustin Jones of Canadian Western Bank.

From left: foundation online auction sponsor Jereme Kincaid from WestJet with event sponsor Ambra Hudson from Shoe Muse and online auction sponsor Romana Kraft from Collector’s Art Gallery.

Canadian Paralympian Patrick Jarvis (left) with wife Lisa from Air Canada and online auction sponsors Kelly Patterson with Darcy Anderson from Trapped Escape Room Experience.

Monique Auffrey (left) from Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society with Dr. Nicole Letourneau from the University of Calgary/Alberta Children’s Hospital.

From left: Pipella Law’s Del Manhas, Lucille Pipella, Kimber Pipella and Tara Pipella.

Times are indeed tough these days, but the recent success of the Calgary Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament, held Feb. 5 at Cowboys Casino, is proof that philanthropy is alive and well. The tournament raised more than $365,000 for the Calgary Flames Foundation, bringing the total raised through the poker event to more than $5 million in 14 years. The foundation has supported more than 80 charities in southern Alberta.

Calgary Flames players, coaches, alumni and local celebrities including Calgary Stampeders and PGA player Graham DeLaet competed against 350 other poker players at Cowboys Casino. Participants bought in to play against their hockey heroes and the chance to win more than $50,000 in prizes.

Making it to the top three was Flames Ambassador Carey Bracko, who finished in third place. Second place went to Concorde Group’s Victor Choy and the first place prize and poker champion was season ticket holder Hung Ngo. Ngo won a $10,000 Poker Championship ring from Maxime’s, $5,000 cash, two Calgary Flames Top Shelf tickets and a 2019 Poker Championship belt buckle and jersey. Sportsnet 960 the FAN’s Derek Wills finished in fifth place, making it to the final table for the second year in a row.

Others in attendance included: Shane Homes’ Dave Rickett; Cheap Smokes & Cigars’ Jeff Lawrence; artists and philanthropist Chris Tutty; Coun. Joe Magliocca; committee members Shannon Warren and Dan Forigo; Elevate Auctions’ Bill Brown; media star Beesley; Dave Mullen; Phil Sprung; Sammy’s Pizza’s Lou Borhot, Amir Borhot, Monier Borhot and Sammy Borhot; legendary Lanny McDonald; Cowboys’ Scarlet Lee; Flames general manager Brad Treliving, Craig Conroy, Don Maloney, Brad Pascal and Bill Peters; Flames co-owner Jeff McCaig; and others pictured.

Kudos to all the participants on the success of the tournament and good on you sentiments go out to tournament co-chairs Rollie Cyr and Steve Major.

From left: Shane Homes’ Dave Rickett, Cheap Smokes & Cigars’ Jeff Lawrence, artist and philanthropist Chris Tutty and Coun. Joe Magliocca.

Dave Mullen (left) and Phil Sprung.

Awesome auctioneer Elevate Auctions’ Bill Brown (left) with “the other voice of the Flames” Beesley.

The 14th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament was a success thanks to participants and sponsors. Pictured from left, Sammy Borhot, Rich Waller, Monier Borhot, Amir Borhot and Lou Borhot.

Brian McGrattan (left) and Dan Forigo.

From left: Calgary Flames player Rasmus Andersson, Cowboys’ Scarlet Lee, Flames’ players Michael Stone and Sean Monahan.

Pictured with reason to smile at the 2019 Calgary Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held Feb. 5 at Cowboys Casino is tournament winner — and Flames season ticket holder — Hung Ngo showing off his $10,000 poker championship ring. Courtesy, Calgary Flames Foundation.

Scott Lovett, Baytex vice-president of business development, was the winner of Matthew Tkachuk’s jersey. Joining Lovett is the Flames’ left winger himself. Courtesy, Calgary Flames Foundation.

J’adore Dior could easily be the title of Glenbow’s newest offering. The exhibit is drawn from the permanent textile and fashion collection of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The must-see installation features some 40 gowns, perfumes and accessories taken from the first decade of the House of Dior. Alexandra Palmer, curator of the Christian Dior exhibit at the Glenbow Museum and author of the book Christian Dior: History & Modernity, 1947-1957, interviewed aging Toronto socialites who owned Dior’s creations and was able to amass a considerable collection of the gently worn garments.

To say these garments have a storied history would be understatement. Dior showed his debut collection in 1947. The look consisted of a calf-length full skirt, a cinched waist and fuller bust than had been seen since the turn of the century. A rebuttal to postwar fabric restrictions, the average dress used 20 yards of fabric. Not surprisingly, the look received some criticism upon release and was considered far too opulent in such staid and frugal times. “My dream is to save women from nature” said the undaunted designer all those years ago. Uttering such words today might raise a few politically correct eyebrows.

Scores of guests gathered at Glenbow Feb. 9 for the exclusive VIP opening of the Christian Dior exhibit which was organized by the Royal Ontario Museum and, as mentioned, curated by Alexandra Palmer. In attendance were: Glenbow president and CEO Donna Livingstone; board chair Irfhan Rawji; past board chair Jim McLeod; Imperial Oil chairman, president and CEO Rich Kruger and his wife Jennifer Carter-Kruger; accomplished fashion designer and Glenbow board member Paul Hardy; Jean Merriman and her husband Jeff Perry; Ken Davis and his wife Jade Davis; exhibition sponsors Maddy Blake Lang, Elizabeth Middleton and Jan Wittig, to name but a few; National Bank Financial’s Paul Chave; Glenbow’s Susan Russell; Alberta University of the Arts board chair Carol Ryder; MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber; Dentons’ Bill DeJong and his wife Franca; Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president and general manager Debra Kerr; Anita Lachner; Rozsa Foundation’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet; Parker PR’s Ellen Parker; U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux; Chris Cran exhibition curator and Glenbow Fellow Nancy Tousley; Anne McKenzie; and Lancy Qiu.

The exhibition runs through June 2.

U of C Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux were among the several hundred guests in attendance at the Glenbow Museum’s VIP opening reception for the Christian Dior exhibit.

From left: Dentons Bill DeJong and his wife Franca with the Dior-wearing Anita Lachner at the Glenbow Museum VIP opening reception.

Rozsa Foundaton’s Mary Rozsa de Coquet (left) and Parker PR’s Ellen Parker.

From left: Glenbow board member and uber fashion designer Paul Hardy, Jade Davis, Jean Merriman, Jeff Perry and Ken Davis.

Anne McKenzie (left) with Glenbow Fellow and curator of the Chris Cran exhibit Nancy Tousley.

Lancy Qiu channels her inner Dior at the opening reception of the Glenbow Museums’ Christian Dior exhibit which runs through June 2.

From left: National Bank Financial’s Paul Chave, Glenbow’s Susan Russell, Alberta University of the Arts board chair Carol Ryder and MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber.

The 25th Anniversary PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala raised a record $1.4 million-plus for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). Since inception, the event has raised more than $17 million, ensuring STARS can provide emergency patient care when needed the most.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) has hosted the event since it began. The gala serves as STARS’ largest fundraising event, paying homage to the long-standing relationship with PSAC.

“I am so humbled by and grateful for the community who has supported the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala over the past 25 years, especially our generous partner, PSAC, and its members. Albertan’s philanthropic spirit continues to amaze me even through times of change and uncertainty,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS.

“I am so proud of the oilfield services sector in Alberta which has opened (its) hearts and wallets to support STARS,” said Gary Mar, president and CEO, PSAC. “The STARS & Spurs Gala is integral to bringing community members together to fuel STARS’ mandate of saving lives, and we are thrilled to be a part of this steadfast partnership.”

The annual fundraising event, held in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, was attended by 1,500 guests. Highlights of the western-themed event included: live and silent auctions; a virtual reality experience where guests had a first-hand look into what it’s like to be on board a STARS mission; entertainment by country music stars Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett; and the presentation of the Honourary Patron Award to Mark Salkeld, who was recognized for his contributions as president of PSAC from 2010 to 2018.

Others in attendance are pictured.

With files from STARS

Pictured at the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala is STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson.

STARS crew members Ron Pasieka, flight paramedic and pilot John Carson.

Mark Salkeld was presented with the Honourary Patron Award at the gala and was recognized for his contributions to the success of the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala as president of PSAC from 2010 to 2018.

Theatre Calgary’s 2019 fundraising gala ENCORE, held March 30 in the newly renovated Big Four Roadhouse at Stampede Park, featured outstanding talent, awesome auction items (both live and silent), a premium wine raffle, themed libation, a three-course meal created by executive chef Derek Dale, and even makeup touch-ups courtesy of Artists Within Makeup Academy.

Presented by Mawer Investment Management, the gala raised more than $100,00 for Theatre Calgary. Headlining the gala this night were a ‘Big Four’ of musical talent including: Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young of American Idol fame and seasoned Broadway performers, Canada’s Elizabeth Stanley and Paul Nolan.

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the glam gala were: ENCORE chair Kate Abbott; Theatre Calgary board chair Margo Randles and vice-chair, Mawer Investment Management president Craig Senyk; Theatre Calgary artistic director Stafford Arima; Theatre Calgary executive director Jon Jackson and his wife Kim Jackson with Alberta Ballet; Fireside Property Group’s Keith McMullen and his wife, Holt Renfrew’s Gwen McMullen; emcee and host Steve Klintberg Nagy; New Interiors president Wade Schultz and his wife Cortney; TD Wealth’s Jun Yajima and his wife Miranda; ATB’s Kevin Konynenbelt; Calgary Gay History Project’s Kevin Allen; Rene Transport’s Kyle Grzech and Telus’ Dan Barham; AARC’s Darryl Power and Landmark Cinemas’ Ashdenne Pitts; Holt Renfrew executive vice-president Deb Kerr and her husband, Cornerstone Luxury Homes’ Billy Kerr; Brookfield Properties’ Rita Borrow with Janet Lehmann; legendary actor, Theatre Calgary’s Stephen Hair; Cenovus Energy’s Linda Lee; Graham Construction’s Elizabeth Chi; Stikeman Elliott LLP’s Amy Nugent, Carolyn Simpson, Janel Young, Rhonda Parhar, Sarah Graham, Catherine Grygar and Cheryl Rea; MNP’s Tony Smith with Engel & Volkers’ Sandy MacDonell; Theatre Calgary’s Ronald Peters; Cal-Tech Glass’ Maurice Adema and his wife Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Kristen Adema; Azuridge Estate Hotel general manager Jason Glynn and his wife Joanna; Country 105’s Hotrod Harriet with Glyn Jones; Theatre Calgary actors Robyn Ord, David Sklar and Spencer Streichert, who convincingly played the role of paparazzi; and Theatre Calgary’s Sarah Hughes with Shayne McClellan.

Theatre Calgary’s Sarah Hughes and Shayne McClellan.

Emcee Steve Klintberg Nagy.

From left: Cortney Schultz and her husband, New Interiors president Wade Schultz, with Miranda Yajima and her husband TD Wealth’s Jun Yajima.

MNP’s Tony Smith with Engel & Volkers’ Sandy MacDonell.

From left: Stikeman Elliott LLP’s Amy Nugent, Carolyn Simpson, Janel Young, Catherine Grygar, Rhonda Parhar, Sarah Graham and Cheryl Rea.

Landmark Cinemas’ Ashdenne Pitts and AARC’s Darryl Power.

Holt Renfrew executive vice-president Deb Kerr and her husband, Cornerstone Luxury Homes’ Billy Kerr.

Brookfield Properties’ Rita Borrow (left) and Janet Lehmann.

Theatre Calgary actors Robyn Ord and Spencer Streichert in the role of paparazzi.

Rene Transport’s Kyle Grzech (left) and Telus’ Dan Barham.

=Cenovus Energy’s Linda Lee (left) and Graham Construction’s Elizabeth Chi.

Fireside Property Group’s Keith McMullen and his wife Gwen McMullen with Holt Renfrew.

Cal-Tech Glass’ Maurice Adema and his wife Kristen Adema with Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Having a great time at ENCORE are, from left: Azuridge general manger Jason Glynn and his wife Joanna Glynn, with Country 105′ Hotrod Harriet and her husband Glyn Jones.

Stephen Hair, best known for his iconic role as Scrooge in Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol, (left) with Theatre Calgary’s Ronald Peters.

Alberta Ballet’s Kim Jackson and her husband, Theatre Calgary executive director Jon Jackson.