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Special evening honours important couple in community Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) held its Flagstaff Community Builders Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Sedgewick, honouring Ian Malcolm and Karen Robinson. The community builder dinner event is intended to start a new enduring legacy fund with the Foundation in the honouree’s names, to be used in perpetuity to support causes important to them. About 150 people were in the Sedgewick Community Hall, where the evening started with honourees Malcolm and Robinson piped in by the Battle River Pipes and Drums. Once they were seated, supper was served, with privilege of eating first auctioned to two tables, which raised over $1,200. BRCF Chair Kevin Gurr spoke briefly after dinner. “Your presence here tonight is a powerful testament to your support of the Battle River Community Foundation and this evening’s honourees.” Gurr talked about the foundation, which is approaching its 30th anniversary, saying they are continually inspired by the generosity and encouragement to others to give. “We’ve created an incredible force of good in our community. Our success is built on patience and perseverance, with a focus on long-term impact rather than quick fixes. The concept of delayed gratification is central to what we do; our approach involves growing our resources over time to make a lasting difference. “Tonight we are excited to announce the creation of a new fund, in the name of this evening’s honouress. This fund will support their philanthropic endeavours throughout the Flagstaff area, ensuring that their impact will be continue for generations to come.” Gurr added, ”Our strength lies not in just in major contributions, but also in the hundreds of modest gifts from thoughtful individuals like you. Each
donation, no matter the size, contributes to a larger pool that helps support the causes closest to our hearts.” Gurr said, “This granting year, we were able to grant $450,000 to outstanding organizations within the Battle River region.” After his speech, Gurr introduced board members who were present, which included Sharleen Chevraux, Neil Lunty, Stephen Kambeitz, Wes Campbell, Ben Paulson, and Henry Hays. He also introduced Executive Director Bobbi Way, and her staff, as well as Ambassador Emeritus and original board member Blain Fowler. A short video from Flagstaff County about the Battle River Pipes and Drums activities through the pandemic was played, also highlights from the Annual summer Gathering of the Clans, before the live auction portion of the program began. Ten items were up for auction, with auctioneers Dale Jones and Darrin Holben bringing their unique brand of humour to each item. Robinson and Malcolm each donated a number of the items auctioned, which included Robinson’s famous sticky toffee pudding, and a selection of Malcolm’s best fishing catch from an upcoming fishing trip. Malcolm took a bit of ribbing from Jones about the upcoming trip. Jones kept the bidding going fast and furiously, and interspersed auction items and jokes, keeping the crowd entertained throughout. At the end of the live auction, Jones introduced a secondary auction, where all those present had an opportunity to donate any amount, usually starting at $100. Called “Where’s the beef?” it represents a donation of beef, this year donated by Scott and Candace MacKinnon (Prairie Skye Farm), which will go to the Flagstaff Food Bank. Donations made would go to the Foundation, and as Jones said, “It’s an opportunity to support two great organizations.” Continued on Page 11
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 s
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
Ian Malcolm and Karen Robinson were honoured at the Battle River Community Foundation’s Community Builders Dinner held in Sedgewick on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Sedgewick Community Hall
The Community Press office REMEMBER... will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday. We will reopen Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. and our next edition will still be published Wedneday. Aug. 7 Ad deadlines will be noon Tuesday, Aug. 6