Connections' big fundraiser!

Three years ago, I joined the Board of Directors at Connections Counselling and Consulting Foundation. It's a fabulous organization that's been serving the Calgary community for 15 years. (Feel free to check out the website. They do really good work there!)

I was thrilled today to take part in our first ever art fundraiser, along with all the other directors and staff, including our tireless Agency Coordinator, Pat Morris. We've been planning this fundraiser for months and today was the big day!

We were down at Wallace Galleries, where Heidi and Colette Hubner put on a fabulous show with various local artists, including the charming Bill Duma, shown in the photo here with the current Board president, Alia Azim, and Lauren Raymore, who is one of the founders of Connections, as well as one of its key staff members.

We had a fantastic day, depspite the cold and pouring rain. There was a steady flow of people through the gallery, which was open from noon to 6:00 p.m. for the event. There were a few artists on hand to talk with visitors about their art. As well, the entire Board and most of the staff, along with numerous supporters, friends, family and art lovers kept the gallery busy most of the day.

A number of pieces sold and although we don't know yet exactly how much money was raised for the agency, we are very pleased with the results of the day. We got a chance to try something new and educate people about what we do at Connections, as well as raise some funds.

Here's the current Board president on the right, together with the past president, both with big smiles after a few glasses of wine. (After all... what's an art show without wine and cheese?!)

I had a blast today. Usually at our Board meetings, we have lots of business to discuss and although we make time to chat, we're pretty focussed on our work. Today we had the opportunity to enjoy the event, and the company of the guests, artists and everyone who was volunteering at the event.

We also owe a big thank you to our two other principal sponsors for today, Denim Pipeline Construction Ltd. and the Blyth family, without whom today would not have been such an outstanding success.

At the end of the day, Heidi, the gallery owner, has already said she'd like to do a repeat performance again next year! Woo hoo! Here's to successful partnerships and "win win" successes!