May 15, 2008
Gala Dinner Under the Big Top
Our vintage carnival began with a reception held on the mezzanine level of the Fort Garry Hotel. There were magicians and a juggler, cotton candy and appetizers and, like any good circus, many smiling faces. Many of the MYS family were there to support and welcome newcomers to our organization.
Following the reception, our guests were welcomed by Ace Burpee, our Master of Ceremonies, to a beautifully decorated Provencher room that was filled with balloons. After a wonderful blessing from Cynthia Drebot, Program Manager from Services for Older Adolescents, the first course was served. As we prepared for our second course, the theme of the evening was set as Ace Burpee used a large cane to bring the first speech of the evening to a quick (and early) conclusion. Since the person giving the speech was the Executive Director, Erma Chapman, Ace confided to the audience that he was nervous cutting her off, but that we were there to have fun and support some great causes, not listen to long speeches! This fact was driven home as the guests pledged enough money to prevent our Board President, Brad Wolfe, from saying much more than "thank you!" If fact, the donation that "pushed" him off the stage was made by his wife!
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sir Hugh John Macdonald Memorial Award to George Sigurdson. The award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates the values and virtues of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, in particular, respect and fairness towards youth and practical assistance for youth to help them develop life skills for better tomorrows. Mr. Sigurdson received the 2008 award for his untiring dedication to youth in our community, including his work with the Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation and Take Pride Winnipeg.
The evening was enjoyed by everyone and over $17,000.00 was raised for the Youth Resource Centre and Positive Alternatives for Youth’s new program "Vehicle for Change".
We would like to thank George Sigurdson, Ace Burpee and all of our guests for their contributions throughout the evening. We would also like to thank the Gala Dinner Committee and all our volunteers both before and during the event. Without them we would not have been able to make the evening such a huge success.
