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Red Tie Gala
Awards of Distinction Red Tie Gala
A sold out crowd of 600 came together to witness the accomplishments of an entire region on February 18, 2010. Held at the Westin Edmonton, the intimate environment was the setting for a lot of cheers, a few tears and more than a few surprises.
The goal of the event is to recognize the dedication and success of the many workplaces and volunteers around the region that help United Way affect the large-scale impact it has on our community each year.
Click here to view the full list of winners.
Cheers
► In a sea of red shoes, scarves, ties and accessories - including several gentlemen who confessed openly in front of the crowd to making a last-minute run before the event to purchase a red tie - United Way kicked off the new concept of the Red Tie Gala. This new twist to our Annual celebration helped heighten the level of participation and engagement for our guests!
► The event had some great media coverage as well and the very positive response to our campaign achievement is reflected in an article on the Edmonton Journal website as well as in their photo gallery.
► Edmonton Rush made one young man's entire year with a special gift to recognize his personal achievements in Da Bom Squad and for being the youngest ever Discovery Speaker. Not only did they give him a jersey signed by the entire team, they also gave him FOUR season tickets! Cory Small and Andy Secore of the Rush presented their gifts on stage to a visibly shocked and awed young fan. To meet him and hear his inspiring story click here.
► The many shouts of "I Love You, Kuen!" from the crowd as Kuen Tang won the Kathleen Huber Outstanding Discovery Speaker demonstrated the real ways in which these speakers touch the lives of those they share their stories with.
Tears
► New to this year's event were personal messages recorded by co-workers of the winners of the Spirit Awards. Several of the winners were visibly touched by the kind words shared about them. It was nice to share in the appreciation of others and to hear the amazing things the winners do during their campaigns.
► Proud mother of young Richard who received recognition from the Edmonton Rush was seen beaming as her son stood on stage and received a standing ovation from the crowd of 600 people in attendance.
Surprises
► Dr. Wayne Shillington, outgoing Cabinet Chair, revealed our fundraising total for the year at $20.6 million saying, "Although the City of Champions slogan originated in the sports world, it is truly exemplified by the unmatched generosity, compassion and engagement of its citizens," he continued saying, "No one was immune to the economic uncertainty of the past year and we knew this campaign was absolutely anything but business as usual. But even in these challenging times, United Way still flourishes in the boardrooms and lunchrooms of so many local organizations."
► Event emcees Ron Wilson (CBC Radio) and Jennifer Martin (Access Alberta Primetime) had to compete with a crowd that also had their minds on Canada's Men's Olympic Hockey Team who were in a nail-biting shootout with Switzerland at the time of the event. They did a fantastic job of keeping the crowd informed on both the proceedings and the result of the game by giving everyone a much needed update when Canada scored the winning shootout goal. Hats off to the duo for working that in flawlessly.
► The Honourable A. Anne McLellan was on-hand (who managed to make it through airport customs in record time to attend) to formally take the reins of the Campaign Cabinet as the incoming Chair for the 2010 United Way Campaign. We are looking forward to another successful year with her at the helm.
► Also announced was the 2011 Campaign Chair - the Dean of the University of Alberta's school of business, Mike Percy. Another great leader who will build on the success of 2010.