For many young athletes between 11 and 17 years old who have their eyes set on the Olympics “some day”, the Alberta Summer Games is their first stop toward reaching that dream.
In the summer of 2000 the Alberta Summer Games were held in Grande Prairie, but years before this would happen it would take 100’s of hours of planning, preparation, filling out proposals, and thousands of volunteer time to make it all happen. From the application, to the selection for the site of the games, all the time and commitment, none of this happens by chance, it takes a team of people committed to the process . . . committed to the dream for these young leaders.
For one of those dedicated volunteers, Andy Beal (Chairman of the Games Host Society), the vision was for the long-term support of these amazing young athletes. The Host Society’s mission of creating an athlete-centered games was to assist our youth and athletes now and into the future. From that vision a fund was established to what is now known as the 2000 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Fund. As of 2015 the fund has supported 26 students who’ve attended university and colleges across the province. (read more about this fund below)
Commitment like these athletes strive for, is something that the Community Foundation knows all too well. Our commitment is to our community and the charities, programs, projects and students we invest into every year. Our commitment is to the Future. Part of building a future is to thank those who support us and spend time celebrating with those who help us every day to keep the future in focus. Our Nourish the North Wine & Auction Event on Thursday, September 29th at the Pomeroy Hotel is focused on our community and supporting the future generations of our region.
Tickets are just over 70% sold out for our upcoming Nourish the North Wine & Auction Event. Why is this event important to you and me? We know community engagement, youth living in poverty and physical wellbeing are important to each of us. The focus of this evening will be sharing and supporting each of these areas and the work and services of the Community Foundation. We are proud to announce that Mayor Nenshi has been invited to speak at this year’s event on the topics of community connectedness and Vital Signs.
This year we celebrate 20 years young, we know 20 years is a long time . . . but Forever is longer. Our focus is on the future.
Please feel free to contact me at 780-538-2820 or by replying to this e-mail to discuss how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta and how you can impact and inspire others in your community.Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.
Warmest wishes, Tracey Vavrek, CEO
Already over 70% Sold out . . . Call today and save your seat !
PLACE: Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Center
ATTIRE: Smart Casual / Business Casual (leave your tux and gown at home!)
TIME: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
COST: $150/ person, $1200/table of 8
RSVP: 780 538 2820 or Online at
www.buildingtomorrowtoday.com
eVENING ‘sneak peek’
• Sharing fellowship with friends & colleagues
• A platform for inspiration & philanthropy
• Tapas extraordinaire prepared by Chef Alex paired with fine wines
• Invited speaker Mayor Nenshi will engage & motivate guests
• Silent & live auction in support of the services of the Community Foundation
Celebrating accomplishments . . . & leaving legacies
Planning the 2000 Alberta Summer Games, that were held in Grande Prairie, was no easy feat. With over 3500 Volunteers the games were a true testament of what our region can do when we put our minds to it. The games were a huge success, and that success resulted in a surplus of cash that allowed Andy Beal, Chair 2000 Summer Games Host Society, and other members of the Summer Games Society to establish a fund that would create a legacy of the games that will last forever.
The 2000 Alberta Summer Games were an opportunity for local young athletes to exhibit their talents, build leadership skills, and learn the values of working together to make things happen. The impact of these games on both our youth, and our region as a whole have left a lasting impression on the Peace Country. The tangible benefits of the games are undeniable – including upgrading of over 17 sport facilities, but the intangible benefits these games had on our region are even more impressive instilling in participants, parents, over 3500 volunteers and community members a strong sense of civic pride and the value of athletics in the lives of our youth.
Since the creation of the 2000 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation over $26,000 in student grants have been invested in supporting local students to reach their educational goals.
When asked what this meant to him, Andy Beal had this to say: “Education is both critical to society and expensive. If post-secondary education is to become accessible for qualified students, then there will always be a large group of students that need help. I am proud that we help. There is never too much help for local students. I have to say Thank You to the 2000 Alberta Summer Games for opening my eyes to the value of the Foundation.”
“Thank you so much for providing me with the student grant funds to complete my term! I am so excited about completing my studies! I couldn’t have done it without you.” – Student Grant Recipient
The 2000 Alberta Summer Games fund will continue to help more local athletes in 2016 and beyond. If you know a student who could benefit from this award encourage them to apply at www.buildingtomorrowtoday.com/student-awards/
Creating a legacy fund is easy. For more information about legacy building and how you can be involved – visit our website or contact our office at 1 780 538 2820.
Special issue of vital signs
Exploring the Links between Sport & Sense of Belonging
Join us online for a vital conversation next month! On October 4 we’ll launch a special online issue of Vital Signs that takes a look at the link between sport, recreation and sense of belonging.Eighty five percent (85%) of Canadians agree that participation in sport builds stronger communities.
We experience the benefits of sport as individuals, but what role can it play in strengthening communities?
Join us in October as we look at the impact of sports and recreation on the wellness of our region, and discuss what opportunities sport and recreation can help us tap into as we explore avenues to enhance our sense of well-being as individuals, as community, and as a region.
“Sport has a unique power to attract, mobilize and inspire. By its very nature, sport is about participation. It is about inclusion and citizenship.” – UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace
Student Award Applications available on Line Now
Your Community Foundation has many great funding opportunities for post-secondary students looking for a hand reaching their education goals.
Encouraging and supporting post-secondary students is the reason some donors turn to the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta. The goals of the student awards vary widely. Some support graduates of a specific high school, while others focus on a loved one’s special interests.
Learn how you can apply HERE.
COmmunity Impact Grants – available on Line Now
Your Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta has the pulse on our growing and changing region. Each year, we support a wide range of innovative projects and organizations that are changing people’s lives, helping create more vibrant, livable communities.
Charitable organizations are the heart of the community, making our region a better place to work, play and live.
Click HERE to download the application and get started.
Remembering Fred rinne
Our community has lost a dear friend, ambassador and community-minded soul. I was blessed to have met Fred over 17 years ago as he was doing what he did so well, reporting on our community. Fred shared his passion for community in many ways. He faithfully committed to a cause important to him or to someone close to his heart. He shared his passion through his storytelling and editorial craftsmanship, and by advocating for the community he called home.
Fred was an active member of the Community Foundation. He embraced the Community Foundation movement and joined our Board of Directors in 2003 demonstrating his belief in driving change through dedication and commitment to the future of our region. We shared many spontaneous calls and emails throughout the years, discussing community issues and finding ways to share good stories about the activities of the Community Foundation and its impact. Most importantly Fred was a friend. He was accepting, kind and caring for others and always looked out for ways to just be there. I am honoured to hold so many memories in my heart of laughs, stories and bantering back and forth. Thank you Fred for the gift of your friendship.
We extend our sincerest condolences to Fred’s family and all those who are feeling the loss of this wonderful man.
