It was another successful year for the Portage Terriers and Central Plains Cancer Services as they teamed up once again for their annual sports dinner and auction.
It was the third year for the collaboration between the entities and 350 people packed into Canad Inns Friday night to not only show their support but to also hear NHL Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour tell a few stories.
Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services commented that it is an evening they really look forward to.
"Yeah, it's great. We love doing this event together. We think we both have great causes that are local and we know that whatever we raise, the money stays here in our communities. Working with Cody (Buhler) from the Terriers great. We raised a lot of money and we're really proud of everyone involved. I like good humans and after meeting Gilmour and spending some time with him, well he's a good human."
Gilmour travels the country to do several engagements during any given year and his time with the Maple Leafs is always a popular topic, not to mention the story of how he became a Leaf in one of the biggest trades in NHL history. The star forward also talked about winning the Stanley Cup with the Flames as well as many other topics. After the event, he commented on being able to help two different groups.
"I got to see a lot of the kids today at the rink and it's a full circle kind of thing. It's also refreshing to come to a place I've never been before and get to see people and chat them up. The community spirit is off the charts and the people had great questions. We all go through different things, and we all know family members or friends that have had cancer. I'm just happy to be here and if telling stories helps raise money that's awesome. Many of us dream of winning the Stanley Cup and I was one of the lucky ones to be able to do it."
One of the most moving parts of the evening came from business owner Dave Rodgers. The local auctioneer travels the continent doing auctions and has donated his time to this event for decades. Rodgers lost his daughter in an accident earlier this year and donated an item that would have meant a lot to her for the event. It was a pair of boxing gloves with a personal message on them and together, along with his granddaughter Ayva, they got the bid up to $8000. At that point Rodgers announced he would throw in $10,000 if someone else in the audience would do the same. Paul Davidson of Journey Wealth did just that to make it a $20,000 donation as all proceeds from the live auction went to the cause. Rodgers was blown away.
"To get a standing ovation. It meant so much to us. For the community to come together like this and also a chance to honour Ashley. It reminded us as to how blessed we are to have such amazing support and friendship."
MP Branden Leslie was in attendance as well and he said he wasn't surprised by people's generosity.
"It's awesome to be home here. I have about 10 days here for constituency week that goes along with Remembrance Day. I'll be touring around the riding, but what a great event supporting two great causes. I think it just goes to show the type of people that we are, hardworking prairie people that give back to our communities. People are so generous, not just with their time, but with their money. Ottawa is great but it's so good to be back with regular people to put it simply."
This year's Terrier line-up was introduced and the players helped out with the fundraising throughout the evening. They ten went on to win both of their weekend games making it 10 in a row. The Terrier alumni also had a table and president Grant Farncombe relayed a message as they made a $2500 donation to the Koko Platz Community Club.
"These players should know it is a honour to play here. Many will stay and make their lives here. And many future players will learn some of their skills at the soon to be completed community club. The alumni also likes to give back where they can."
The annual event has been going on since the mid 90's and has grown a lot of the years. The very first one was held in the basement of the previously known Centennial Hall and featured a comedian from Winnipeg.
