Welcome to the first of our newsletters bringing you up to date with developments in our efforts to build the Calgary Lesbian and Gay Chinook Fund.
For those of you who were able to attend the fundraiser at Gypsy Wine Bar on October 6, 2011, we again wish to thank you for giving us of your time and also for your generous donations. This successful and engaging event raised approximately $40,000 for the Fund (a generous average donation of approximately $1,000).
We were fortunate to be joined by Chima Nkemdirim, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Mayor and acting Deputy Mayor, Alderman Gael MacLeod, who both spoke to the importance of the Fund and philanthropy in general.
We were also able to announce the recipients of the 2010 – 2011 grants from the endowment fund. The recipients were: the Fairy Tales Presentation Society for their Youth Anti- Homophobia Public Service Announcement contest in partnership with EMMEDIA; and the Calgary Sexual Health Centre for their work providing education to schools regarding sexuality, sexual health and diversity. Total grants given were $1,790.
As the Chinook Fund continues to grow, so will our ability to provide more funding to such worthy projects from the interest generated by the Fund. This coming year the amount we are able to now grant has doubled as a result of your donations. Even with these grants the total assets of the fund will not be touched and your gift will continue to give for years to come.
Dan MacGregor and Harry Ulmer were our first ambassadors, hosting a dinner, wine tasting and live music event which raised over $1800 for the Chinook Fund: many thanks to Dan for his generosity as well as the assembled guests for their donations!
Dan and Harry started a trend and we are also inviting people to generously act as Chinook Fund ambassadors, willing to host a private fundraising event in their own home, inviting their friends and introducing them to the Chinook Fund.We anticipate that this will be the first of many such events and hope that they are all as successful. Should anyone wish to consider also being an ambassador and holding a similar fund raising event for the Fund, then please contact Kelly at kellyernst@telus.net for tips and more information.
For those of you hearing about the Chinook Fund for the first time, or those inclined to provide ongoing support, we remind you donations can also be made to the Fund either through the Calgary Foundation or directed to the Fund through the United Way. We are in the process of organizing another fund raising dinner on October 18th, 2012, with the aim of growing the fund to $100,000. Please save the date and we will keep you informed.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce the Chinook Fund to a growing circle of supporters and donors.
More information is available at: www.calgarychinookfund.ca.
Although most people receiving this newsletter will be aware of our existence and probably attended our October fundraiser, please feel free to forward this notice to friends and loved ones that you think might be interested in learning more about our efforts.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Harvey, M.D.
Volunteer, Chinook Fund Advisory Committee