When the Cochrane community comes together, oh boy, mountains can be moved.

On Sunday evening (June 2), 209 people attended the Community Builders Gala at the Cochrane RancheHouse in honour of a man whose integrity, community involvement, and graciousness is more than admirable.

The Community Builders Gala is certainly no roast, and even if it were, it would be hard pressed to find anyone who would speak negatively about this year's recipient, Alex Baum. 

Alex Baum gave special thanks to his wife Cyndie (pictured here) at the tribute dinner.

Besides being the owner of Cochrane Toyota, Alex has been involved in numerous community initiatives, events, and fundraisers, and is considered one of the most humble men in the Town of Cochrane.

Happy with how the tribute turned out, Dan Kroffat organizer of the Community Builders Gala says it is a true testament to our strong community. "It is not only a feather in the hat for the Town of Cochrane, but I hope that this becomes part of the culture where we recognize and acknowledge outstanding community leaders. People who make a difference, who do things quietly, and with no expectation of recognition. When we can find a day and place where we can celebrate their accomplishments, I think it goes a long way."

Certainly not looking for the spotlight to be shined on him, Alex Baum spoke of his gratitude in the way you would expect. "Alex stays true to form, and he has a consistency about him. When I shared with him that he was instrumental in the night being successful, I said hold your head with pride, lift your head, and just say thank you to the community for recognizing you because they want to. He is the kind of guy that you want to do things for."

More than raising a glass to toast Baum, the gala event is also a vehicle to raises funds for a project that will benefit the community as a whole. With Alex also being a committed Rotarian, a partnership to support a project the Rotary Club of Cochrane is involved in seemed to be a no-brainer. 

The Girl Guides, Camp Jubilee is looking to replace and vastly expand their current playground to a tune of 650,000 dollars and Kroffat's event was a fantastic start to the Rotarians committed goal of 125,000 dollars.

While he was only hoping to match last year's fundraising total of 25,000 dollars, Kroffat was shocked to learn this year's final tally. "When we hit the final number after doing the math on it, I was completely blown away. I knew we were in a zone, but we ended up with 75,000 dollars from this event. What I am excited about, is out of the $125,000, we have $75,000 already from this event."

With the Cochrane Outhouse Races and the Monumental Tournament of Aces golf tournament also contributing to the 125,000 dollar fundraising amount, Kroffat is not only proud of the gala's contribution but is also very confident that the 125,000 dollar total will be exceeded. 

While this was Kroffat's third annual tribute event, he feels there is an incredible desire to see the gala carry on. "When I look at the event we just had in its third year, I feel there is more than an appetite in this community to support individuals who make such a difference. When you look at it, you are not only acknowledging a member of our community but also raising money at the same time, and I think there is a great partnership there. I have had people telling me that they have never been to a dinner with that size of gathering where that much money had been raised in one evening. They are givers, the philanthropic members of our community, there is just so many of them."

Giving thanks and praise to his organizing committee and the financial sponsors, Kroffat says this isn't a one-person show. "I feel proud that I started this whole thing and that I lead it, but I would never get this done if it wasn't for the committee and those who support it."

With no candidate or specific community project on the radar for 2020, Kroffat is looking forward to hearing suggestions in the near future. "Next year will probably be a new project and probably a new committee but those things I can't address. But I am excited about the thought that this has been successful because the community wants this."

Alex Baum now joins the likes of Bearcat Murray and the late Jack Tennant as other recognized community builder's.