Two back to back fundraisers benefitting Big Hill Haven, Cochrane's up and coming women's emergency shelter on April 27th and 28th, did amazingly well.

The well-received event on Friday, April 27th surpassed expectations says organizer, Dan Kroffat; approximately 200 guests attended the free fundraiser which brought in just over $25,000. "As a committee, we were very happy because there was some talk that if we were able to raise $15,000 that would have been great. So our committee was extremely excited that we exceeded what we hoped to do."

But more than raising money, the real intent for Kroffat was to honour a community member who has gone above and beyond. This year's tribute was to Bearcat Murray, former longtime athletic trainer for the Calgary Flames. Kroffat shares Bearcat was quite touched that the community of Cochrane chose to honour him in such a special way. "He called me the next day and he was quite overwhelmed and he said although he has been recognized over the years for his accomplishments it was special that another community besides his hometown would do this for him."

The Mayor of Okotoks, Bill Robertson attended as did Airdrie-Banff, MP Blake Richards. Honouring deserving individuals began last year when Kroffat paid tribute to long-standing community member Jack Tennant and it is something he would like to see continue on an annual basis. "Hopefully we will continue this, there certainly is a great selection of candidates in our communities whether Okotoks, Cochrane or surrounding areas and I think the public at large has an appetite for this."

While Kroffat would like to start conversing about who to honour in 2019, he would love the community at large to weigh in. "I don't think I am the person who should solely decide on who should be selected. I am looking for feedback on outstanding citizens who maybe I am not aware of that has done exceptional things, so I am looking for suggestions over the next year and probably by December we would have some idea of who we would like to honour next year again."

If you would like to nominate someone, Kroffat suggests sending a name and reason to him via email at danielsauto@hotmail.com

Friday night was not the only success, Saturday, April 28th, organizer Ana Botelho and the Women of the West also did extremely well.

Raising around $28,000, Botelho shares the 'FUN'raiser not only raised funds and awareness for Big Hill Haven but was a fun night that brought all ages together. "We found it was successful. I had so many calls, texts, direct messages from people that were at the event who were saying it was just what they needed to kick off their summer for a fun factor. I have had a lot of people ask me when the next event is going to be, which is an excellent indication it was well received."

Being that Botelho is on the Big Hill Haven board and the event committee, you can guarantee more great events will be coming forth. "We are working toward something; hopefully come the end of summer to early fall and it's going to be big. We want to do something to keep the momentum going."

With initial totals coming in at $53,000, Margaret Van Tighem co-founder of Big Hill Haven is touched and thankful for the community support. "I would like to express my gratitude to both of the groups, Dan and his team, as well as Marva, Ana and the Women of the Wild West, we are very, very grateful to both of them. I can't believe how much money we raised with two events raising money for the same cause, it just boggles my mind."

Although Van Tighem does not reside in Cochrane she thinks of it as her second home and says the community is unbelievable. "The Town of Cochrane and the giving, community spirit...that is my community now and I don't live there. They aren't looking what they can get from people they are looking at what they can give. The Town of Cochrane should pat themselves on the back."

The fundraising isn't over yet; if you were unable to bid or attend you can still help the cause by taking part in an online Facebook auction until May 12th, which you can find HERE.

All funds raised are being put toward good use; Big Hill Haven has employed their first employee, Patti Fisher. "Patti is going to be an outreach worker; she is working on a contract on a pilot program for us. So we were talking about where we were going to get the money for that and there are a couple places we could apply for funding but I had nothing written in stone; so this makes sure we've got that covered. We now have something in the community that is accessible to people."

The fall and future focus will now be on the capital and getting the building/facility in place.