In a mere 2 1/2 weeks, 80 per cent of the tickets have been sold for the Alex Baum salute and organizer Dan Kroffat is confident it will sell out shortly.

Now he's in search of some substantial live auction items and event sponsors to knock the ball out of the park for this fundraiser to replace and vastly enhance the playground at the Girl Guides' Camp Jubilee.

Baum, the principal dealer of Cochrane Toyota who's known for his volunteer work and generous and passionate support of many Cochrane area causes, is being saluted as a community builder at a June 2 gala dinner. Much in the tradition of the first two events, proceeds will support a community cause. 

Dinner tickets are $100 each and Kroffat was pleased to announce the cost of the hall, dinner, and live auction are all being covered by sponsors, making it a cost-free event.

"We're really excited about the fact that every dime we raise at this event will go towards helping the Rotarians get the job done in building the playground for the Girl Guides."

Now the search is on for donors and sponsors.

"We need at least eight fairly substantial items because that will be where the meat and potatoes of our fundraising will occur on June 2."

"I would love to talk to donors or anybody that would like to be a sponsor."

It's the Cochrane Rotary who have taken on this playground as a signature project and have pledged to raise $125,000 for the Calgary Region Girl Guides to help make it a reality.

Tracy Brooker, who is both a Girl Guide leader and Rotarian, explains this is one of three events being held in support of the playground. Proceeds from both the Great Cochrane Outhouse Race, inches away from becoming a major event, and the Monumental Tournament of Aces will also support the project.

"Those three events are what we are rallying behind as Rotarians to try and raise money for this signature project at Camp Jubilee. It's more than just another playground. It is a playground that actually provides opportunities for these young girls and children to utilize the site to develop creativity and confidence through play."

It's also natural, all-inclusive and is built on the Guides value of environmental stewardship, she points out.

Kroffat not only praises the value of the playground but the shining example adults can provide our youth by making a difference in their lives. Donors will play a big part in this.

"As they grow up they can take the baton and run with it because they've experienced as kids what we did for them as adults," says Kroffat. "I think it's important that we pass the message along to these kids. So donors are making a difference, they're part of the legacy and I just think it's critical."

It was Alex Baum who presented the idea of making this playground the club's signature project and approached Kroffat to contribute funds from his community builder event. Little did he know he fell into Kroffat's grips.

"Alex didn't know I had him in mind all along as the person we would choose as the Community Builder of the Year," says Kroffat.

Kroffat had originally told him boxer George Chuvalo was being honoured. When discovering the truth, the ever-humble Baum reluctantly agreed.

"I'm not good at that," Baum previously told Cochrane Now. "I would prefer it's somebody else but for a cause like this we all have to move out of comfort zone and so I if I can help in any way to make this project success it's a good thing."

Special guests for the evening include Tom Jackson and Jon Cornish.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Kroffat at 403-850-1001 or emailing danielsauto@hotmail.com. Information will also be available soon on the Cochrane Rotary Club's website https://rotarycochrane.ca/.

The gala is being held at the Cochrane RancheHouse, starting with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.