Tickets to the Tom Jackson Charity Gala are now available through the Rocky Mountain Rotary Club.

Set for Oct. 28, the acclaimed Canadian singer and actor will receive a Community Builder Award while raising funds for the new trail between Cochrane and Calgary, the local food bank, and the Rotary Club's community projects.

The evening includes dinner, live auction, and several special guest speakers, including Jackson.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to help raise funds for community causes.

"We're excited about the event," says club president Ryan Baum. "I think it'll be a great one."

Dan Kroffat, who created the Community Builder Award several years ago, says many have already stepped forward with generous donations to reduce the operating costs to next to nothing. The hall rental, food and bar costs have already been covered. 

"What that means is 99.9 per cent of every dollar we raise will go towards these initiatives that we've taken on. I think that's unique because quite often donors are concerned about how much goes towards administrational costs and other things associated with it."

Baum says 100 per cent of the funds they receive will be used for their local projects. In a brief time, the newly-formed club has supported youth summer camps of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, the local food bank, and at Christmas prepared packages to make sure the Yuletide season was special for six families.

Kroffat was asked why Tom Jackson and says it's quite easy.

"Look at alone what he does for food banks, and Cochrane's included in that. He has benefited food banks from coast-to-coast, done it year-in and year-out. He has the Huron Carole, which he takes across Canada raising money helping groups. He had it here in Cochrane last December as well.

"So consequently it was a pretty easy selection. Top that off with the fact that he's a member of the Order of Canada, which means our government and Canadians from coast-to-coast recognize him for his achievements."

Past community builder galas have sold out quickly, and Kroffat believes it will be the same this time around. They've kept the ticket price to $85 per person or $150 per couple to make it an affordable community initiative.

While called a gala, it's a semi-formal event and attendees can leave their tuxedos at home.

You can find ticket and sponsorship information here. 

They can also be purchased by Nicola or Mili at 403 932-9900.