Next Sunday (June 2), over two hundred guests will raise their glass in recognition of Cochranite Alex Baum at the Community Builder's Gala.

Organizer Dan Kroffat is once again hosting a special event that will pay tribute to someone who has and continues to give back to our community, but also a night which raises funds and awareness for a project that will benefit all who call Cochrane home.

Alex and Cyndie Baum.

With Baum's name completely selling out the event, Kroffat is hopeful guests will rally behind a project that means a great deal to Baum as a Rotarian. While funds in the past have supported Cochrane's up and coming women's shelter, Big Hill Haven, this year almost 100% of all funds raised from the event will go to replace and vastly enhance the playground at the Girl Guides, Camp Jubilee. "I am excited about the fact that it's not just the recognition of a community builder but also a vehicle to raise money to help projects that are worthy in our community."

With the food and venue being sponsored, the only thing Kroffat is hoping to still add to the event is one or two more incredible live auction items. Last year's Bearcat Murray tribute raised roughly 25,000 dollars, and Kroffat would be thrilled if this year's gala did the same or exceeded last year's total. "I think it is hard to set goals, but I am hoping the project will be the dominant factor in how much we raise. I would be happy if we raised $25,000 again, it is tough these days to exceed 20,000 dollars, so if we exceed 25,000 dollars, I would be very excited. Every dime will go to the Girl Guides, through the Rotarians, and they have been a great partner with this one. When you can exceed 25,000 dollars at an event, in a town with less than 30,000 people than I think it is something to be proud of."

Baum will now join the likes of Bearcat Murray and the late Jack Tennant, who were recognized as community builders in past years. Giving thanks and credit to community members who do so much is easy, shares Kroffat, as there is no shortage of people to choose from. "This community has so many of the right people to choose; Jack Tennant the first year, Bearcat Murray the second year, and of course Alex Baum this year. This has been one of the easiest things I have been a part of to do because the whole community rallies around this."

With so many worthy candidates, Kroffat starts the process of selecting the 'right person' early. Certainly, not his decision alone, Kroffat asks many people in all walks of life, who they would like to see tributed. "In this case when you think of Alex Baum, not only has he contributed and dedicated his life to helping others, but he is also a very humble individual. When it comes to being a father, husband, businessman, and community builder, he has set the bar about as high as it can go. Alex's name kept coming up; his name came up the first year, it came up the second year, and it just kept rising to the top."

If Kroffat continues to bring an annual Community Builder's Gala to town, he believes the level of support will only continue to rise. "I think if this continues on year after year, we will be able to pick bigger projects and ones that are very much in need."

The Community Builder's Gala on June 2nd at the Cochrane RancheHouse will be a full house, and Kroffat says a waiting list to attend the event (in case of cancellations) has already been established. If you have a great live auction item you could donate or would like to give a cash donation, contact Kroffat at 403-850-1001.