Paparazzi snapped guests on the red carpet, Marilyn Monroe (a local actor) handed out kisses and philanthropist extraordinaire Bob Westbury was presented with an
Oscar. “The night was a spectacular success,” said the charity’s executive director Pam Miller. “We raised some $157,000 to take our total to over $1 million in 10 years.” It was Westbury, then working for TransAlta Corp., to whom the charity turned a decade ago when it sought to create an exceptional fundraiser. Westbury’s history of help to charities is too long for any single computer to handle. The Oscar was presented to him for his vision and compassion for children. “I think I received it because I am such a bad actor,” quipped Westbury, now chairman of the Telus Edmonton Community Board. “It’s heavy and just like the real thing, complete with wreath.” “Earth Angels” are companies who pledge to donate to the charity for a limited number of years. Accepting recognition awards on behalf of their companies this year were: CIBC’s John Steeves, who chaired the gala committee Kevin Franchuk of CN Carma’s Louise Gibson Jim Barker of Commercial Solutions Inc. and Ashif Mawji of Upside Softwear. What economic downturn
Lawyer Doug Goss was praised