Message from the National President

Doug Baker
2007-2008 National President
 

It has been just over a month since our excellent convention in Niagara, how time flies.

Since my last message I have been to the Moncton Women's Ladies Night Out, CPC Elevate's first charitable event and CPC St. John's Vera Perline Halloween Party.

In an excellent example of you give them a reason to come and come they will; Moncton Women staged a Ladies Night Out that attracted over 150 local Moncton women. A great night of music which was hosted by the women from the local radio station, lots of prizes, lots of food and dancing. CPC Moncton Women were out in force and loyally supported by a group of Moncton's finest Firemen who served finger food. A draw for a necklace of Pearls brought in additional support for the club and their charities. A great time was had by all and President Michelle tells me that there were several women very interested in joining the club.  (Above, from left to right: Darcey Fraser, CPC Pictou County; Heather Spencer, CPC Greater Moncton Women; Judith MacLellan, CPC Pictou County.)

On to Calgary, what a town!

CPC Elevate put on their first charitable event on October 25th in Englewood. A photo contest that President Karen tells me drew over 300 entries from all over Canada. I arrived at the event not sure what I was going to see and to my delight just a fabulous setup with the winning photos featured in the centre of the room, the other entrants were presented in a gallery on the far wall, all the photos were up for sale.  (Above:  Photo of the grand prize.)

The Gala was attended by over 350 patrons who walked among booths that were hosted by many of the sponsors and provided sumptuous delights (finger foods, cheeses, wines, beer and much more). One of the highlights of the evening was the music and dancing featuring many of the cultures that make up Calgary of today. Throughout the room were many silent auction items, plus two of Elevates finest selling balloons that gave you an excellent opportunity two win prizes by popping the balloons and seeing if your balloon was a winner. The final event was the live auction that featured a photo donated by the PMO's office. The photo of the far north sold for $1100.  (Above:  National President Doug with CPC Elevate member, Raslene Rydzyk, left, and potential new member, Sandi Pineda-Selva, right, working during the gala event selling raffle balloons.)

Just to let you know the kind of support they received from the other clubs, several of the Bow Valley, City Centre, Wild Rose, Eves, Calgary North, Downtown and CPC Halifax were present (If I missed anyone please forgive). The Elevate Club's charities are those families that live below the poverty line and Elevates goal is to lift at least 6 families up to break the cycle of poverty.

To that end President Karen announced that the Gala had raised $30,000. This was just a fantastic amount for their first event.

So, I fly out at 1:10 am the next morning so I can make CPC Halifax's annual Presidents Party to be held at the St. Mary's Boat Club on the famous North West Arm in Halifax. This event is to celebrate the Past Presidents year in office. Past President Chris said a few words about the club and the terrific job the members had done last year and congratulated them on winning the Presidents award.  (Above:  mingling at CPC Halifax's annual Presidents party.)

President Doran took a moment to recognize our esteemed Past National President C.J. Mac Mullin for his induction to the Progress Hall of fame. President Doran then spoke about our dear friend Liam, who is battling cancer, and presented him with a Bret Farr signed jersey (you guessed it, Liam's a Packer fan). We all partook of great food, great libations and lots of dancing to end the night.

Crystal and Robyn from the Quidi Vidi Club attended the Halifax event and during the evening mentioned that St. John's was hosting the annual Halloween party for the Vera Perline Society at Club One on St. John's.

So, 11:05 Sunday morning I fly into St. John's to spend some time with my fellow Progressians from Newfoundland.

At around 7:30 I arrived at Club One to thundering music and a dance floor packed with dancing Special Olympians and Vera Perline members all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. They were have an absolute fantastic time. The St. John's Club provided over 2000 wings, which the gathering consumed on short order, then back to the dance floor.  Spot dances throughout the night, with great prizes, then to end the evening all those present came forward and receives the traditional Halloween treats provided by CPC St. John's. I then danced the night away.  (Above:  President Doug with Vera Perline Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Hogan.)

Our Master of Ceremonies made me promise that I would at least try and make their Christmas Party on the 29th of November; how can one refuse such opportunity? 

Yours in Progress,

Doug Baker
National President,
Canadian Progress Club