Such a Privilege

I had the ultimate privilege to photograph the STARS benefit on Saturday night that was organized by the Firestone Restaurant and sponsored by a number of businesses, including The Coast Hotel, L.A. Chefs, Pink Tie Events, Cheesecake Cafe, Bridge City Chrysler, and yours truly (Imajen Photography) among a number of other sponsors.

The STARS foundation keeps the STARS helicopters (Air Ambulances) flying with the funding they need.  With a Province as vast as Alberta with major industry going on in remote areas due to oil and gas, or agriculture, etc., sometimes an ambulance ride is not fast enough and STARS gives immediate help and transportation to the major hospitals in the major centers.  STARS publishes a calendar every year and I always buy it.  Heaven forbid the helicopters aren't flying when a member of my family needs it.  If it will make the difference between life and death, or a full recovery of my child...I'll buy that calendar!

When I heard that this event was going on, I put my name in the hat to cover the event.  What a wonderful evening it was!! The food was divine, the entertainment was lively and I felt SO proud to have my business name and information flashing on the screens throughout the night as a supporter of this program.  We had a silent auction and a live auction that raised a ton of money for STARS.  In my opinion, $100 per plate is a bargain considering the experience and the cause.  Sign me up next year!

Pink Tie Events decorated for this formal event and they did their usual amazing job., we had wonderful live music through the dinner portion of the event,L.A. Chefs knocked it out of the park with the food. I want to introduce you to Murray Campbell, the Manager of the STARS program in Southern Albertawe had energetic live music from both The Chavelles, as well as Jackie French.  I wonder who this is... And we have Rob, the VIP of the night (Very Important Patient).  He gave us details of his horrific accident last summer and how he would not have survived an ambulance ride.  He is here today because of this program.  He is engaged and will be getting married soon, and is moving along with his life in a new way.  This is him getting his standing ovation.  He was inspiring.  This cute doll is Andrea Boras from Firestone restaurant that put the whole thing together. She did such a fantastic job, kept the energy up and the party kickin!...I'm ready to work with her again...anytime! (http://www.firestonerestaurant.ca) This event was so much fun, I was so proud to be a part of it and it is such a worthy cause.  For more information about the STARS program, go to:  www.stars.ca