In just a few days, Cochranites will learn who the honouree will be for this year's community tribute dinner.
The annual tribute is hosted by retired celebrity wrestler, philanthropist Dan Kroffat. While many remember Kroffat from his days in the ring, he has become known in Cochrane as a local who gets stuff done – be it recognizing the accomplishments of a celebrated hero or raising big dollars for community projects.
"I'm excited about it because the person is an outstanding citizen – who everyone is going to be excited about," said Kroffat, laughing that the honouree, a "high profile individual," doesn't even know about it yet.
"I was so encouraged to turn this into an annual event after our first dinner honouring Jack Tennant was such a success. In essence, it proved to me that we have an appetite for recognizing outstanding individuals in our community," said Kroffat of Tennant – the founder of the Cochrane Eagle, newspaper icon and champion of many charitable causes who died on May 20, 2018 of heart failure.
"Jack, for me, was definitely the motivation to continue this."
On Feb. 26 announcements will be made about the Rotary Club of Cochrane's major project of the year – to help fundraise and build an all-inclusive playground (phase two) of the Girls Guides' Camp Jubilee.
"We're very excited to partner with the Girl Guides of Canada to get their Camp Jubilee back for them," said Rotarian Alex Baum, community chair. "This is our signature project this year."
The Girl Guides of Canada – Calgary Area saw their playground wiped out during the epic 2013 flood. Now, with the help of community, they are rebuilding it bigger than ever.
Kroffat also plans to do his part for the playground project in a big way – as he will emcee the Cochrane Outhouse Races and the third annual tribute dinner, where funds raised from both events will go toward the Camp Jubliee playground project.
He is also hopeful that townspeople will cast their ballots in favour of naming the Bow River Bridge after Tennant. Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge is one of 11 names that the public can vote as their preferred moniker for the major capital construction project that will connect the south side of Cochrane to downtown.
"A reminder to anyone who thought of Jack as I did – there's still time to vote for the bridge to be named after him."
Kroffat held the first tribute dinner in the fall of 2016 to honour Tennant. Last spring, a second event was held – honouring famed Calgary Flames trainer Bearcat Murray. Combined, these events raised thousands for the Big Hill Haven Women's Shelter.
Pre-sale tickets are available for the tribute dinner, which is to be held at the Cochrane RancheHouse on the evening of June 2. To get tickets before they sell out, Kroffat can be reached at 403-850-1001.
To learn more about the bridge naming possibilities or to cast your ballot, visit cochrane.ca/bridge.
