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That the 71st ball raised an impressive $150,000, the most-ever raised in the event’s history, ensures the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Funds Foundation’s (CHRFF) continued support for the Regiment’s serving soldiers, veterans and their families. CHRFF also teaches young people in the Calgary area a range of skills including: history; orienteering and bushcraft; citizenship and music. Further, the foundation enables the ongoing preservation of the regiment’s traditions and history through the Regimental Pipes and Drums and the Regiment’s gallery at the Military Museums.

Hosting the ball this evening were Hon. Col. Lauchlan Currie (ARC Financial CEO), and Hon. Lieut.-Col. Brian Parker (Acumen Capital Partners president and CEO), who are also chairs and vice-chairs of the foundation respectively. Lieut.-Col. Kyle Clapperton was this year’s ball chairman.

Highlights this night included: Maj. (Ret’d) Kent Griffiths presenting the Address to the Haggis; the Calgary Girls Choir BRAVA Ensemble’s rendition of Amazing Grace followed by Ode to Freedom and then We are the Dreamers; musical performances by the Regiment’s affiliated cadet unit 2137 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Pipes and Drums and the Regimental Pipes and Drums; the spirited singing of the Glenwhorple; and dancing to the Dino Martinis’ terrific tunes.

Others in attendance included: Deputy Commanding Officer Maj. Andrew Beauchamp as emcee; ARC Financial and ball committee member Linsey Gibbons with Blackline Safety’s Derek Bien; Richard and Pam Goebel; MNP’s Jason and Christine Tuffs and Gordon and June Chan; Painted Pony Petroleum CFO Stuart Jaggard with Colter Energy Services’ Christine Pelland; past U of C president Elizabeth Cannon; Lieut.-Col. Ryan Palmer, Commanding Officer of the Calgary Highlanders; Hon. Col. (Ret’d) Fred Mannix; The Reading Foundation’s Devan Kublik; my terrific handler, ARC Financial and ball committee member Michelle Nikkel; and others pictured.

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks

Photo by Bill Brooks / Bill Brooks