Stunning success at the 33rd Annual Sunset BBQ

The morning of June 7 you could feel the buzz of anticipation in the air.

The uncertain eyes of staff looked to the sky waiting to see if the grey clouds would fade away, hoping to see sunnier skies appear and, just as last year, FortWhyte’s 33rd annual Sunset BBQ presented by PCL Construction was held under the only blue sky seen for days in Winnipeg.

It was under this shining sky that FortWhyte Alive’s annual Sunset BBQ beat its record for the second year and raised over $240,000 for environmental education at FortWhyte Alive! Throughout the evening guests enjoyed delicious food and amazing company on Winnipeg’s only lakeside patio as they bid on prizes in silent and live auctions, and made generous commitments to sponsor youth employment and sponsor field trips to FortWhyte. Because of this generosity we will be able to welcome thousands of students who may not otherwise have access to nature education – or even nature.

This beautiful event was made possible thanks to our Sunset BBQ Planning Committee, an amazing group of philanthropists and supporters who shared their time and resources, to make this event possible: Co-chairs Sydney Richardson and Micah Sifton LaLeune, Nancy Cipryk, Melanie Gerodias-Mitchell, Kathryn Gompf, Tammy Johnson, Kirsten McConnell, Kristin Parrish, Phalyn Powell, Hilary Rankin, Zoe Richardson, Jennifer Thiessen, Brittney Winter, and Liz Wilson.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who helped at all stages of this event from folding napkins, carefully cutting up cards and papers, setting tables, and helping to collect funds raised throughout the evening and to LaFarge Canada for your help with the heavy lifting setting up tables.

Thank you to Spruce Catering by Diversity Foods Services for creating and executing a stunning menu and for your continued high level of service.

Thank you to Doug Harvey for sharing your time as our emcee, putting smiles on faces with your jokes and sharing your love of FortWhyte Alive with the crowd.

On behalf of the FortWhyte Alive Board, organizing committee, staff and volunteers, and the students and visitors who visit each day we would like to say thank you to everyone who supported this event!

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:
PCL Construction

Thanks to our Evening Sponsors:
Maple Leaf Construction
LaFarge Canada
James Richardson & Sons, Limited
Johnston Group
Pearson Pollard Family
Carolyn Sifton Foundation
Cipryk Family

Thanks to our Lakeside Sponsors:
Stantec
Filmore Riley
Payworks
Independent Jewellers Ltd
Winnipeg Building and Decorating Ltd.
Colliers
KPMG

Thanks to our Outdoor Sponsor:
Ken & Lesley Powell
(non attending)

Many thanks to James and Leney Richardson, Sydney Richardson, Kristin Parrish, and Zoe Richardson.

Special thanks to Healey Visual, Kenaston Wine Market, Jasperson’s Greenhouse, and Coal & Canary, Pop Cart, and Trans Canada Brewing for their contributions to the evening.