As we reflect on the past year, I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. We began last fall with our directors once again attending the final football games and presenting the Harry Hood awards – a tradition that continues to connect us to young athletes and their achievements. Throughout the year, many of our directors also represented the Club at the Annual General Meetings of our partners, as well as at award evenings for our universities and high schools. These events are an important way for us to stay visible and connected in the sporting community we serve.
A special thank-you goes to Lawrence for once again organizing our Christmas party, which brought together both past and present members and reminded us of the strong friendships that exist within the Booster Club.
The highlight of our year was, without question, the Annual Sports Gala. Under the leadership of Tammy Cave, the Gala was once again a tremendous success – a true celebration of sport, community, and excellence. The Gala has become much more than an evening of recognition; it is the showcase of the Calgary Booster Club itself. It allows us to share our story with the community, celebrate the accomplishments of athletes and leaders, and demonstrate the important role our club plays in supporting sport in Calgary. Just as importantly, the Gala also serves as one of our strongest tools for fundraising and visibility. It not only raises critical resources but also strengthens our profile in the community, opening doors to new partnerships and opportunities. The positive feedback we continue to receive reminds us just how impactful this event has become. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Tammy and to everyone who contributed their time and energy to making this year’s Gala such a meaningful success.
Fundraising has also been an area of strong focus this year, with JR and the committee working tirelessly to secure the resources we need to sustain and grow our support for athletes. Their work underscores the importance of financial stability, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts in keeping this vital aspect of our mission moving forward.
Looking ahead, there are a few key priorities that will guide us into the coming year. First, we will be reviewing all of our committees with the goal of creating clear manuals and resources to document their work. By capturing the knowledge and experience of our directors, we can make it easier for new board members to transition into their roles and ensure that important traditions and practices continue seamlessly. This is about building strength and continuity for the future.
Second, we will continue to explore new methods of communication to get our message out more effectively. Our communications team has done an excellent job of keeping our presence steady, and now we want to build on that work by seeking new ways to raise awareness of who we are and what we do. Stronger visibility will not only bring new partners and supporters to the Booster Club but will also amplify the impact of our fundraising and community efforts.
To my fellow Board of Directors, thank you for the time, energy, and passion you bring to this organization. Your commitment is the driving force behind everything we do. And to the Executive, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your leadership, guidance, and support throughout the year. While I am unable to attend this year’s AGM, please know how proud I am of all that we have achieved and how confident I am in the direction we are heading.
Together, let us continue to grow our impact, strengthen our connections, and provide even greater support to athletes across our community
Carol Hermansen
President, Calgary Booster Club