September 22, 2011
ESKS.com
Rose Mary Phillip
You would think an event to raise funds for cancer research would be a downer, right? Wrong! Global’s Nicola Crosbie and Jennifer Crosby made sure the 4th Edmonton Eskimo Women’s Dinner was anything but.
Pre-game
The night kicked off with a champagne reception in the new multi-million dollar Eskimo Locker Room. Patrick Kabongo, Rod Davis, Adarius Bowman, Kyle Koch, T.J. Hill and Scott Mitchell were on hand for a meet and greet and to answer questions, including “Will you dip your toes in the hot tub with me?” Nice try.
For a donation to the Edmonton Eskimo Women’s Ovarian Cancer Research Endowment Fund, guests could have their photo taken with Chris Thompson and Fred Stamps – or Freddy Boy according to one enthusiastic fan. Despite popular opinion, the two were not made available for raffle. The autographed, framed photos seem to offer some solace.
Players were just some of the high profile guests in attendance. The Honourable Heather Klimchuk, minister of Service Alberta, the Honourable Iris Evans, minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations and Honourary Co-Chair Lynn Mandel were on hand to help raise funds to kick cancer’s butt.
1st Quarter brought to you by Global Television
The Edmonton Eskimo Cheer Team entertained the crowd of 500, showing why they are known across North America for their award-winning acrobatics and dance.
Time out
Let’s face it: Women like to shop. It may be cliché but that doesn’t make it any less pleasurable. A bevy of silent auction items included a Coach purse, crock pot, four-week transit advertising campaign, autographed jerseys, science kits and so much more. One of the most popular items up for bidding, next to the designer shoes (go figure), was an opportunity to be in the 2012 Edmonton Eskimo team picture.
2nd Quarter brought to you by 630 CHED
The theme of the night was “We’re back, we’re new and we’re improved.” Who better to pay a visit than the new Eskimo broadcast team of Morley Scott and Dave Campbell? The two were among a select few men allowed to attend. Not even Head Coach Kavis Reed was permitted access to the exclusive event.
Halftime
As if the players, shopping and entertainment wasn’t enough to have you permanently reserve a seat at the dinner, the food, provided by Sawmill Restaurants, was stellar. It’s no wonder the tailgate party for Friday’s game against the Montreal Alouettes is sold out. Reserve your tickets for the October 10 tailgate party soon or you’ll risk missing out.
A special thanks to Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens for providing beautiful centrepieces. Congratulations to the lucky draw winners who got to take them home.
3rd Quarter brought to you by Aquila Productions
Darlene Reed, Jeri Campbell and Mona Crandell were asked revealing questions to determine how well they know (or don’t know) their husbands: coaches Kavis Reed, Rick Campbell and Marcus Crandell – a la’ the Newlywed Game.
Through a few surprising and colourful answers, we learned that Kavis is not a home improvement kind of guy and Rick even less so. Oh and Marcus Crandell tends to dump his clothes wherever he happens to be when they come off.
4th Quarter brought to you by Sawmill Restaurants
We all know how good the team looks when they are on the field, but have you ever wondered what they look like under all that equipment? Do not answer this question with your outside voice.
Throughout the season, the ESKS.com team captured the guys in some of their less flattering looks. The team voted and Corbin Sharun was deemed the most in need of a makeover. “The Fashion Guy” John Chwyl from Kingsway Mall was enlisted to help transform Sharun from a fashion-don’t into a fashion-do. Chwyl also offered helpful tips on banishing ugly items from your man’s wardrobe.
Participating in the makeover meant Sharun cut his hair and therefore forfeited a hair-growing bet with Mathieu Bertrand (oh, boys…). It was worth it.
Gladiator of the Game
The inspiration for the dinner is Eskimo family member Pam Monastyrskyj who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2005. A room at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women was named in Pam’s honour in 2009.
Post Game Wrap Up
Proceeds from the event go to the Edmonton Eskimo Women’s Ovarian Cancer Research Endowment Fund that supports ovarian cancer research at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Not including last night’s event, $135,000 has been raised through the dinner and other events and initiatives, including sale of the Nicola Corsbie Burger at Delux Burger Bar back in February. That event raised $2,000. At a buck per burger, that is a lot of beef.
Last night’s figures are being tallied and are expected to be somewhere in the super-fantastic range. A special shout out to Telus for their $10,000 donation. Wow!
Last November, the Eskimo Women’s Dinner Committee was honoured with a National Philanthropic Award in the volunteer category. The award would never have been possible without the women of the Eskimo Empire who have supported the event for past three years.