The annual Innisfail Sportsmen's Dinner was another great success, bringing in almost $10,000 for the Canadian Pro-Rodeo Sport Medicine Team.
This year's event was helped by overwhelming community support and a special appearance from famed Canadian sportscaster Ron MacLean.
“I don't think Ron MacLean could have done any better. I think he made everybody's night,” said organizer Kyle Daines. “He's a people person.”
More than 240 guests packed the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on July 14 for the event. The dinner was part of a two-night event called “A Night At the Ranch” that included a PBR (professional bull riding) showdown at the Daines Ranch on July 15.
“Those guys work hard. They never expected the $10,000,” said Daines, referring to the sport medicine team.
The Canadian Pro-Rodeo Sport Medicine Team strives to help athletes in their rodeo careers by providing care before, during or after performances when necessary. Team members often include practitioners in athletic therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care that provide on-site attention to rodeo athletes in Western Canada.
In addition to MacLean, guests also heard from the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling champion Jocelyne Peterman, NHL referee Kyle Rehman, professional bull riding (PBR) bullfighter Jesse Byrne, professional bull riders Scott Schiffner and Zane Lambert, and former NHL hockey player Jay Rosehill.
“It showed (Thursday) night exactly what they do for rodeo and the cowboys,” he said, noting money was raised from 50/50 ticket sales, event ticket sales and silent and live auctions.
Daines was joined in organizing the two-day event by committee members cousin Wyatt Daines, friends Gillian Shields and Paige Calaway, and father Danny.
Following the dinner, guests listened to speeches, words of thanks and watched videos about sports medicine and bull riding. They participated in a live auction and heard from guest of honour MacLean. The evening also included a “Hot Stove” segment between MacLean and several celebrity athletes.
Daines said he was pleased to see the community come together for the fundraiser at the legion.
“It was great. I saw lots of familiar faces (Thursday) night and lots of people that drove a long way to be there,” said Daines. “Events like this always bring people together and everybody knows it's for a good reason.
“I think the bar was set pretty high (Thursday) night. I can't wait for next year,” Daines concluded.
Kyle Daines
"Events like this always bring people together and everybody knows it's for a good reason."
