The Jumping Pound Community Hall will be hopping with activity March 9 during a dinner and dance benefit for the Rick Butler Leadership Fund.
Former Rocky View County councillor, Butler, passed away in December 2011 from a skiing accident.
Since then, family and friends started the leadership fund to honour Butler and his passion and vision for community leadership and sustainability.
“People knew Rick and believed in what he was doing,” said Gwyn Butler, his wife, of receiving approximately $50,000 in the first year of starting the fund.
Butler was a member of the Brushy Ridge Community Association board, which promotes social and recreational opportunities and welcomes newcomers to the area southwest of Cochrane.
The association typically puts on a couple of dances every year and this year the group decided to host an extra dance with a silent auction for the leadership fund.
On March 9, the Brushy Ridge Community Association will host an evening of country dancing to the tunes of Matt Masters at the Jumping Pound Community Hall.
“This is a real good time,” said Rick’s brother, Rob. “It’s an old-time dance with a live band.
There’s (room for) 130 people — it’s pretty small but it’s a nice gathering and a good chance to meet people you live near, and meeting people who want to keep the western heritage alive,” he said.
At around 10 p.m. there will a break in the dancing for snacks and dessert and a live auction, Rob Butler added.
The money raised will go towards the fund that supports young people ages 18 to 30 to complete a project that benefits the community and builds their leadership skills. Rob said they haven’t awarded any of the money yet but are still accepting applications from interested people in Rocky View County or Calgary area.
“We targeted this age because there are a lot of opportunities available for high school kids but there is that gap for students right after high school,” said Gwyn.
She said a lot of young people have the right idea and all they need is to be connected with a mentor who can guide them in the right direction.
That is why the fund provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance along with mentoring guidance.
Butler was the CAO of the Calgary Regional Partnership and deputy reeve of Rocky View County.
The fund was created in honour of his passion for community and leadership.
Organizers are still accepting donations to the silent auction. All contributions will be recognized.
Anyone wishing to help or purchase tickets, can call Rob at 403-851-2005 or 403-816-4519.
Tickets are $20 and includes silent auction starting at 7 p.m. and the dance beginning at 8 p.m. There will be a cash bar and late night snacks.
Visit rickbutler.ca to learn more.
