Giddy-up:  Annual Calgary Gala Brings a Country and Western Flair to CMDA

by Shael Gelfand 

(AJNews) – More than 400 guests, wearing their finest western duds, cowboy hats and boots, packed the Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre for the annual CMDA Gala on May 31^st. This year’s gala was themed Stampede with a Purpose: From Desert Roots to Prairie Boots, and it more than lived up to its billings.

Sharon Fraiman, CMDA Western Regional Director, Major Gifts and her dedicated team of volunteers took the Stampede theme to another level with chuckwagon-style gourmet grub (Kosher of course), live country music from Tyler Two Guns and his band from the Tsuut’ina Nation, fancy-dressed saloon models, a white-hatter ceremony,  and even a 17-hands tall full-sized replica horse on display.

“It brought CMDA supporters and friends together,” says Sharon Fraiman, adding Stampede with a Purpose provided an opportunity to raise funds, recognize special donors, and get the latest first-hand update on how CMDA efforts are saving lives and directly impacting people in Israel.

The gala’s inspiring  keynote speaker, Loay Alshareef, a Saudi citizen who came to live in Israel for several years talked about helping to establish a new narrative about Israel among Arabs. The historian, religious scholar and social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers told  guests that he is “committed to truth and a better understanding among all people of the Middle East,” adding,  “It’s time to correct the many falsehoods and untruths that Arabs have about Israel, about Israelis and about Jews.”

A special thanks to Valerie Sobel, superstar CMDA volunteer and popular online social commentator who arranged and coordinated  Loay’s visit to Calgary and also hosted a donor evening.

CMDA recognized Premier Danielle Smith and two amazing CMDA friends and supporters, philanthropists Leonard Shapiro and Brett Wilson with Kol Hakavod Awards for their on-going efforts on behalf of CMDA. Leonard continues to be one of CMDA’s most generous supporters having recently donated a second Emergency Response Vessel serving in the Sea of Galilea.

“I can’t say thank-you enough to Lenny and to Brett and to all our supporters and volunteers,” says Fraiman. “Together we are truly making a difference.”

Emcee Don Schapira introduced many special guests including  Arlène Abitan, National President, CMDA who brought greetings, and Sydney Beniziri National Director, CMDA, both from Montreal, Mayor David Tordjman who extended greetings on behalf of his city,  Cote Saint Luc Quebec.

Special guests from MDA in Israel included Uri Shacham, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Raphael Herbst, Deputy Director, International Relations and Haim Dagan, Executive Board Deputy Chairman and Head of Volunteering in Yarkon Region.

“Every piece of equipment donated by CMDA goes into immediate use,” Shacham told guests adding that vehicles are always aging out and need replacing, “But our greatest strength remains our people, our volunteers and staff and those who support us through their generosity.”

Other special guests included Eghbal Kayadan and leaders from Calgary’s Iranian Diaspora community, who received a heartfelt ovation in solidarity as they held up the pre-Islamic revolution Iranian flag.

“We had an amazing team again this year and tremendous support from our volunteers and a big thanks goes out to each and every one,” says Sharon.

Fraiman also has a message for loyal attendees of the annual CMDA gala. “We’re going to shake things up next year. It’s time to try something different so let’s look forward to what lies ahead.”