The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins are taking a different approach for their largest fundraiser of the year.
Traditionally they have brought in a top athlete or sports personality to speak at a Sportsman’s Dinner. But this year they will host a Celebrity Dinner, with former Saskatchewan resident and prominent Canadian entrepreneur Brett Wilson as the keynote speaker.
The event will happen on May 3 at Affinity Place.
“We just wanted to engage as many people in Estevan as possible,” said Chris Lewgood, the Bruins head coach and general manager. “With the economic and political climate in Saskatchewan right now, particularly in southeast Saskatchewan, we thought that somebody like Brett Wilson would really captivate our community and be a good draw, and speak to any number of a different groups of people.”
The fact that Wilson is a former Saskatchewan resident should allow people to relate to him.
“He has a lot of strong roots in the province, and with our type of economy as well,” said Lewgood.
Wilson was born in North Battleford and now resides in Calgary. He has enjoyed a lengthy career in the Canadian energy sector, was a co-founder of FirstEnergy Capital Corp., and is the chairman of Canoe Financial.
He was also a panelist on the CBC television series Dragon’s Den from 2008 to 2011. During those three years, he reached more deals than anyone else on the series. He also released a book, Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes, in 2012, and has been recognized for his many philanthropic contributions.
Lewgood hasn’t heard Wilson speak in person, but has heard excerpts of different speeches Wilson has delivered, and is looking forward to Wilson’s address.
There will also be a question-and-answer session involving Wilson and Saskatchewan Roughriders play-by-play announcer Rod Pederson, who will MC the event. Lewgood expects some of Wilson’s sports background will be addressed at that point in the evening.
Wilson is one of the owners of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
“We know that he’s a big sports fan, and somebody who cares a lot about the sport of hockey,” said Lewgood.
Lewgood is excited to have Pederson back as the master of ceremonies. Pederson brings a strong professional and promotional element to the team through his work with 620 CKRM in Regina.
The live auction is also shaping up to be fantastic, Lewgood said. They have a driveway package from F&L Concrete, a fly-in fishing trip to northern Saskatchewan donated by Dart Services, a trip to the final NASCAR race of the season sponsored by Turnbull Excavating, and autographed jerseys from such NHL stars as Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, donated by Power Dodge, and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, donated by Trent’s Tire.
The silent auction will also have a variety of merchandise.
The Boston Pizza Estevan and District Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards, the Estevan Kinsmen Club Volunteer Coach of the Year Award and the Kim Anderson Memorial Award for top junior official will also be handed out that night.
Tickets are available by calling the Bruins office.
