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'Game Changers' feted at inaugural gala event

An celebration honouring those who’ve efforts have helped take their communities to the next level was held Saturday, Oct. 15
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Protective Services Game Changer went to Street Angel

Barry Coulter

An inaugural celebration honouring those who’ve efforts have helped take their communities to the next level — the Kootenay Game Changer Awards — was held Saturday, Oct. 15, at the St. Eugene Resort Pavilion.

This fall, local media partnered to honour the leaders of change in the Kootenays through the Kootenay Game Changer Awards. Residents nominated creative and innovative individuals, groups, or projects in multiple sectors of the community, and celebrated them with special acknowledgements at the gala event and banquet.

Master of Ceremonies was Matt Van Boeyen. Musical ambiance was provided by Dawson Rutledge.

St. Eugene provided a Kootenay dinner, created with local products from local producers and culinary artisans; including Cutter Ranch, 3 Crows Farm, Kootenay Meadows, and the Kimberley City Bakery. And the selfie station proved to be a big hit.

Inaugural Kootenay Game Changer Awards (photos by Barry Coulter)

Cranbrook Youth Impact Centre was the Youth Game Changer, represented by Timothy Matwey and Brianna Richardson. Sponsored by Mr. Tire, presented by Derek Kortshaga.

Sports & Recreation Game Changer went to Blaine and Jody Borys of Elkford Minor. Ball. Sponsored by Cranbrook Dodge, presented by Steve Mercandelli.

Technology Game Changer went to the Mount Baker Robotics Team, represented by Bill Walker, John Milner, Thomas Keehn, Traycer Walker, Connor Dickeson and Ryley Holliday. Sponsored by Genex Marketing, presented by Brandi O’Neill.

Unsung Hero Game Changer went to Tom White of the Eagles Boxing Club. Sponsored by Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Presented by Leo Baggio.

Tourism Game Changer went to Music and Market on Main in Radium Hot Springs, represented by Roberta Hall. Sponsored by Fly Fusion Magazine, presented by Derek Bird.

First Nations Game Changer went to Robert Williams. Sponsored by Teck Coal Ltd, presented by Norman Fraser.

Government Game Changer went to the City of Kimberley, represented by Economic Development Officer Kevin Wilson. Sponsored by Paulson Fire and Flood.

Health and Wellness Game Changer went to Cranbrook Food Action Committee represented by Sophie Larsen. Sponsored by Re/Max Blue Sky Realty, presented by Joy Anderson.

 

Marlene Driscoll, teacher at Lindsay Park School in Kimberley, was acknowledged Education Game Changer. Sponsored by College of the Rockies, presented by David Walls.

 

Family Game Changer went to Community Connections Society of Southeast BC, represented by Kim Levi and Gwen Noble. Presented by Wayne and Cody Ostash (Ostash Exteriors).

Arts & Culture Game Changer went to Kimberley Centre 64, represented by Carol Fergus. Sponsored by Ktunaxa Nation Council, presented by Darrin Jamieson.

Downtown Business Association, represented by Joey Hoeschmann, was the Finance and Economics Game Changer. Sponsored by Brothers Insurance, presented by Naomi Richardson.