Close to 1,000 oil and gas industry guests attended PSAC’s 16th annual STARS & SPURS Gala, held Saturday, January 23, 2010, in Calgary. The 2010 gala raised a net total of $458,451, an astounding amount, particularly given the current economic slowdown. The live auction alone generated $246,200, mainly from three big ticket items donated by PSAC member companies Trican Well Service, Halliburton and StreamFlo. In total, PSAC has now raised more than $4.1 million for STARS. 

The 16th annual gala also celebrated STARS’ 25th anniversary. At the event, STARS’ very first patient Kelly Hulstein spoke about everything she has accomplished since riding in the STARS helicopter in 1985, when she was a premature baby. After hearing that amazing story, guests toasted the 12 Founding Directors of STARS, including Dr. Gregory Powell, O. C., who continues to head STARS today. Gala guests then enjoyed dinner, a performance by rising country music star Jessie Farrell, raffles, auctions and  the chance to network, all with the help of guest emcee Dave Rutherford of QR77. Special guests, including the Hon. Ronald Liepert, Alberta’s Minister of Energy, and Ken Hughes, Chair of the Alberta Health Services Board, showcased the strong bonds forged between the oilpatch and STARS.

Read the events news release and check the spring 2010 issue of PSAC's OnStream magazine for event coverage and photos.