BRCF raises $125,000 from Community Builders Dinner
Pictured, from left, are Steve Shuman, Stephen Kambeitz, vice-chair of BRCF, and Blain Fowler, Ambassador Emeritus of BRCF. Steve shared what it has been like to be friends with pilot Blain, as he reflected on their time togetheras Air Cadets, pilots and beyond.
By Adan Shaikh
The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) held its annual Community Builders’ Dinner on October 17 at the Camrose Regional Exhibition. This year’s event marked the Foundation’s 30th anniversary and honoured Blain Fowler, Ambassador Emeritus of the BRCF, as a community builder for his contributions to the organization.
Vice-chair Stephen Kambeitz emceed the evening, introducing the board of directors before welcoming board chair Kevin Gurr to the stage.
“Earlier this year, our creative administration team led by Bobbi Way, our executive director, overtook the project to celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary milestone. The project aimed to capture the essence of the Foundation and its impact across the Battle River region. What came out of the project was a video that does just that, or so I am told,” said Kevin, before playing the heartfelt video created by the team to commemorate the occasion.
“The Foundation, behind the scenes, is made up of incredible people who just want to serve the community that’s given so much to them. Our board is made up of community members, which allows you to put trust in people who live next door, in neighbours, people across the region, who have the best interests of the community, who want to make sure that this Foundation lasts forever. As of 2025, the Foundation has granted $10 million back to these communities. It is like the gift that keeps on giving,” shared Bobbi, in the video.
After the video, Gurr took to the stage to share a brief history about BRCF, and Blain’s role in shaping it.
“Our Community Foundation was built by the people in this room along with many others. It has since grown by nearly $30 million in endowments, but its beginnings were incredibly humble. It all started with a small group of generous business people and caring citizens who recognized the need for a meaningful lasting way to give back to the community. After some thoughtful research and discussion, they made the decision to form a community foundation and Blain was there from the very beginning. Now if you ask Blain about his role in the Foundation’s formation, he’ll probably say he joined as a junior partner, but history tells a different story. In 1994, he was appointed by the committee of nominators to serve on the very first board. Blain’s served on our board every year since,” said Gurr.
“In 2017, Blain was named Ambassador Emeritus, and he continues to faithfully attend meetings, offering steady and principled leadership. During our monthly board meetings as we move through the agenda, I often get the sense that he has more to say, but he never interrupts. Instead he listens intently, lets the discussion unfold, and then quietly offers a few thoughtful words that often help ground us in the core principles on which this Foundation is built,” he continued.
Through Blain’s ongoing presence and influence, the Foundation’s guiding principles–maintaining an active and engaged board, preserving the value of the endowment, and ensuring donors’ wishes are respected–have remained central to every decision it makes.
“As a longtime member of this community, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the Foundation grow from its infancy to an important vehicle for change, whose impact is now felt for the entire Battle River region. Blain may claim that he tagged along as the Foundation was formed, but I clearly remember him taking the lead when it came to pounding the pavement. In the early years, he was the guy making presentations to potential large corporate clients and having discussions with smaller community service groups,” shared Gurr.
“One of the most unique and impactful initiatives that Blain has pioneered is the Reading University. It’s, without a doubt, the project he’s most passionate about. After learning about a program in the U.S. that identified young students who had delayed reading skills and offered a summer reading camp to help them catch up, Blain immediately saw the potential. He understood the powerful connection between early reading ability and students’ long-term success in high school and beyond. And as he’s known to do, he began figuring out how to bring that kind of opportunity to children of Camrose,” said Gurr.
“Hundreds of students benefitted from the program which exists to build confidence, increase skill and inspire a sense of possibilities in everyone who participates. It’s also designed to be fun and interesting with regular excursions and field trip opportunities,” he continued.
“For many children, it provided not just the gift of improved reading skills, but the confidence to believe in themselves,” he added.
After Gurr’s remarks, Kambeitz invited Blain’s long-time friend Steve Shuman to the stage.
“My time with Blain goes back to when we were teenagers and we were in Air Cadets together. He was a year behind me because I was so much smarter, or because I was a year older than him. From that, he has developed into the person you have heard described now and it is humbling to be here and understand what he has done,” remarked Shuman.
From throwing pies in each other’s faces to flights around volcanoes, he recalled the many adventures they have shared. Shuman spoke about the many hats he and Blain have worn throughout their friendship. His stories had the audience laughing and catching their breath.
“It is an honour to hear all the great things about Blain and I am going to have to change my attitude a little and maybe respect him some more,” he concluded.
Following Shuman, Ron Pilger, associate publisher of The Camrose Booster, was invited to share his remarks about Blain and his professional life.
“I have worked for Booster Blain for 49 years. For what it is worth, I wasn’t getting that much out of Grade 6 regardless,” he commented. “In that time period, I have seen him come to work without a tie nine times (all were Saturdays), without a winter-weight jacket 14 times (all in July, as I recall). He has had a mere four sick days. If he works just three more years, he will instantly qualify for up to three personal days with pay the following year. I have never heard Blain say, write or suggest something that wasn’t 110 per cent true or honest,” said Pilger.
“He loves to come to work every single day for nine hours per day. He feels a tremendous responsibility to the community, to all of the staff, including me, who depend on him, to the clients who rely on our product, and to the 21,000 weekly readers who choose to browse factual community news. Blain hasn’t lost a beat. I assure you he is running a complicated community newspaper and printing business, and he is the very best at it. I can say the same for his involvement with the Foundation.
“He still has the memory of an elephant, and the looks to match, I might add, especially if you look at him at the perfect angle in the right lighting. At last week’s management meeting, he introduced the concept of a new dating site for people his age. We’re calling it ‘Carbon Dating’. When he does pitch in for sales calls, we don’t let him go into antique stores. Better safe than sorry,” joked Pilger, making the room erupt with laughter.
Pilger reflected on how Blain consistently shows up for his clients, employees, and community, including navigating the challenges of COVID-19 without missing a single issue of The Camrose Booster.
“In closing, our goals back in 1952 are the same goals which The Booster team collectively share 73 years later: provide valuable free exposure to our not-for-profit organizations, provide fact-checked local news not available through any other source, and a focus on producing compelling, award-winning advertising for our clients,” continued Pilger.
“I trust you have seen why I am proud to follow my mentor and a really good person,” he concluded.
Between speeches, Kambeitz shared a personal story.
“After hearing about how you run your business with such integrity, Blain, I feel like I have a confession to make. You may not remember this, but you gave me my first job. I was 10 years old and had to deliver to Duggan Park, and there was this one house where the owner tied up a really mean bichon terrier on the front step. Every week I would try to deliver that paper, and every week that dog would come at me and every week I would throw that paper in that dog’s face and run.”
Kambeitz then invited Blain’s youngest son, Jeff Fowler, to say a few words on behalf of his family.
“So far this evening, you have heard from my esteemed colleagues about Blain the pilot, Blain the publisher, and Blain the philanthropist. As you might have guessed, I am here to tell you about living with Blain the patriarch,” shared Fowler.
“In every facet of Blain’s personality you will find elements of humour, mentorship and a work ethic that would impress Norm Mayer himself,” he continued.
“Growing up in the Fowler household was no exception. As Blain’s kids, we learned that success does not exist in a permanent state. It exists only in fleeting moments and is only sustained by constantly striving for improvement. After all, having founded a business revolving around a weekly deadline, you are only as good as your last paper,” he said.
“We grew up in an environment filled with love and support, which included a healthy dose of Dad’s signature mentorship,” he shared. “Tonight we celebrate the positive and meaningful impact that Blain has had on those around him and in the community to which he is so immensely proud to be a part of,” said Fowler, leading the audience in a toast to Blain.
After hearing the wonderful words shared by his family, friends and colleagues Blain took to the stage to say thanks.
“Standing before you tonight, I am filled with profound gratitude and humility. I want to thank each one of you for this extraordinary tribute and for the warmth and kindness that I have felt in this room. To the organizers of tonight’s dinner, thank you for your hard work and dedication. The effort you have put into making this occasion so special is deeply appreciated. This evening is a testament to the spirit of unity and generosity that has always defined our community,” said Blain.
“Community service has been a lifelong passion that deeply enriched my life. I have had the privilege to work alongside many remarkable people who have inspired me every day. This honour belongs not only to me but to all those who stood with me, volunteered their time, and shared in the vision of a better, more caring community. To Marlene, my wife of 60 years, and my family, with whom I have the joy to work with each day, thank you for your unwavering love, support, and understanding. You have been my anchor, encouraging me to give my best, even when the days were long and the challenges great. I am deeply grateful to you for walking this journey with me,” shared Blain.
“To the most wonderful staff at the Booster, thank you for your loyalty and for providing me with the latitude and the sure confidence that The Booster would hit the streets on schedule without my being on the job every minute. To my friends and fellow community members, thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve. Together, we have built programs, supported one another in times of need, and celebrated our community’s many achievements. Your spirit and commitment have been the driving force behind all that we have accomplished,” he continued.
“As I reflect on these years, I am reminded that true service comes not from seeking recognition, but from a desire to make a difference–however small–in the lives of others. I am humbled by this recognition, and I accept it not just as a celebration of the past, but as a call to continue serving, learning, and giving back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for this unforgettable evening and for the privilege of being part of such a caring and resilient community. Everyone here tonight is a true Community Builder. May we all continue to support one another and strive for a brighter future together.”
The room was filled with cheer and laughter throughout the evening. Attended by over 500 community members, the event raised approximately $125,000 through the auction and the “Where’s the Beef?” fundraiser. Proceeds will be directed back into the community to support programs and services that enrich the lives of all who live in the Battle River region.
To learn more about BRCF, visit brcf.ca.
By Adan Shaikh
The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) held its annual Community Builders’ Dinner on October 17 at the Camrose Regional Exhibition. This year’s event marked the Foundation’s 30th anniversary and honoured Blain Fowler, Ambassador Emeritus of the BRCF, as a community builder for his contributions to the organization.
Vice-chair Stephen Kambeitz emceed the evening, introducing the board of directors before welcoming board chair Kevin Gurr to the stage.
“Earlier this year, our creative administration team led by Bobbi Way, our executive director, overtook the project to celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary milestone. The project aimed to capture the essence of the Foundation and its impact across the Battle River region. What came out of the project was a video that does just that, or so I am told,” said Kevin, before playing the heartfelt video created by the team to commemorate the occasion.
“The Foundation, behind the scenes, is made up of incredible people who just want to serve the community that’s given so much to them. Our board is made up of community members, which allows you to put trust in people who live next door, in neighbours, people across the region, who have the best interests of the community, who want to make sure that this Foundation lasts forever. As of 2025, the Foundation has granted $10 million back to these communities. It is like the gift that keeps on giving,” shared Bobbi, in the video.
After the video, Gurr took to the stage to share a brief history about BRCF, and Blain’s role in shaping it.
“Our Community Foundation was built by the people in this room along with many others. It has since grown by nearly $30 million in endowments, but its beginnings were incredibly humble. It all started with a small group of generous business people and caring citizens who recognized the need for a meaningful lasting way to give back to the community. After some thoughtful research and discussion, they made the decision to form a community foundation and Blain was there from the very beginning. Now if you ask Blain about his role in the Foundation’s formation, he’ll probably say he joined as a junior partner, but history tells a different story. In 1994, he was appointed by the committee of nominators to serve on the very first board. Blain’s served on our board every year since,” said Gurr.
“In 2017, Blain was named Ambassador Emeritus, and he continues to faithfully attend meetings, offering steady and principled leadership. During our monthly board meetings as we move through the agenda, I often get the sense that he has more to say, but he never interrupts. Instead he listens intently, lets the discussion unfold, and then quietly offers a few thoughtful words that often help ground us in the core principles on which this Foundation is built,” he continued.
Through Blain’s ongoing presence and influence, the Foundation’s guiding principles–maintaining an active and engaged board, preserving the value of the endowment, and ensuring donors’ wishes are respected–have remained central to every decision it makes.
“As a longtime member of this community, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the Foundation grow from its infancy to an important vehicle for change, whose impact is now felt for the entire Battle River region. Blain may claim that he tagged along as the Foundation was formed, but I clearly remember him taking the lead when it came to pounding the pavement. In the early years, he was the guy making presentations to potential large corporate clients and having discussions with smaller community service groups,” shared Gurr.
“One of the most unique and impactful initiatives that Blain has pioneered is the Reading University. It’s, without a doubt, the project he’s most passionate about. After learning about a program in the U.S. that identified young students who had delayed reading skills and offered a summer reading camp to help them catch up, Blain immediately saw the potential. He understood the powerful connection between early reading ability and students’ long-term success in high school and beyond. And as he’s known to do, he began figuring out how to bring that kind of opportunity to children of Camrose,” said Gurr.
“Hundreds of students benefitted from the program which exists to build confidence, increase skill and inspire a sense of possibilities in everyone who participates. It’s also designed to be fun and interesting with regular excursions and field trip opportunities,” he continued.
“For many children, it provided not just the gift of improved reading skills, but the confidence to believe in themselves,” he added.
After Gurr’s remarks, Kambeitz invited Blain’s long-time friend Steve Shuman to the stage.
“My time with Blain goes back to when we were teenagers and we were in Air Cadets together. He was a year behind me because I was so much smarter, or because I was a year older than him. From that, he has developed into the person you have heard described now and it is humbling to be here and understand what he has done,” remarked Shuman.
From throwing pies in each other’s faces to flights around volcanoes, he recalled the many adventures they have shared. Shuman spoke about the many hats he and Blain have worn throughout their friendship. His stories had the audience laughing and catching their breath.
“It is an honour to hear all the great things about Blain and I am going to have to change my attitude a little and maybe respect him some more,” he concluded.
Following Shuman, Ron Pilger, associate publisher of The Camrose Booster, was invited to share his remarks about Blain and his professional life.
“I have worked for Booster Blain for 49 years. For what it is worth, I wasn’t getting that much out of Grade 6 regardless,” he commented. “In that time period, I have seen him come to work without a tie nine times (all were Saturdays), without a winter-weight jacket 14 times (all in July, as I recall). He has had a mere four sick days. If he works just three more years, he will instantly qualify for up to three personal days with pay the following year. I have never heard Blain say, write or suggest something that wasn’t 110 per cent true or honest,” said Pilger.
“He loves to come to work every single day for nine hours per day. He feels a tremendous responsibility to the community, to all of the staff, including me, who depend on him, to the clients who rely on our product, and to the 21,000 weekly readers who choose to browse factual community news. Blain hasn’t lost a beat. I assure you he is running a complicated community newspaper and printing business, and he is the very best at it. I can say the same for his involvement with the Foundation.
“He still has the memory of an elephant, and the looks to match, I might add, especially if you look at him at the perfect angle in the right lighting. At last week’s management meeting, he introduced the concept of a new dating site for people his age. We’re calling it ‘Carbon Dating’. When he does pitch in for sales calls, we don’t let him go into antique stores. Better safe than sorry,” joked Pilger, making the room erupt with laughter.
Pilger reflected on how Blain consistently shows up for his clients, employees, and community, including navigating the challenges of COVID-19 without missing a single issue of The Camrose Booster.
“In closing, our goals back in 1952 are the same goals which The Booster team collectively share 73 years later: provide valuable free exposure to our not-for-profit organizations, provide fact-checked local news not available through any other source, and a focus on producing compelling, award-winning advertising for our clients,” continued Pilger.
“I trust you have seen why I am proud to follow my mentor and a really good person,” he concluded.
Between speeches, Kambeitz shared a personal story.
“After hearing about how you run your business with such integrity, Blain, I feel like I have a confession to make. You may not remember this, but you gave me my first job. I was 10 years old and had to deliver to Duggan Park, and there was this one house where the owner tied up a really mean bichon terrier on the front step. Every week I would try to deliver that paper, and every week that dog would come at me and every week I would throw that paper in that dog’s face and run.”
Kambeitz then invited Blain’s youngest son, Jeff Fowler, to say a few words on behalf of his family.
“So far this evening, you have heard from my esteemed colleagues about Blain the pilot, Blain the publisher, and Blain the philanthropist. As you might have guessed, I am here to tell you about living with Blain the patriarch,” shared Fowler.
“In every facet of Blain’s personality you will find elements of humour, mentorship and a work ethic that would impress Norm Mayer himself,” he continued.
“Growing up in the Fowler household was no exception. As Blain’s kids, we learned that success does not exist in a permanent state. It exists only in fleeting moments and is only sustained by constantly striving for improvement. After all, having founded a business revolving around a weekly deadline, you are only as good as your last paper,” he said.
“We grew up in an environment filled with love and support, which included a healthy dose of Dad’s signature mentorship,” he shared. “Tonight we celebrate the positive and meaningful impact that Blain has had on those around him and in the community to which he is so immensely proud to be a part of,” said Fowler, leading the audience in a toast to Blain.
After hearing the wonderful words shared by his family, friends and colleagues Blain took to the stage to say thanks.
“Standing before you tonight, I am filled with profound gratitude and humility. I want to thank each one of you for this extraordinary tribute and for the warmth and kindness that I have felt in this room. To the organizers of tonight’s dinner, thank you for your hard work and dedication. The effort you have put into making this occasion so special is deeply appreciated. This evening is a testament to the spirit of unity and generosity that has always defined our community,” said Blain.
“Community service has been a lifelong passion that deeply enriched my life. I have had the privilege to work alongside many remarkable people who have inspired me every day. This honour belongs not only to me but to all those who stood with me, volunteered their time, and shared in the vision of a better, more caring community. To Marlene, my wife of 60 years, and my family, with whom I have the joy to work with each day, thank you for your unwavering love, support, and understanding. You have been my anchor, encouraging me to give my best, even when the days were long and the challenges great. I am deeply grateful to you for walking this journey with me,” shared Blain.
“To the most wonderful staff at the Booster, thank you for your loyalty and for providing me with the latitude and the sure confidence that The Booster would hit the streets on schedule without my being on the job every minute. To my friends and fellow community members, thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve. Together, we have built programs, supported one another in times of need, and celebrated our community’s many achievements. Your spirit and commitment have been the driving force behind all that we have accomplished,” he continued.
“As I reflect on these years, I am reminded that true service comes not from seeking recognition, but from a desire to make a difference–however small–in the lives of others. I am humbled by this recognition, and I accept it not just as a celebration of the past, but as a call to continue serving, learning, and giving back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for this unforgettable evening and for the privilege of being part of such a caring and resilient community. Everyone here tonight is a true Community Builder. May we all continue to support one another and strive for a brighter future together.”
The room was filled with cheer and laughter throughout the evening. Attended by over 500 community members, the event raised approximately $125,000 through the auction and the “Where’s the Beef?” fundraiser. Proceeds will be directed back into the community to support programs and services that enrich the lives of all who live in the Battle River region.
To learn more about BRCF, visit brcf.ca.
