The Rotary Club of Airdrie is celebrating the 11th anniversary of its annual Dragon’s Den event in a big way this year – by doubling the available prize amount. The event is held in support of local non-profit groups, and participants will give a two-minute pitch of their cause Nov. 27 at Bert Church LIVE Theatre. Rotary Club members will then vote on which group will receive funding and how much will be donated. “We’re not quite as mean as the judges are on Dragon’s Den on television,” said Dale Rathgeber, Airdrie Rotary Dragon’s Den chairperson. Instead of the usual $10,000 available to donate at the event, this year’s event will see the club handing out $20,000 to local causes thanks to what Rathgeber said has been a “good fundraising year.” The Rotary Club raises money for international and local causes through events such as the annual lobster boil, golf tournament and Airdrie Day with the Calgary Hitmen. “We typically give money to many, or most of the groups that apply,” Rathgeber said. “Most of the groups that are up for consideration are groups that benefit disadvantaged people, youth or seniors.” Organizations like North Rocky View Community Links and Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society are two of fifteen groups up for consideration this year. Participating organizations sent in applications throughout October, applying for various amounts between $1,000 to $2,000, which must go towards a tangible object or an event. Rathgeber said he hopes the community will come out to watch the event. “It will be fun and interesting to community-minded people,” he said. “Some people might also be so moved from hearing a pitch that they might even want to open up their chequebook.” He added he’d also like to see the event encourage the public to take part in Rotary events and recruit new members, thus raising more money for local charities down the road. The Dragon’s Den event will be held Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at Bert Church LIVE Theatre. For more information, visit the Rotary Club of Airdrie’s Facebook page.
