NEW AUCTION FORMAT A SUCCESS

Over $18,000 was raised on Oct 14, 2009 when 350 friends, colleagues, benefactors of his generosity, and other well-wishers paid tribute to 'Mr. Cold Lake' Ajaz Quraishi during the Lakeland United Way's annual charity auction.

The good natured roast brought out nothing but high praise for the incredible work Quraishi has done for countless volunteer and non-profit groups in his 20 years in this region. He became a full-time community volunteer the day after retiring from Imperial Oil in 2003.

Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland quipped that being on Ajaz's speed dial just comes with the job when you become mayor. "Ajaz knows everybody, he always wants money for someone else, and I can't imagine what this community would be like without him," he said.

Armand Gagnier, a former city councillor and longtime friend, said it was "testament to his salesmanship" that Quraishi could convince that many people to pay $50 for an evening that didn't even have a full-course meal. "His life changed as soon as he saw the movie Jerry McGuire, that's where he learned his favourite phrase "Show me the money." He's a madman. When it comes to raising money, he doesn't care what the charity is - he loves them all. And there isn't a prejudiced bone in his body. He doesn't care who you are - he wants your money," Gagnier said.

Bob Mattice is another longtime friend of Quraishi's, and agreed he's relentless when it comes to fundraising. "I've known Ajaz for 3,215 donations. It's to the point where I now have two wallets - one for Ajaz and one for my wife," he quipped.

MLA Genia Leskiw joked that she wanted to be just like Quraishi when she grows up. "You are a true ambassador, not only for Cold Lake, and not only for the United Way, but for every single group you're involved in - and there are many. No one ever says 'no' to Ajaz. And I'm so happy and privileged to have you on my team," she said, sentiments MP Brian Storseth echoed. He's been involved in many roasts, but he noted this one was different. "You're supposed to tell bad or embarrassing things about the person you're roasting, but there is nothing negative to say about Ajaz - he's a tremendous asset to this community. The Lakeland United Way gets the single biggest piece of his heart when it comes to fundraising," Storseth said.

Quraishi has been honoured with numerous civic, provincial, and federal recognitions for the volunteer sector, but humbly said the evening wasn't really about him, it was just a new way for people to empty their wallets for his favourite good cause. The charity auction has traditionally been an all-day live radio event, and Quraishi admitted there was the "unknown factor" of how the evening's gala, which included music from Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band, would go. He said he was thrilled when the final numbers were in, even if it meant being the brunt of some jokes.

"It was fun, and if it means letting people make fun of me, that's OK - as long as we get the money. Many people need to be thanked for this. I don't know if we'll do this sort of thing again though, we'll have to see," Quraishi said. Items up for silent and live bids included a guitar signed by the Corb Lund Band, original artwork and limited edition prints, and dozens of other prizes and packages donated by the local community.

Following his retirement in 2008, new MLA Genia Leskiw began carrying on the tradition. The 2009 edition raised over $13,000.

THE TIP-OFF CHALLENGE -- Since 1994, the Lakeland United Way has enjoyed a unique partnership with the members of 4 Wing, in what's called The Annual Tip Off Challenge. A tradition during Maple Flag, the annual military training exercises held in Cold Lake each year, this highly entertaining basketball game usually pits visiting Americans against a contingent of Canadians.

Although logistics have forced organizers to change the lineup on occasion, the one remaining factor is the game always attracts a huge fan base, and subsequent support for the Lakeland United Way.