b'25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WCASBUILDERS NIGHT GALAA look back at the most memorable night in Manitoba construction20011999 Hypnotist Wayne Lee mesmerizedthe crowd and caused side-splitting laughter as guests left their inhibitions at home and became part of the hilarious antics.Zandra BellBill Knight 20001999THE BEGINNING OF BUILDERS NIGHT:Wayne LeeIn 1999, the WCA executive were looking2001for ways to raise money and rid the association of its mortgage debt, which had been incurred during the 1995 building expansion. While there had always been a WCA-hosted fall dinner2002 event, a group of board members led by Cliff Olson, James Derksen, GeorgeAuctionThe Martini Bar makes its debut.Rajotte, John Bockstael and Gary McDonald decided it was time to turn2000 Herb Dixon amused the crowd with histhe event up a notch. The committee 580 attendees unique look on life and larger-than-life coordinated a gala dinner complete withHarley Davidson impressions.gourmet food, host premium bar andZandra Bell played the role oflive auction, followed by a band. Thus,Shirley Best, relating her stories of Builders Night was born.woe as the wife of a mechanical According to Ron Hambley, current contractor from Plumas, Man. The WCA president, who had just joinedentertainer captivated the WCA at the time, Cliff added theaudience as she protested against provision that there could be no speechout-of-town contractors, making whatsoever. alternative and separate prices, and architects and engineers.The evening featured both silent andA Caribbean vacation, in-ground live auctions, hosted by Bill Knight ofBill Knight Flooring. Guests bid on asprinkler system and a boat wereMartini Barvariety of silent auctions items includingup for auction at the second 2002original oil paintings, designer clothingannual gala.and portable telephones beforeRon Paley Band, a fixture insubmitting offers on live auction items. the Winnipeg music scene,A trip to Mexico, a boat, abrought their big band sound to Builders Night.36 colour television and air-conditioning units were2000auctioned off.Funds raised went toward theWCA mortgage.2002 Herb Dixon32 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca 2002'