NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
Pat Lawrence (left) will “roast” Ken Sauer (centre) at a special event organized by Greg Niwa (right) to raise funds for the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
It’s not a roast you can eat for dinner, but it could have you shaking with laughter and it will raise money for a local organization.
Roast Medicine Hat takes place Nov. 1.
Greg Niwa, board chair Community Foundation, says it is time to bring back the good old roast of someone well known in the community, and that would be Ken Sauer.
The person doing the roasting will be Pat Lawrence.
Sauer looks from Niwa to Lawrence and says he’s not sure what to expect and he’s a “sensitive guy.”
“An innocent victim for a good cause,” said Sauer.
Niwa suggests he may want to have a drink or two before the event.
Lawrence laughs at the idea of him being a comedian but then lets off a string of one liners that have the three of them in laughter. Lawrence is a seasoned public speaker and is often asked to emcee events.
“He has a quick wit,” Sauer explained.
Lawrence also has lots of material on Sauer.
“How do you not know Ken if you’ve lived here all your life and been an educator,” said Lawrence.
Sauer, 87, was a school teacher and held other senior positions in education. He says he retired early and then could not bear the thought he would end up sitting on a sofa watching the Dr. Phil show.
Niwa says Sauer has been groomed all along for a roast, having been a teacher and a city councillor.
“The final test of fortitude was being employed by Bill Yuill,” said Niwa.
Sauer confirms he was an executive vice-president for Yuill’s Monarch Corporation for five years and is still on his advisory board.
“I have a good subject to work with,” said Lawrence.
“At one time there were more characters in Medicine Hat than people. There were many ‘wild’ roasts,” said Niwa, who feels this event is a good way to give the Community Foundation publicity. The foundation does not hold events like this because it does not compete with other organizations and charities in the community, he said.
Niwa predicts a sell-out.
Sauer says he’s allowed himself to be the victim because of his long support of the Community Foundation.
“For a good cause I can let myself be skinned,” said Sauer.
Tickets for the event, $108 each, go on sale Sept. 1. They are available through eventbrite.ca.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information contact Niwa at 403-580-8888. All proceeds are going to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.
