Photos by Brett Rieger.

There was a lot of awesome going around at the Calgary Public Library’s Central Library location on Nov. 22. Calgary’s chapter of the Awesome Foundation, in conjunction with One Book One Calgary, decided to hold their monthly Pitch Night in the south main atrium of the library.

The Awesome Foundation lives up to its name pretty well – the organization wants to promote awesome, in any form it may take. On Pitch Night, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, the group picks four finalists (out of those that have previously submitted their awesome ideas online) to try and prove that they deserve a $1000 prize (provided by the awesome foundation’s trustees. Each finalist has 90 seconds to pitch their idea – Dragons’ Den style – and at the end the floor is open to the trustees and audience to ask questions. At the end of the night, the winner receives $1000 in cash – no strings attached.

Small disclaimer: I’m totally a member of the awesome foundation team, but I’m receiving no compensation to brag about how great they are – free money and a fun new community of creative people? There’s everything to like!

If you’re interested in applying for a future awesome micro-grant, you can visit their website here: http://www.awesomecalgary.org/

Click through for more photos of the night, and more awesome upcoming events at the library:

A spokeswoman for the Calgary Public Library introduces the Awesome Calgary folks.

A photos of ‘Cloud’, a project by local artist Caitlind Brown that was funded by an Awesome Calgary grant.

Emcee/Trustee Ken Sedgewick holds the mic for presenters from La Caravan dance studio, who are pitching “The Dybbuk”, a modern dance play.

When the pitch is nearing the end of its time limit, a light is waved. At the end of their 90 seconds, a horn goes off.

Shannon Hoover, director of the Endeavour Art Gallery, takes the floor for his pitch.

Former trustee John Smiley has a question for the presenters.

Sarah Hbeichi presents her idea “Locked into Calgary” which plans to create Love Padlocks to show how much we love our city.

Kenna Burima pitches the End of the World Music Festival, her plan to make 2012 go out with a bang.

After an intermission and deliberation, the trustees gather to choose a winner.

The happy winner, Shannon Hoover, surrounded by the trustees. Shannon pitched “Make Fashion”, a gala to showcase wearable technology.

 

Upcoming One Book, One Calgary Events:

1. 3 Things for Calgary

What can each of us do to make Calgary better? Learn about some of the ideas and actions stemming from the “3 Things for Calgary” initiative created by the Mayor’s Civic Engagement Committee. Develop your own “3 things” with others through networking and brainstorming activities.

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Library, John Dutton Theatre.

2. Ben Reed and Innovation

Known for their progressive outlook, industriousness, and creativity, Calgarians have an ability to inspire others. Join Ben Reed and learn about the amazing initiatives and projects happening throughout Calgary, and discover why collaborative innovation is so important for building a better community and a strong future.

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Library, John Dutton Theatre.

3. The Truth about Creativity

From businesses to non-profits, from universities to studios, everyone is talking about creativity and innovation. Join Dr. Patrick Finn for a discussion of what creativity is and why it matters to you.

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Signal Hill.

One Book, One Calgary Closing Event

Thursday, Nov. 29 Central Library, John Dutton Theatre

Being and Awesomeness: The Book of Awesome
Join us for the conclusion of One Book, One Calgary 2012 as Dr. Patrick Finn, expert on happiness, creativity and performance, shares his knowledge and tips for being awesome. Reception to follow.

Doors open at 6 p.m.
Program: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Reception: 8 to 9 p.m.

Calgary is Awesome is a proud supporter of One Book, One Calgary.