Local Rotarian and community volunteer leader, Dan Kroffat feels it is time to take a step back and let others carry the torch forward as he shifts to a less active role.
In a recent interview with The Eagle, Dan Kroffat shares his thoughts on pioneering different initiatives and handing off responsibility staple events to the Rocky Mountain Rotary Club.
With involvement in several events and initiatives for Cochrane, Kroffat said it was a privilege to work with so many groups and individuals in the community that help raise money for different groups while also bringing joy to residents.
The first event Kroffat addressed is the Cochrane Outhouse Races. With this year’s event officially wrapped up, he said the multifaceted event has become a staple for the community and surrounding area. He outlined that he never was the direct operator of the event, but rather a partner with Karrie Peace.
“I talked with the Rocky Mountain Rotary Group about taking it over, and they were excited about it,” Kroffat said. “Them taking it over promises its future. I look at longevity when making an event like this and I think it is assured with them taking it over, and they’ll be able to raise money, which they can direct to worthy causes in the community.”
The second event, which has been running strong for the last seven years, the Community Builder Award, has proven to him that the community embraces those who are outstanding citizens in the community.
From Jack Tennant, Bearcat Murray, Alex Baum, and even actor and singer Tom Jackson, Kroffat said the event has become a staple to celebrate those who contribute to the greater good of Cochrane.
“The community proves that they support it because we have sold it out every time,” Kroffat said.
With this year’s event set to kick off on Oct. 23, it will honour Barry Mjolsness and Spray Lake Sawmills for their 80 years of continued and upstanding support in the community.
Kroffat said his experience with these events feels similar to watching a child grow into a model citizen of the community.
“Turning these events over has some comparables, knowing that this young group of Rocky Mountain Rotarians are going to take something forward that I had the privilege of starting,” he said. “I hope I have enough years left in me to watch them grow because they will be instrumental in having a major effect in the community, in providing funding and help whenever necessary.”
Kroffat said he has decided to make the shift to a less active role with these events, since they require less time and energy commitments, but still play a role in bringing them to the community. He outlined that although he will not be spearheading them, that does not mean he will be entirely stepping away from these projects or anything else lined up in the future.
“I’d like to do as much as I can, while I can,” Kroffat said. “At 78 years old, we all start looking at the timeframe of life. If I were to compare it to a yardstick, I’m at the 32-inch line of a 36-inch yardstick, so I’m going to manage those last four inches the best I can, to provide as much as I can while I can.
Although he may be unable to see what future generations may accomplish, Kroffat said he hopes his work has set an example of what potential leaders in the community can accomplish.
“In essence, I think there are people that will play a much bigger role in this community’s future growth than I have done, but I’d like to take pride in what I have done, and I’ve made contributions and I hope I can continue to make that in the future,” he said.
