THE ADVISORY BOARD

  • President & CEO, KMA Construction Inc.

    Dean Kato is the President and CEO of KMA Construction Inc., a trusted name in oil and gas construction with a track record of delivering safe, efficient, and high-impact infrastructure projects. With more than 25 years in the industry, Dean has led KMA through steady growth while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and community responsibility.

    Beyond his business leadership, Dean is passionate about giving back. He has been actively involved in supporting local workforce development programs, educational initiatives, and community-based partnerships that uplift underserved populations. His deep understanding of how industry and community can work together makes him a valuable asset to mission-driven organizations.

    Dean brings to nonprofit boards a strong sense of purpose, strategic insight, and a collaborative approach to leadership. He’s committed to helping organizations grow sustainably, maximize their impact, and operate with transparency and effectiveness.

    With a heart for service and a head for strategy, Dean is excited to support causes that align with his values—especially those focused on supporting those in need, that benefit communities.

  • Christie Clarke has more than 20 years in the accounting industry and is honored to be a part of I'm Your huckleberry.

    She has always loved watching the wagon races in her hometown of GP and is so excited to see Chanse and Brie create such an inclusive community with their thoughtful way to give back.

    The I'm your huckleberry movement has not only made chuckwagon racing recognizable in so many areas with people asking about the sunglasses, but to support and give back to those who are struggling so much in our economy is just amazing and heartwarming.

    People have been entertained by the races for so long! It is amazing to see this big-hearted and giving couple go beyond and achieve what they did in just their first year. I look forward to seeing Chanse and Brie touch many more lives.

  • John is mostly retired after a successful 40 plus years in the Oil and Gas Industry from rig floor up to various executive positions. Always interested in helping out where he could he found raising money for local children’s charities a beneficial and rewarding endeavor. In 1994 along with some friends John founded the Oilympic Charity Hockey Tournament (www.oilympics.com). The tournament caters 100% to the oil and gas industry in terms of it’s participants who are eager to lace up and donate back to the community. Celebrating 30 years running this past spring the tournament has raised an estimated $4,000,000.00 primarily for children’s charities in Calgary.

    In 2008 John joined a local group of 25 business men called the Mavericks (www.bigheartedmavericks.com). This group has raised over $6,000,000.00 for children’s charities in Calgary. John served in various levels within the group including serving as president for 3 years. The Mavericks host a few events each year to raise funds including a golf tournament, a curling bonspiel, Big Hearted Cowboys Gala and also have been a big part of chuckwagon racing as sponsors and fundraisers. Their motto is simply fun, friendship and making a difference.

    As you can see John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the aspect of fundraising for charities and is both happy and proud to help out and be associated with “I’m Your Huckleberry”

  • Educational Assistant/ Admin II

    I truly don’t have enough words to express my gratitude for Chanse and Brie Vigen and the incredible foundation they’ve created! When my 12 year old daughter was in a severe side-by- side accident in April 2024, our world was turned upside down. As a single mom, I suddenly found myself facing not only the emotional weight of caring for her, but also the overwhelming financial burden that followed. I felt lost - unsure how we would keep going, how I would manage the bills, the medications not covered by insurance, or even the badly needed repairs on our home.  

    Then came the “I’m Your Huckleberry” grant - it was nothing short of life changing. It brought relief, hope and a renewed sense of stability during one of the darkest chapters of our lives. But more than that, it reminded me that kindness still exists in the world. That there are people like the Vigens who step in when others are barely hanging on. 

    Thanks to their generosity, I was able to breathe again! And because of that, I am forever grateful! I look forward to the day I can pay it forward, and I will proudly stand beside. Chanse and Brie to support other families, just as they supported mine!   


MEET THE FOUNDERS OF ‘i’M YOUR HUCKLEBERRY’:

cHANSE & bRIE VIGEN

Chanse and Brie both grew up in the same small city of Grande Prairie Alberta. 

Chanse played Hockey, taught skating and went down the road with the chuckwagon circuit outriding at the age of 15, winning himself 5 world championships along the way. 

Brie grew up singing. She sang the national anthem at the Canadian winter games, was cast in a few broadway shows at the local musical theater and traveled to Europe to compete with her high school choir. 

Both with the same small town roots but different paths. Paths that eventually lead them both to Calgary Alberta where 20 years later they would finally collide. 

One night all their stars aligned bringing them together through two mutual friends. It was one of those when you know you know kind of moments. 

Soulmates if you will. 

They were married 11 months later. You could call it fate.