If one were to look up the word philanthropy in the dictionary, chances are you would find Sam Switzer’s name mentioned. Who can forget his stellar $250,000 contribution to last year’s Herald Christmas Fund?

Or his amazing contributions to myriad organizations, not only in the city, but in Israel, as well?

That award-winning author Sydney Sharpe has written a book about Switzer is apt indeed. Friends and family gathered in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park Oct. 30 for the launch of Seeking the Summit — the 218-page story of Sam’s life.

See a photo gallery of the event.

Among those in attendance were: Sharpe’s proud husband, Herald columnist Don Braid; Flames president and CEO Ken King; Calgary Stampede CEO Vern Kimball; Frank and Lorraine Sisson; Aron Eichler and his son Jeff; Lou Pomerance; Ron Switzer; Darlene Switzer-Foster; CTV News’ Janet Dirks; and Metropolitan Centre’s Howard Silver.