Joe Carter Classic announces $500,000 endowment to the Children's Aid Foundation

Funds will go towards academic scholarships and social and community programs for Canada's most vulnerable children and youth

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Joe Carter and James Dodds, co-chairs of the third annual Joe Carter Classic celebrity golf tournament, are pleased to announce a $500,000 endowment to the Children's Aid Foundation as part of this year's charity event at Eagles Nest Golf Course on August 15, 2012.

This charitable fund will go toward assisting Canada's most vulnerable children and youth through post-secondary academic scholarships and support for Foundation-led programs aimed at strengthening families and communities.

"We are extremely grateful for this wonderful gift," said Len Gamache, president of the Children's Aid Foundation. "To ensure a lasting impact, we are using the endowment to establish Joe Carter Scholarships and the Joe Carter Family Support Fund, which will provide ongoing support where it's needed most. This includes aiding the Foundation's efforts to promote greater access to post-secondary education and helping us sustain programs that support healthy and positive living environments for foster families and those in the early stages of leaving the child welfare system."

Since 2010, the Joe Carter Classic has brought together celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment along with avid golfers to raise funds and awareness in support of the Children's Aid Foundation. To date, the annual charity event has raised more than $250,000.

"Access to education and supportive programs, like the ones offered by the Children's Aid Foundation, are essential to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for at-risk youth and children," said Mr. Carter. "Our hope is to create a lasting legacy that encourages these kids to stay in school, and provide the necessary support for their foster families and communities."

"Learning about the people and programs impacted and supported by the Children's Aid Foundation has been truly inspiring," said Mr. Dodds. "It's what's driven us to grow our event and fundraising goals each year. We're fortunate to have a number of key partnerships that have allowed us to offer this level of support so quickly."

The Joe Carter Classic is made possible each year through the support of a number of key sponsors, including this year's presenting sponsors for the tournament, BlackBerry and TD Bank Group, as well as supporting sponsors SDI Marketing, Canada Goose, Callaway, Lug, CIBC, Toronto Star, Charton Hobbs, Labatt, J.F. Moore Communications and Golfer Aid.

For a list of current celebrities, event details or to receive updates, follow the tournament on Twitter #JoeCarterGolf, "like" us on Facebook Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament or go to www.joecarterclassic.com.

About the Joe Carter Classic
The annual Joe Carter Classic golf tournament pairs avid golfers with top-name celebrities, including stars from the world of sports and entertainment, for a day of charitable fundraising and entertainment. This world-class event provides an opportunity to network, play golf and mingle with celebrities while raising funds and awareness for an important cause. Since 2010, the Joe Carter Classic has raised more than $250,000 to benefit the Children's Aid Foundation. For more information, including sponsorship details, visit http://www.joecarterclassic.com/

About the Children's Aid Foundation
One in every 25 children in Canada is at risk and needs our help. Many suffer in poverty, while others have been victims of abuse or neglect. A staggering 76,000 of them live in foster homes or a residential facility. The mission of the Children's Aid Foundation is to fund programs that give them skills and hope for a promising future. For more information, visit http://www.cafdn.org/

SOURCE: Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament

Nancy Vye
TD Bank Group
416-308-5164
[email protected]
for information on the Joe Carter Classic

or

Jeff Ball
Children's Aid Foundation
416-923-0924 x230
[email protected]
for information on the Children's Aid Foundation