Media Advisory - Leafs, Raptors and TFC host sixth annual Players' Gala in support of MLSE Foundation

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2015 /CNW/ -

WHAT:		Players' Gala presented by BlackBerry is the chance for sports fans to mix and mingle with their favourite Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC players, coaches and alumni at Mattamy Athletic Centre while supporting MLSE Foundation. Guests will spend time with players throughout the night while they enjoy a cocktail reception and seated dinner and have the opportunity to bid on their favourite items at the silent auction.
		Net proceeds from this year's event benefit MLSE Foundation's ongoing $6 million capital fundraising campaign for their newest project, MLSE LaunchPad. A vacant space for two decades in the Moss Park neighbourhood, 261 Jarvis Street will be transformed into a 42,000 square foot facility dedicated to Sport For Development programming. In partnership with Toronto Community Housing and City of Toronto, MLSE Foundation will create the first collaborative space in North America to leverage sport, education and research to promote social change. Opening in 2017, MLSE LaunchPad will include a multipurpose gymnasium, classrooms and a teaching kitchen. It will feature programming seven days a week that will focus on four pillars with sport at the core: healthy body; healthy mind, ready for school; ready for work.
WHO:		Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC players, coaches and alumni
		MLSE Executive Team
		MLSE Foundation Board of Directors

Interview and Photo opportunities available

*Notes: Toronto Marlies are unable to attend due to the team's road schedule.

Due to space limitations, media outlets must RSVP with Melissa Perri no later than noon on Thursday, December 10 to request accreditation and access to Players' Gala.

WHEN:		Thursday, December 10, 2015
		6:30 – 7 p.m.   Select Leafs, Raptors and TFC player availability (media set-up at 6:15 p.m.)
		7 – 7:30 p.m.   B-roll opportunities
WHERE:		Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens)
		50 Carlton Street
		Toronto, ON
		M5B 1J2

SOURCE MLSE Foundation

Media Contacts: Melissa Perri, MLSE, [email protected], 416-815-5524 (on-site: 416-554-8185); Jamie Deans, MLSE, [email protected], 416-815-5445