Rogers and sports celebrities succeed in raising funds to help Easter Seals
kids

TORONTO , Jan. 28 /CNW/ - Fifty-nine years ago, one magical night turned into a time-honoured tradition that's now known as the Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction in support of Easter Seals Ontario. And, last night's celebrity dinner and auction proved that the magic is not gone. The event raised $325,000.00 for Ontario's children and youth with physical disabilities.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 , close to 1,000 guests attended Canada's longest running sports celebrities' dinner that was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Emcee for the evening was one of Canada's most recognized entertainment celebrities, Mike Bullard . Some of the sports celebrity guests to grace this year's head table included: Roberto Alomar, Theo Fleury , Catriona Le May Doan , Phil Kessel and Ron Wilson .

"We are grateful for the support of Rogers, the celebrities and everyone who takes part in this incredible evening," says Hockey Night in Canada's Scott Morrison , Chair of the event committee and Easter Seals ' board member. "It's about the kids--building brighter futures for children with physical disabilities."

The Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner and Auction is the launch of a new year for Easter Seals ' Provincial Ambassadors, who have the job of representing Ontario's children and youth with physical disabilities. This year's Provincial Ambassadors, Lara Wong and Lucas Zane , were publicly introduced and welcomed for the very first time last night.

Families rely on Easter Seals to help purchase expensive equipment needed for mobility and communication, send kids to camp and other recreational programs, and provide access to information and resources. Easter Seals owns and operates two fully accessible Easter Seals camps and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized recreation programs for kids with physical disabilities. For more information about Easter Seals or to donate visit www.easterseals.org.

For further information: Media inquiries: Barb Saunders, Communications, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 326, Cell: [phone]