Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction celebrates 59 years of
helping Easter Seals Kids

TORONTO , Jan. 5 /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 Ontario's kids with physical disabilities.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 , nearly 1,000 guests will attended Canada's longest running sports celebrities' dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.

Some of the sports celebrity guests to grace this year's head table include: Phil Kessel , Ron Wilson , Theo Fleury , Catriona Le May Doan , David Pelletier , Jamie Salé and Craig Simpson . The emcee for the evening will be Mike Bullard , one of Canada's most recognized entertainment celebrities. "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 an Easter Seals ' board member. "It's about the kids, building brighter futures for children with physical disabilities."

The Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction marks the annual launch of a new year for Easter Seals ' Provincial Ambassadors, who have the job of representing Ontario's children and youth with physical disabilities.

"Our ability to serve children and youth with physical disabilities for the past 87 years is largely dependent on the generosity of our corporate sponsors, such as Rogers, and individual donors, who give in such a meaningful way," says Carol Lloyd , Easter Seals Ontario President and CEO. "We are grateful for their commitment, as we depend on public support for 93% of our revenue."

By providing financial assistance, Easter Seals helps ease the financial burden on families so that children with physical disabilities are able to get the equipment they need to achieve a greater level of independence. Easter Seals Ontario also owns and operates two fully accessible camps and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized recreation programs for kids with physical disabilities.

For more information on tickets, or to donate, please call 416.421.8377 or go to www.connsmythedinner.com

For further information: For tickets contact: Danielle Rea, Senior Development Officer, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 360, [email protected]; For media inquiries contact: Meredith Wiens, Manager, Communications, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 368, [email protected]