Photo: Back Row; Dave Levac, Phil McColeman, Christine Bedard -General Manager GameTime Eatery & Entertainment, Paula Thomlison Executive Director Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre, Mike DiGirolamo, Director of Marketing- Empire & Jana O’Keefe Marketing Coordinator, GameTime.
Front Row; Participants from Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre
Submitted Media Release
Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brantford-Brant and former MPP Dave Levac accompanied by members of the 2019 Hockey Night in Brantford organizing committee, sponsors and event partners, gathered at Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre to announce details of Hockey Night in Brantford- THE ENCORE GAME.
Hockey Night in Brantford will make a comeback this summer. The Encore Game will be held at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Wednesday August 14th, 2019. Returning to the ice will be fan favourites Adam Henrique, Zac Dalpe and Brandon Montour along with NHL alumni and other elite men and women hockey players in a highly entertaining event to celebrate Brantford-Brant’s rich hockey heritage all in support of a worthy cause.
A fundraising goal has been set of $200,000 with all proceeds going towards the Crossing All Bridges (CABLC) Connections Campaign. MP Phil McColeman and former MPP Dave Levac, have joined forces as honorary co-chairs, along with a dedicated committee of volunteers in support of CABLC intiative to secure a permanent home of their own.
To kick off this year’s fundraising efforts, Empire Communities has stepped up as the event’s official title sponsor. Taking part in this morning’s announcement were Mike DiGirolamo, Director of Marketing, and Carrie Alexander, Manager of Marketing, for Empire. Dedicated to building strong communities, Empire is a leading example of a company that is devoted to serving and improving the lives of others through their generous contributions.
Also in attendance were, Christine Bedard, General Manager, and Jana O’Keefe, Marketing Coordinator, from GameTime Eatery & Entertainment, who have been loyal sponsors year after year and whose caring spirit continues through their commitment to the event again this summer.
Millards Chartered Professional Accountants has also continued its support as a platinum sponsor for this year’s game. Millards, well known for their corporate philanthropy, has been a main sponsor for every event since the first game in 2012.
“Thanks to the dedication and hard-work of our volunteers, sponsors, partners and players, Hockey night in Brantford has always delivered a first-class sporting event for fans across our riding and has benefited our entire community in a significant way. This year will be no different. I am proud of the positive impact this event has made locally and I look forward to rallying together for this encore game and once again helping those in need.” said MP McColeman.
Paula Thomlison, Executive Director CABLC expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization saying ‘We are absolutely thrilled and extremely grateful to be the recipient of the proceeds of the Hockey Night in Brantford – Encore Game. These funds will allow us to grow, update our facility and ensure that our individuals living with varying developmental disabilities enjoy a love of life, a love of learning and lifelong friendships in an inclusive and welcoming community.’
Lucky fans will soon be able to purchase game day tickets and raffle tickets. Game day tickets will be available at a family friendly price of $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. A $10 raffle ticket offers a chance to win two tickets anywhere that Air Canada flies, two tickets anywhere that WestJet flies, or 2 tickets to a Raptors game including an overnight stay in Toronto.
There will be the addition of a live and silent auction to be held at the Brantford Golf & Country Club the evening before the game on August 13, offering sports memorabilia, unique dining experiences, creative artwork and more.
Quick Facts:
Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre (CABLC)
• Founded in 2003 by 4 local mothers who needed a program for their adult children living with developmental disabilities. At age 21 they aged out of the public school system.
• CABLC provides education, meaning, and social connection to individuals living with developmental disabilities and provides an imperative life-line for families of these individuals.
• Currently serves 70 individuals and their families
• Having always operated out of rented facilities, CABLC is embarking on a campaign to acquire and update the former St. Bernard’s School as the permanent home of Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre.
• The new facility on Sky Acres Drive will allow the Centre, along with its social enterprise, Shredding Barriers to operate more efficiently and grow to meet the ever-increasing demand for service.
