FIRST ANNUAL HOPE AWARDS

FIRST ANNUAL HOPE AWARDS HONOUR MEDIA PERSONALITIES WHO GIVE THE “GIFT OF HOPE AND COURAGE”

Toronto, ON (October 15, 2009)—The 21st Annual Celebration of Hope Breast Cancer Luncheon, will be held at the Hilton Suites Markham Conference Centre & Spa, 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, Ontario on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.  (Doors open at 9 a.m. for boutique shopping).  This is an exciting and stylish event attracting over 1200 guests each year and to date, the majority of the tables have been sold out.

The Celebration of Hope Luncheon is presented by York Region Breast Cancer Friends in partnership with the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation on behalf of the Hospital’s Breast Cancer Health Centre and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In the past 10 years alone, the event has raised over $2 million in support of the fight against breast cancer.  We are delighted to announce that CHFI radio’s Erin Davis will once again emcee the festivities.

FIRST ANNUAL HOPE AWARDS 

In recognition of their personal “Gift of Hope” by sharing their own personal cancer story in a very meaningful and public way, the following people will take home the prestigious HOPE Award:

Author Carol Ann Cole; Citytv Anchor, Citynews, Mark Dailey; Host Classical 96.3 “Zoomer Report”, Libby Znaimer; CTV’s Health and Medical contributor, Dr. Marla Shapiro; Co-Host, CTV’s Canada AM, Beverly Thomson and Q107 radio personality, Maureen Holloway.  

Allan Bell, Director Corporate Sponsorship & Special Events for the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, says:  “Each Award recipient has been an inspiration to thousands of people that are currently facing the same battle.  In their own way, they have given numerous people hope and courage that there is a meaningful life after a cancer diagnosis.  We are honoured to salute them!”  

CELEBRATION OF HOPE EVENT

Doors open at 9 a.m.: Guests can shop at over 60 boutiques located on two floors before enjoying a gourmet lunch, live entertainment, an exciting live auction, numerous draw prizes; and a Grand Prize raffle for a 2009 MINI Cooper Classic, generously donated by MINI Markham. 

The Celebration of Hope is pleased to welcome back generous Presenting Sponsor Mary Kay Cosmetics.  

Jones New York Fashion Show:  Inspiration galore!  During lunch, enjoy a fabulous runway show of the latest fashions from Jones New York, AK Anne Klein and Anne Klein New York. Watch for gorgeous statement sheaths, cozy cardigans, sumptuous knits, holiday “must-haves” with shine, and sophisticated tailored classics. Everything you need to help you put together the best wardrobe of the season!

This is a not-to-be-missed extraordinary fundraising event. The energy in the room is like no other – chock full of heartwarming tributes, lots of tears and tons of smiles!

TICKET INFO:  $100 each; $1,200 per table. For further ticket information contact:  Karen Gerrard, kgerrard@trebnet.com   

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For more information about the Celebration of Hope Luncheon, please contact:

Allan Bell, Director of Corporate Sponsorship & Special Events Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation at ABell@msh.on.ca 

For further media information, please contact:

Ruby Fruitman or Sonya Luchetta
Fruitman Communications Group
Tel:  905.780.0880
ruby@rfcg.ca or sonya.luchetta@rfcg.ca