121 young people also recognized for their scholastic success, sharing more than $470,000 in scholarships

TORONTO, ON – Sept. 12, 2011 –The Children’s Aid Foundation presents its 12th Annual Recognition Night this Thursday, September 15 as corporate and individual champions of underprivileged kids nationwide plus 121 outstanding scholarship recipients will acknowledge, recognize and celebrate one another.

In addition to honouring this year’s scholarship winners, the Children’s Aid Foundation is recognizing the valuable support of its individual and corporate donors as well as community leaders coast to coast, including Toronto Blue Jays World Series hero Joe Carter. His Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament has raised more than $225,000 for the Children’s Aid Foundation to-date, and he will receive a special Guardian Award for his outstanding contributions to the Foundation.

Of the 121 students who will receive scholarships this 2011-2012 academic year, 20 students will also celebrate a recent university or college convocation and receive graduation awards. The students receiving scholarships are crown wards or former crown wards who have shown incredible perseverance, and with little to no family support, have still pursued post-secondary education. Without the assistance of a scholarship provided through the Children’s Aid Foundation, many of these students could not afford to complete their post-secondary education.

Donors of the scholarships presented at Recognition Night include individual men, women and families as well as corporations. The scholarships provide assistance many of these youth need to pursue academic opportunities and achieve their goals.

-This is the 15th year the Children’s Aid Foundation has offered scholarships
-In 1995, $15,000 was awarded to nine youth
-In 2011, 121 students will receive scholarships from 80 different donors
-In 2010-2011, more than $750,300 was awarded to 251 students
-Since the inception of the program, 592 students have received awards, and 236 students have graduated to date

Also being honoured at the 12th Annual Recognition Night is the co-chair of the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament, James Dodds, Associate Vice President, TD Bank Group who will be recognized for his leadership in both fundraising and developing this event into one of Canada’s top celebrity golf tournaments.

At the same time, the Foundation’s Pioneer Award will be presented to Citi Canada. Receiving it on behalf of the bank (celebrating 50 years in Canada) will be John Hastings, Chairman & CEO. Since 2004, Citi has sponsored the Foundation’s signature events as well as directly funded several programs that help youth transition to independence with the skills and support they need.

The Children’s Aid Foundation’s 12th Annual Recognition Night takes place Thursday, September 15, 5:00 pm, at the Royal Conservatory, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning (273 Bloor St. W.)