FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 18, 2017
Pro athletes and celebrities tee off at eighth annual
Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament,
June 14 and 15; DMC and Arrested Development
to perform at VIP After-Party
Star-studded charity event has raised $2.5 million
to benefit children’s charities to date
TORONTO, ON – Major League Baseball legend and World Series champion Joe Carter will be back in Toronto this June for the annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament. Over the past eight years, the country’s largest celebrity charity event has raised over $2.5 million in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation and other local children’s charities.
The annual charity event, hosted at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ontario, will include the Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Skins Game on Wednesday, June 14, followed by the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 15.
After two days of playing on the greens, the stars will head to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto to celebrate at a VIP After-Party. Sponsored by Biion Footwear and Strellson, the exclusive party will feature performances by iconic hip-hop group DMC, and a special performance by Arrested Development.
“It’s so inspiring to see the positive impact the funds raised from the Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament have had on the lives of at-risk youth. Giving young people access to programs that will help them achieve a bright and successful future is critical to creating a better world,” said Joe Carter, event co-chair. “I feel very blessed to have so many generous players, sponsors and partners who come out to support every year. It’s an incredible event for a great cause.”
The main event on Thursday, June 15 includes a round of golf played in celebrity foursomes, a gourmet dinner, an awards ceremony and an impressive live auction. Proceeds raised from this tournament support the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Joe Carter Family Support Endowment Fund and the Joe Carter Scholarship Endowment Fund.
“The Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament has been invaluable in transforming the lives of at-risk kids,” said Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO, Children’s Aid Foundation. “The funds raised help the youth of our community who have stood strong in the face of hardship. Now they have the opportunity to not only change their lives, but the lives of others, with access to post-secondary education.”
This year’s celebrity lineup will include baseball royalty such as Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Cito Gaston, Dave Stewart, Kelly Gruber, Barry Larkin and Tim Raines; basketball greats Spud Webb and John Starks; hockey heroes Doug Gilmour, Grant Fuhr and Mike Krushelnyski; and NFL greats Dan Marino, Jim McMahon, Truman Thomas, Neil Smith and Chris Doleman.
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating the eighth annual Joe Carter Classic this year. This fundraiser would not be what it is without the support of all of those who participate and the talent who generously give their time to help raise money and awareness for children’s charities,” said James Dodds, TD Bank Group vice president and event co-chair.
Presenting sponsors for the tournament are BlackBerry, TD Bank Group – the Official Bank of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Canada Goose. Supporting sponsors include: SDI Marketing, CIBC, Lug, Toronto Star, Air Canada, Facebook, Nike Golf, RBC, Port of Spain, Mi 5 Print and Digital and Indeed. The Joe Carter Classic After-Party is presented by BIION Footwear in partnership with Strellson. A full list of participating sponsors can be found here.
