At the Sens Foundation, we realize how lucky we are to have such a warm and caring community that truly recognizes the importance of programs for children and youth. On behalf of all the children and youth and their families, and especially Roger's House, we sincerely thank all the individuals and groups who have worked so hard to raise funds over the past few months. Check out some of our recent success stories and don't forget to visit our photo gallery to see the event pictures organized by month.
2008
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
2007
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association Celebrity Chef Café
Official Cheque presentation for the most successful Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association Celebrity Chef Café took place on October 17th at the War Museum The fourth annual Chefs Charity Café, held March 26, 2008 at the Canadian War Museum saw eighteen chefs from Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (OGHA) members preparing culinary delights for the over 500 attendees. This year the event raised $65,000 in support of Roger’s House and the Military Families Fund.
Roger's House Recognition Evening
Thanks to all of our Roger’s House Supporters!!
The Sens Foundation hosted a special recognition evening September 17 to celebrate the successes of community leaders who contributed to the common goal of ensuring that Roger’s House will continue to thrive for very special children and their families.
Hosted by Sens Foundation board member Max Keeping, who was also master of ceremonies for the evening, members of the Sens Foundation and Roger’s House board of directors, and Sens Foundation president Danielle Robinson were on hand to greet guests and make presentations to community organizations and individuals whose combined efforts led to an achievement of over $700,000 last year alone.
Ottawa Senators president & CEO Roy Mlakar spoke to guests about the special person that former assistant coach Roger Neilson was, and the legacy that he has left for us all in Roger’s House. A special tribute video recognizing Neilson’s accomplishments followed.
Mlakar, and his wife Tamera, assisted Robinson in handing out recognition gifts to several honoured community event leaders who have supported Roger’s House since the first fundraising campaigns were launched for the facility five years ago.
These included:
• Ottawa Year End Minor Hockey Tournament
• 19 year and a Day Jeffrey Aldrich Memorial Golf Tournament
• Parkwood Hills Softball League
• Corporate Hockey Challenge
• Chuck Fee Invitation Boot Hockey Tournament
Marion Rattray, Manager CHEO Palliative Care Program and Roger’s House spoke to guests about the interdisciplinary team at Roger’s House. Marion provided an in-depth personal look at programs and features offered at Roger’s House and the quality of care given to the children and their families. Programs include respite care, acute end of life, pain and symptom management, transition cared, grief and bereavement support and the new focus to include research as part of Roger’s House initiatives.
Sens Foundation fundraising coordinator of community events Jennifer Graves introduced a video highlighting photos from the many community events that were held this past year in support of Roger’s House.
These generous contributions and fundraising efforts help to keep the home operational and the spirit of Roger’s Neilson alive.
Michaela Johnson Raises Funds for Roger's House
It Warms Our Hearts. Jason Spezza has a big fan in nine-year-old Michaela Johnson. In lieu of gifts from her friends in celebration of her recent birthday, Michaela requested that friends make donations to Roger’s House. These donations, combined with sales from a lemonade stand Michaela ran during a garage sale, and plants that she started from seed, raised $275. Michaela and her five year old sister Grace proudly presented the donation to Jason at his recent golf tournament. Michaela’s parents, Trevor & Jenn, are very proud of her and she sets a great example for her twin three year-old-brothers Alexander & Matthew.
The Sens Foundation congratulates Michaela and her family for thinking of the families of Roger’s House who couldn’t use their help more.
Jason Spezza Celebrity Classic Raises Funds for Sens Foundation
For a third straight year, the Direct Energy Jason Spezza Celebrity Classic has raised funds for the Sens Foundation in support of Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Ontario and other children’s charities. This year’s event was held at Greyhawk Golf Club on Tuesday, July 22nd and raised an impressive $50,715 bringing the three year total contributions to the Sens Foundation to more than $150,000.
Spezza was joined by Mike Fisher, Chris Neil, Chris Phillips, Chris Kelly, Brendan Bell, Shean Donovan, Brian McGrattan, Randy Robitaille, and Todd White . NHL Alumni players Jason York , Bill Kitchen, and Doug Smith also attended.
Spezza is honourary chair of Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Ontario.
Barrhaven Run for Roger’s House Exceeds Expectations
An incredible $15,000 was raised for the Sens Foundation charity of choice, Roger’s House, at the inaugural Barrhaven Run for Roger’s House event held June 7, 2008. Over 1,200 participants took part in the event that featured the Rebok 2.5 km Family Walk/Run and timed 5 km and 10 km running events. Participants included many families from the Barrhaven area as well as dedicated race runners from as far as Toronto.
“Barrhaven residents are known for their dedication and participation in charitable events. Many of the event participants are families from the Barrhaven area with young children. Roger’s House was a charity they could identify with. The support of our community, combined with the strong support of our sponsors, resulted in a donation to Roger’s House that exceeded our expectations.”
John Baizana, President, Baizana Insurance Brokers
“Roger’s House was the event’s biggest winner. The Sens Foundation would like to thank all the participants of this year’s event who came together to raise important funds that will help the future children, youth and their families of Roger’s House.”
Danielle Robinson, President, Sens Foundation
A special thanks to the hard working race committee comprised of representatives from the event sponsors including:
John Baizana, Baizana Insurance Brokers
Rob Raistrick, Barrhaven Source for Sports
Steffanie Eckford, Scotiabank
Leona Campbell, Mattamy Homes
Andrea Steenbakkers, Barrhaven B.I.A.
Joe Du Vall, Official Race Organizer
A special note of thanks to the many volunteers, companies and organizations who donated their time and effort to make this event a success.
Date for next year’s event has been set for Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Bear Hug II – the Force is back!
And what a force it was….. The Sens Foundation would like to extend our sincere thanks to each and every student who raised money and showed their support for Cancer Patient Care and Research in our region. Over 11,000 strong, students from 10 National Capital Catholic Schools joined together for Bear Hug II – the Force is back! and raised an incredible $310,000 to be shared equally by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Sens Foundation to be designated for Roger’s House.
With yellow t-shirts blazing, students surrounded the Canal from the Pretoria to Laurier Street bridges to raise money and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Bear Hug. While this Guinness record attempt was not successful, we are all still big winners with the biggest winners being the charities the youth worked so hard to raise money for.
A HUGE thank you to all the event organizers and students from the following schools:
St. Matthew High School
St. Peter High School
Lester B. Pearson High School
St. Joseph High School
Sacred Heart High School
Mother Teresa High School
Notre Dame High School
Frank Ryan Senior Elementary School
St. Pius X High School
Immaculata High School
You are a force to be reckoned with!!
Boomerang Kids Score Big for Roger'sHouse
Boomerang Kids Ottawa doubled in size in March 2008, adding two new stores in Orleans and Kanata. Known for its commitment to charity and community, Boomerang Kids donates hundreds of thousands of children’s items to families in need in Ottawa, and around the world each year. They also as provide a free Strollercise fitness program for parents!
To mark the occasion of its expansion, Boomerang Kids put the Sens Foundation front and center during the stores’ Grand Opening week. All profits from the sale of Senators merchandise, as well as proceeds from a silent auction of autographed Senators items, was donated to the Sens Foundation for their charity of choice, Roger’s House.
Special guests at the Grand Opening ceremonies for both store openings included Councilor Bob Monette in Orleans, and Hon. Jim Watson, Ontario MPP, and Councilor Peggy Feltmate in Kanata.
Ottawa Year End Minor Hockey Tournament
The 41st annual Ottawa Year End Minor Hockey Tournament was a smashing success. More than 5,000 players, coaches and their families descended upon local Ottawa arenas in March and April 2008 to participate in the popular house league tournament, with the primary focus on fun and fair play. This spirit of co-operation is demonstrated by the six minor hockey associations (Canterbury, Ottawa Centre, St. Laurent, Sandy Hill, South End and West End) which work together to host this annual tournament.
For the past five years, the tournament has raised funds in support of Roger's House. This year's event raised $28,520 plus an additional $4,024 in raffle proceeds, bringing the five-year total to an incredible $87,520.
The Sens Foundation would like to congratulate and thank the organizing committee, and the many children and their families who participated in this year's tournament. You not only came together in the spirit of co-operation and fair play, but have also teamed up in a big way for the children, youth and their families of Roger's House.
3rd Annual Chuck Fee Invitational Boot Hockey Camp
Organizer Sean Fee says “When you think of Peterborough in the winter the first things that come to our mind are children, backyard ice rinks and hockey.” When you think of hockey in Peterborough you think of Roger Nielson. What better way to carry on a legacy then to hold a charity event dedicated to Roger’s House.
On Feb. 9, 2008, approximately 75 people packed into a SMALL BACKYARD FOR A BIG CAUSE to play or cheer on their favourite team where the only real competition was to see who could have the most fun. This year the Hartford Whalers battled their way to the top to claim the gold medal and bragging rights for one year.
“We raised $1500 this year with the help of family, friends and Steve Doyle (Molson Canada). It was a great day had by all. As mentioned above, Hartford Whalers came first, Quebec Nordiques came second and third place went to Vancouver Canucks. The Hardest Working Player award went to Jamie Swindells from the Quebec Nordiques and the Most Valuble Player went to Brock Davis from the Hartford Whalers”, said event organizer Sean Fee. “Roger's House is a wonderful place and holds a special spot in all our hearts. Thank you for helping us to help you.”
Emma’s Dream
Congratulations Emma McFarlane and her fantastic team for their overwhelming success in raising awareness and funds for Roger’s House and the CHEO Foundation! Emma, assistant captain of the Nepean Raiders minor boys competitive team, raised $8,985 through donations made to “Emma’s Dream” event. Emma wanted to do something special for our community so she came up with the idea of cutting and donating her hair, which she has spent a lifetime caring for. Her team stood behind her efforts and not only donated to the cause, but shaved their heads in support as well! Emma’s Mom Chris wept with pride as her daughters’ beautiful locks were snipped and saved at Rinaldo Hair Designers & Spa on March 28, 2008. Emma’s hair will be donated to Angel Hair for Kids, an organization that provides human or synthetic hair wigs for children from financially disadvantaged families who have lost their hair due to illness, along with a donation to help the recipient family cover the some of the costs associated with the wig purchase.
Michael Smith Sens ational Sale
Michael Smith chooses Roger’s House as his charity of choice. Every year the grade 7 and 8 students at Bishop Hamilton Montessori design and implement a business and hold a day long sale. The students must pay taxes, rental for equipment and hydro for their space in the gym. Half of the profits go to their twin school in Africa and half to the student. This year Michael Smith, a grade 7 student, decided his profits along with his family birthday money, would go to Roger’s House. His business was called the “The Den”. He sold NHL Gatorade, had a raffle for a signed Jason Spezza shirt and a Mike Fisher autographed picture. He also had an air hockey table set up for 50 cents a game. Michael’s efforts were successful in raising $350 for Roger’s House.
Ottawa West Golden Knights
During this event, the 17 members of the Ottawa West Golden Knights Major Bantam hockey team invited shoppers to make a donation to Roger’s House with the chance to win up to $100 off their grocery bill. The team members worked in pairs at both doors of Loblaws, College Square inviting shoppers to make a donation; and enter in the draw for the $100 value in groceries. A total of $1092 was raised for Roger’s house!
Shoppers Drug Mart Alta Vista
From October 22nd to November 10th customers and staff from the Shoppers Drug Mart – Alta Vista were invited to bring in items from the Roger’ House wish list. A fundraiser was also held on the final day November 10th which featured a balloon drop with prizes, cosmetic makeovers, vendor samplings, and even Santa was on hand for pictures. A total of $1356 was raised and presented at a formal cheque presentation at Roger’s House.
Shoppers Drug Mart Rideau Center
On Friday November 30th Shoppers Drug Mart- Rideau Centre hosted their first annual Roger’s House charity cosmetic gala. All proceeds from ticket sales, raffle and silent auction donations were all donated to Roger’s House. The event was a great success and raised a total of $2550.
Cameron Last Birthday Party
Cameron and his brother, Brayden Last have looked at the website for Roger's House after having seen a newspaper article and decided that this was a cause that they would like to support This is the second year that Cameron has donated to Roger's House and asked is friends to donate to Roger's house in lieu of birthday gifts. Our other son, Brayden, has also asked friends to donate to Roger's house in lieu of birthday gifts for the last two years. They are huge Senators fans (Alfredsson, Heatley and Fisher are among their favorite players) and the boys think it is wonderful that the work that many of the players do both on and off the ice provide such an inspiration not only to our children but to many others as well.
Frank Ryan Turkey Trot
Frank Ryan held its 27th Annual Turkey Trot of Hope on Friday, October 12. It was an incredible day with the students raising a record $38,000. They also donated 1000lbs of food for the Ottawa Food Bank. Roger’s House was chosen for the second year in a row to be one of the many worthy charities that received a portion of the funds raised. A Roger’s house representative was happy to except a cheque for $1500 at the exciting wrap up assembly held at Frank Ryan School.
Bryden McDonald's Birthday Party
On October 27th, 2007 Bryden McDonald celebrated his birthday with friends and family. Leading up to the hockey theme birthday party Bryden and his friends collected money for Roger's House. Instead of gifts Bryden asked his friends to make a donation and for the person who raised the most pledges they would win an autograph picture of Mike Fisher from Bryden.
Jubilee Fine Jeweler VIP Reception
On Monday October 15th, 2007 a VIP reception was held at the flagship location in the Rideau Centre. Amanda Forsyth, noted cellist and the official face of Jubilee Fine Jewelers performed for the guests during the evening event. Special guests included Jason Spezza was also on hand for the successful fundraiser that raised $2, 500 for the Sens Foundation and the charity of choice Roger's House.
Frank Ryan Turkey Trot - For Roger's House
Frank Ryan held its 27th Annual Turkey Trot of Hope on Friday, October 12, 2007 A portion of the money raised is being donated to Roger's House as its charity of choice.
Scotia bank- Kemptville- Fundraiser for Roger's House
The community of Kemptville got together on Friday October 12th, 2007 with Spartycat to draw the winning ticket and announce the lucky winner of a Senators Jersey. Manager Spencer Wright was pleased with the turnout and happy to say that Scotiabank is matching all funds raised from the auction and raffle that was held for the week. A cheque presentation was held at Scotiabank in Kemptville were a cheque for $3,000 was excepted by the Sens Foundation and its charity of choice Roger's House.
Roger Neilson Memorial Hockey Game
On October 15th, 2007 The Roger Neilson Memorial hockey game between the Israeli U18 Hockey Team and the Nepean Raiders Midget AA took place at Bell Sens Plex. The event brings together youth from Israel that have been training at Canada House in Metulla. Roger Neilson had a profound influence on hockey programs in Israel and for many years conducted a summer hockey school at Canada House. Each year, a traveling Israel U18 team takes part in a game to honor Roger's memory. Mike Fisher was present to greet both teams and perform the ceremonial puck drop along with Ron Soreanu an Israel National Hockey Player. Stuntman Stu was the game announcer who entertained the full crowd at Bell Sens Plex. The event raised a total of $2,080.
Tim Horton's Smile Cookie Campaign
For the last three years Tim Horton's regional marketing manager John McLellan and Beatrice Mearns, manager of a local store have brought us the smile cookie campaign in support of Roger's House. The fundraising drive took place from October 1st to October 7th, 2007 at the local Tim Horton's store in Petawawa. Cookies were sold and a 100% of the proceeds will go to Roger's House.
Super Dogs
On Saturday Oct 21st, 2007 the Super Dogs came to town and performed for two shows at Scotiabank Place. The event incorporated a fundraiser for the Ottawa Senators charity of choice Roger's House. Guests were invited to purchase an IAMS frisbee, food and/ or toys, 100% of the net proceeds were donated to Roger's House.
19 Years and a Day Jeffrey Aldrich Memorial Golf Tournament
On Monday September 24th family and friends gathered for the third annual tournament at Grey Hawk Golf and Country Club. Jeffrey loved hockey and golf and this tournament celebrated his love for both as well as his wonderful generous spirit. It was a beautiful sunny day and the sold-out tournament participants enjoyed a great dinner, live and silent auction raising nearly $10,000.
First Air Golf Tournament
First Air supports Roger’s House through a very successful golf day! The tournament was First Air's 33rd Memorial Golf Tournament and was held at Manderley Golf Course on Friday, September 28, 2007. Every year First Air raises money for charity by raffling off prizes and doing a perfect putt contest with our employees. This year First Air employees raised $1235.00 that has been donated to Roger’s House.
Sir Robert Borden High School
Local area High School Sir Robert Borden held their annual School Grind this past fall. Students are challenged to run for an extended time and collect pledges from family and friends. Roger’s House was the charity of choice for the successful event organized by the athletic council. Two athletic council representatives came to Scotiabank place for an official cheque presentation of $1800.
Sean O' Donnell and the Stanley Cup
On August 31st, 2007 The Kanata Sports Club hosted a viewing of the Stanley Cup and autograph signing with Sean O'Donnell. In memory of Roger Neilson a donation box was on hand at the venue. An amazing $2,000 was raised in that afternoon alone and a cheque was presented to the Sens Foundation in support of Roger's House.
Cunneyworth Cup
On Saturday August 25th, 2007 at the Rockliffe Air Base Street Hockey took over the area with over twelve teams participating. The teams represent a wide range of people from across the Ottawa area. Organizer Logan Thomas was happy with the first year event and has big plans to make it even bigger next year. The event was successful and raised a total of $1,000 for the Sens Foundation and the charity of choice Roger's House.
Highpoint Commercial Management Annual Golf Tournament
On Tuesday August 21st on County Road 19 golfers, by invitation only, participated in the exciting annual golf tournament. This year funds were raised for Roger’s House through a silent and live auction. Just over $9,000 was raised.
The Ottawa Police Service
On August 13th 2007 the Ottawa Police Service hosted a fundraising golf tournament at Greensmere Golf and Country Club. Mother nature cooperated and $3,200 was raised at this very successful fundraising event.
Chris Neil Golf Tournament
On July 19th 2007 teams gathered in Flesherton, Ontario for the Chris Neill Golf Tournament. The golfers had an exceptional day on the course and enjoyed a great meal while bidding on silent and live auction items. Chris and his friends raised $5,235 for the Sens Foundation and its charity of choice Roger’s House.
Jason York Charity Classic
On July 6th, 2007 teams gathered at the Eagle Creek Golf Club for the sold out golf charity classis in support of Roger's House and the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. The day had a shotgun start a scramble format and it included a dinner along with both silent and live auction. The event was a huge success just over $20,000 was raised with $11,000 going to support Roger's House.
City of Ottawa Anaerobic Digesters Construction Site
Every two weeks from January to July 2007 construction firms involved in the City of Ottawa anaerobic digesters construction site donated food and provided personnel to host a BBQ lunch as part of the construction progress review meetings. Construction workers on the project participated by purchasing the BBQ lunch. On August 9, 2007 the Sens Foundation was invited out to the last BBQ lunch of the project and were presented with $4,721.98 for Roger’s House.
Parkwood Hills Charity Softball Tournament
For the past three years Parkwood Hills Softball league has hosted a tournament for Roger’s House. They are strong supporters in their community supporting other local charities as well. With over two hundred ball players gathering at Deevey Park in Kanata in July 2007 more than $2,000 was raised.
HD Supply Golf Tournament
In the summer of 2007, HD Supply held a Customer Appreciation Golf Tournament with proceeds going to Roger’s House. Seventy-five players came out to the Loch March golf course to enjoy a day of golf and the chance to “Beat the Rep”. Golfers also bid on terrific silent and live auction items and had opportunities to win several raffle items. As a result $4,582 was raised.
2nd Annual Joe Bentivoglio Memorial for Roger’s House
On July 30th 2007 friends, family and many corporations gathered at the Greyhawk Golf Club for a first class golf tournament in memory of Joe Bentivoglio. In its second year the tournament raised $25,000 bringing the two year total to $50,000. Joe was a compassionate man, who enjoyed life to its fullest and his passion in life was children’s foundations.
2007 Swing for Kids Golf Tournament
The 2007 Swing for Kids Golf Tournament was an incredible success raising $25,000 for Roger's House. Held at the beautiful Kanata Golf and Country Club, the tournament always has something for everyone - prizes, celebrities, great golf, lots of fun - even a sports memorabilia auction. The tournament, formerly known as the Don Brennan Charity Golf Tournament - was first held in July 2000. With the help of colleagues, friends, sponsors and many friends from the community, the tournament has raised over $70,000 for children's charities. Learn more about the 2008 tournament and how you can get involved with supporting Roger's House at: http://www.swingforkids.com/index.html
Sunset Lakes Model Home Tour
Sunset Lakes Development Corporation, in conjunction with several Ottawa area custom homebuilders launched the Woodstream Waterfront Model Home Show Tour this past summer from June 24- July 22nd. Visitors were treated to views of beautiful interiors of the model homes and enjoyed unique landscape designs overlooking the waterfront. Visitors also had a chance to make a charitable donation which resulted in $1,295 of funds to the Sens Foundation.
Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival Pledge Challenge
The Sens Foundation and Roger’s House have been proud charitable recipients of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival Pledge Challenge for the past two years. The 2007 Pledge Challenge was the most successful to date raising a record $230,000. This brings the festival’s contribution to local charity to more than $1.25 million and a two year total of $136,960 to the Sens Foundation and Roger’s House. Congratulations and thank you paddlers!
NGHA Golf Tournament
On Wednesday June 20th at Manderley on the Green local hockey groups from the Nepean Girls Hockey Association gathered for a day of golf. There were exciting prizes to be won and funds raised were collected in support of Rogers House and the Mary Lou Zywicki Educational Bursary program.
CMA Charity 9 and Dine
The local chapter of the Society of Management Accountants held their first annual golf tournament on June 6, 2007. The event was held at the Glen Mar Golf and Country Club in Stittsville. Marty Dotto, account executive of Robert Half Management resources, spearheaded this successful event process and together with his committee and the participants raised a total of $4,864 for Roger's House.
Retired Teachers of Ontario Award Dinner
On June 15th, 2007 the Retired Teachers of Ontario honored Mike Fisher with their Community Award. This annual award is given to someone in the community voted upon by the retired teachers who demonstrates leadership and community support. Past winners are Dave Smith, Max Keeping and Dominic Darcy. Roger's House staff Lise Beauchemin in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation charity of choice Roger's House received a cheque for $1,000.
Ottawa Dances for Kids
Studios from across the Ottawa region gathered at the Bronson Centre on April 18th, 2007. Organizers Ginger Bertrand and Janice Crowe hosted dancers from ten different studios who performed a great array of dances for the sold out crowd. A live auction was also included in this successful fundraiser that collected $2,000 for Roger's House.