March
31
The 72nd Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction-Wednesday, March 29, 2023@Fairmont Royal York Hotel
By A.J.Lam
The 72nd Anniversary Conn Smythe Sports Celebrity Dinner raised over $250,000 for Easter Seals Ontario, itself celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022,
“to create opportunities for children with physical disabilities to participate in activities, build confidence, and feel included in the community. Together, we can give children with physical disabilities the tools they need to be successful in their development and growth into adulthood.”
The sports and Easter Seals supporters enjoyed a delicious dinner and drinks at the luxurious Fairmont Royal York Hotel while hearing the amazing, motivational and colourful stories of the acclaimed athletes, Kevin Collins, President and CEO of Easter Seals Ontario, and new Easter Seals ambassadors, Niki Tokhi and Ryerson Beardmore, at the head table.
This year’s Conn Smythe Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to three-time Olympic Gold Medalist rower and 2020 Olympics Canadian Chef de Mission Marnie McBean!
The dinner program was hosted by Breakfast Television’s Sid Seixeiro, while head table sports celebrities included former Blue Jays catcher double World Series winner Pat Borders, veteran NHL player and head coach Bruce Boudreau, Canadian sledge hockey star James Dunn, hockey forward Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Argo Grey Cup hero Henoc Muamba, sportscasting legend Scott Russell and retired Maple Leafs sniper multiple 50 goal scorer Rick Vaive, Maple Leafs fan favourite rambunctious Dave “Tiger” Williams and retired NBA star forward Charles Oakley!
We would like to thank Robyn Visheau, Senior Manager, Communications
Easter Seals Ontario for the invitation to this event.
BKonthescene 