Fundraising 2005-07
Laughing with Lady Bugs - September 2007
Laughing with the Ladybugs was a special fundraiser held this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Kathryn Peeters’ diagnosis with a brain tumour. The dinner, silent and live auction, and comedic entertainment, raised funds for b.r.a.i.n.child. Kathryn’s mother, Elizabeth Peeters, is the current b.r.a.i.n.child president. In Elizabeth’s summer editorial for the b.r.a.i.n.child newsletter she writes, “It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed and Kathryn is still here. Ten years ago we could only dream. Now it is a reality….”
Wiley Buzz-off - July 2007
On Friday, July 20th, 2007, more than 25 friends and family members joined Andrew, Eric and Joe Wiley in going “to the wood” in a Buzz Cut event supporting the Wiley Fund, established in 2001 in honour of their son Andrew who is cared for by Dr. Rutka. The Buzz Cut raised over $100,000 for the Wiley Fund which supports the ongoing research projects of two PhD students and two post-doctoral research fellows under Dr. Rutka’s direction.
Andrew continues his recovery and expects to be good as new including having gone back to school in September, working out, making a playoff run with his hockey team and keeping his hair trimmed short. The Wiley Family would like to thank their community for their thoughts and prayers, kind words of support and encouragement, and for their participation in the Buzz Cut.
Blading with BUNZL - July 2007
The inaugural Blade-a-thon from Niagara Falls to The Hospital for Sick Children was such a huge success that next year the BUNZL people will be joined by several other groups. These groups may decide to blade for the entire distance or just for short bursts. Whatever distance they travel, funds raised from the event will be used for the benefit of brain tumour research.
November 2005
This year's Rigatoni for Research fund raising event was held November 9, 2005 at Le Dome Banquet Hall in Oakville.
Over 500 people attended the event which was organized by Kathy and Danny Douthart and their team of helpers including George and Judy Collaton, Wendy Carlan, Tina Daly, Lisa Guimaraes, Maris Caccamo, Maureen and Brent Christensen and Trish Torrance.
Dan Ferrone, former Toronto Argonaut great, was master of ceremonies for the event. The event featured a silent auction of useful household items and appliances, a sports memorabilia table, and gift certificates to restaurants and hotels. A live auction was also held as part of the event. Speeches were given by Dr James Rutka and Kathy Douthart. In attendance this year were Arthur and Sonia Labatt.
This year, Rigatoni for Research was successful in raising $190,000 for brain tumour research. During the 7 years that Rigatoni for Research has been held Kathy and Danny Douthart and their team have raised over $1 million to support brain tumour research in the Labatt Centre at The Hospital for Sick Children.
Meagan's Walk 2005
Meagan’s Walk is a one of a kind 5 km walk that starts at Ontario Place and ends at The Hospital for Sick Children in a human chain -- sharing one big hug around the hospital. The embrace is a symbol of hope, strength and support for the children & families of SickKids.
Five-year-old Meagan Bebenek died in June 2001 after a six month battle with brain stem glioma, a terminal form of brain cancer. Meagan’s story has touched the hearts of thousands across the country and beyond. Funds raised through Meagan’s Walk support paediatric brain tumour research at SickKids. To date, Meagan's Walk events have raised total funds in excess of $400,000.