[Press Release] — The 72nd annual Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner and
Auction presented by Bruce Power takes place on Wednesday, March 29 at The Fairmont Royal York,
Toronto. This year’s dinner will honour three–time Olympic gold medalist, Marnie McBean, as the recipient of the
Conn Smythe Lifetime Achievement Award. Also at the head table will be Argos Grey Cup MVP, Henoc Muamba; former Toronto Maple Leafs star, Rick Vaive; former Toronto Blue Jays catcher and World Series MVP, Pat Borders; former NHL coaching great and player, Bruce Boudreau; CBC sports legend, Scott Russell; Canadian sledge
hockey star, James Dunn; and Buffalo Beauts of the PHF star, Mikyla Grant–Mentis. The event also
features one of the largest sports memorabilia silent auctions in North America.
“We are thrilled to be back this year for the 72nd Conn Smythe Dinner, it will be great to see all of our
friends and great supporters again,” said Scott Morrison, Chair of the Dinner Committee. “It’s always a
fun night, but this one will be even more special and our committee has assembled an amazing head
table. We all look forward to meeting our new Provincial Ambassadors and raising much–needed funds
to help kids with physical disabilities.”
The emcee for the evening is Sid Seixeiro from Breakfast Television, while Christine Simpson from
Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada, and Gord Stellick from Sportsnet 590 The FAN and Sirius XM
NHL Network, will once again interview the head table celebrities.
“Canada’s sports journalists and celebrities have shown incredible support for Easter Seals Ontario
over the past 71 years” said Kevin Collins, President & CEO, Easter Seals Ontario. “Through the
Rogers Conn Smythe Dinner and Auction, they empower children, youth and young adults with physical
disabilities across the province to reach their full potential and live the best life they can. Their impact
on the lives of the families we serve is immeasurable and we are tremendously grateful for their
dedication and commitment.”
More than 750 guests are expected to attend this lively evening, which launches Easter Seals Ontario’s
annual campaign period and raises much–needed funds to help provide life–changing programs and
services to children with physical disabilities and their families. It also features the first in–person
appearance of this year’s two Provincial Easter Seals Ambassadors, who are selected to represent kids
with physical disabilities across Ontario.
Easter Seals Ontario has been a leading provider of programs and services for children and youth with
physical disabilities since 1922. The organization is a registered charity committed to empowering
individuals with physical disabilities to reach their full potential and make their own positive impact on
the world. Easter Seals offers a wide range of programs and services, including mobility and
accessibility equipment funding, fully accessible summer camp, post–secondary scholarships, youth
ambassadors, and advocacy and public awareness. Easter Seals is only able to provide these
programs thanks to the generous support of its donors and sponsors.
For more information or to donate, visit EasterSeals or connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
For information on tickets, please visit the Conn Smythe Dinner.
