Charities to Benefit From Father’s Day Event
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport
SCENE & HEARD: The late Pat Quinn once described defenceman Jyrki Lumme as a “cornerstone” of the Vancouver Canucks’ run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers. Lumme had posted a career-high 55 points during the regular NHL season and 13 more during 24 playoff appearances including that memorable seven-game showdown against the Rangers.
The talented Finnish product entertained Vancouver fans for nine years and remains one of the most popular players in Canucks’ history.
Proving he’s still a “cornerstone” type of guy, Lumme is the driving force behind one of the most unique sporting events ever staged in Vancouver set for Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day – right here at Hasting Racecourse.
It’s being billed as Alumni Day at the Races … a rare occasion when former players with the Canucks, B.C. Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC band together to help raise funds for their respective charities. There will also be a number of legendary jockeys who rode at Hastings in attendance as fans can take part in autograph sessions, a 50/50 draw and silent auctions for signed team jerseys and game Day Experiences to Canucks, Lions and Whitecaps games as well as an Ultimate Hastings Racecourse Experience.
With the Alumni personalities gathering under the Marquee Tent, fans can join them by purchasing VIP access for $25 available next week on the Canucks, Lions, Whitecaps and Hastings Racecourse websites. Each ticket will include vouchers for complimentary food & beverage and a live racing program as they meet and greet the legendary athletes throughout the afternoon.
Lumme’s organizing committee includes former Canucks’ defenceman Bob Murray and Alumni executive Robin Wyss, former Lions’ Jamie Taras and John Ulmer, current receiver Marco Iannuzzi, the Whitecaps’ Carl Valentine and community relations coordinator Megan Forsyth as well as Hastings Racecourse general manager Darren MacDonald.
“Jyrki brought the idea up in the Canucks Alumni suite during a game last January,” MacDonald says. “It’s a great opportunity for us to contribute to the local alumni charities and I know our racing fans are going to enjoy a fun-filled day.”
The Alumni Day at the Races designated charities are Canuck Place, the Lions’ Dire Needs Fund and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation on behalf of the Whitecaps FC.