Charities Share in Silent Auction, 50/50 Draw
Vancouver, B.C. (July 23/19) – Legendary Vancouver sports personalities from the Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Hastings Jockey Club return for the third annual charity-driven Sports Alumni Day at the Races on Sunday, July 28 at Hastings Racecourse.
“It is a rare time when we can all get together for a social gathering,” says Jamie Taras, BC Lions Director of Community Partnerships. “The fact our respective Alumni charities benefit from the afternoon makes it all that more meaningful.”
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, BC Lions Alumni Support Fund and the Whitecaps FC community partner Jumpstart Canada share in the proceeds of the silent auction and 50/50 draw along with a donation from Hastings Racecourse.
The four sports organizations will each have a race named in their honour during the regular card throughout the afternoon. The Hastings Jockey Club Purse goes at 2:20 p.m., Whitecaps FC Purse at 2:50 p.m., BC Lions Purse at 3:20 p.m. and Canucks Purse at 3:50 p.m. The Alumni members will mix and mingle with fans after each of their designated races.
The list of sports legends attending Sports Alumni Day continues to grow daily, featuring names such as Gino Odjick, Darcy Rota, Harold Snepsts, Dave Babych, Steve Kariya, Bob Murray and Jim Robson from the Canucks Alumni; Taras, Nick Hebeler, Sean Millington, Kevin Konar and Giulio Caravatta from the Lions; Bob, Sam and Dan Lenarduzzi with Carl Valentine from the Whitecaps FC and jockeys Chris Loseth, Dave Wilson and Tom Wolski.
The ever-popular team mascots will be in attendance: Fin from the Canucks; Leo the Lion and Spike from the Whitecaps FC, along with a team of cheerleading Felions.
An outstanding list of silent auction items will get the attention of patrons at the racetrack as well as online at alumni.givesmart.com.
Ultimate Game Day Experience packages as well as autographed items will be on display in front of the Trackside Patio next to the winner’s circle on the tarmac. The incredible Game Day packages include:
Canucks Alumni – Tickets for four in the Canucks Alumni Suite to a Canucks NHL game in 2019-20; dinner for four in the Captains Club at Rogers Arena and a post-game visit to the Canucks dressing room, hosted by a member of the Canucks Alumni.
BC Lions – Two executive style tickets at Club level after watching from field-level the pre-game warm-up and a visit to “the pocket”, an area behind the players locker room where the starting lineup is announced and the players run onto the field. Two customized BC Lions jerseys are also part of the package.
Whitecaps FC – Admission for 16 people to a private suite for a match at BC Place in 2019 or 2020;upscale food and beverage available for purchase; a tour of the National Soccer Development Centre for four to watch training and enjoy lunch with the team.
Hastings Racecourse – A Day at the Races package that includes brunch for four in Silks, complimentary parking, racing programs plus a visit to the broadcast booth high above track level to watch Hall of Fame announcer Dan Jukich call a live race.
River Rock Casino Resort – One-night stay in a two-bedroom Executive Suite, dinner for four at Tramonto and $100 free play Casino coupon.
There is no admission to the races running this weekend Friday at 700 p.m. and Sunday at 1:50 p.m. at Hastings Racecourse.
For further information:
Darren MacDonald
General MacDonald
dmacdonald@hastingsracecourse.com
Greg Douglas
Media Relations