Annual Breakfast of Champions Charity Event Aims for the Heart

Roundtable forum connects young professionals with business and community leaders to support SickKids

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Returning for the 7th consecutive year, Breakfast of Champions in support of SickKids, will bring together 35 of Canada's top business and community leaders and 350 driven young professionals to connect, network and raise funds for a cause that's close to the heart. Designed to facilitate intimate and engaging conversations among attendees, the event will take place at Toronto's Arcadian Court on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Recognized as a Catalyst Donor for the SickKids VS Limits campaign, Breakfast of Champions has raised over $600,000 to date and is on track to raise an additional $200,000 for SickKids this year.

"Breakfast of Champions started as a small fundraising initiative, but over the years it has become one of Toronto's signature fundraising events. We love being able to give young professionals a way to give back to the community, while at the same time connecting with notable business and community leaders," said Simon Leith, Breakfast of Champions Co-Chair. "Philanthropy is more than just raising money. It's about building relationships, making connections, and providing value to others," added David Leith, Breakfast of Champions Co-Chair. "The attendees receive candid career advice from the champions and develop ongoing professional relationships - all while raising funds for a special cause," added Jonathan Tong, Breakfast of Champions Co-Chair.

Making mentorship from high-profile business and community leaders as accessible as ever, this year's event will feature successful leaders from a wide range of industries, including fashion, technology, sports, and more. The all-star roster of industry heavy-hitters includes:

• Paul Burns - Managing Director of Twitter Canada
• Michael Conway - President of Starbucks Canada
• Arlene Dickinson - CEO of District Ventures Capital
• Michael Friisdahl - President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
• Michael Katchen - Co-Founder and CEO of Wealthsimple
• Joe Mimran Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur
• Jessica Mulroney - Branding Strategist and Fashion Consultant
• Michele Romanow - Co-Founder of Clearbanc
• Fred VanVleet - Toronto Raptors Player

This year's breakfast event will feature a keynote address by Dani Reiss, CEO of Canada Goose.

All funds raised at this year's Breakfast of Champions will be donated to the Division of Cardiology at SickKids. The world-leading paediatric cardiac centre is strategically structured so that clinicians and researchers work together to treat and solve disease. SickKids performs 60 per cent of Canada's heart transplants and 89 per cent of Ontario's complex heart surgeries. With 300 full-time staff, the Labatt Family Heart Centre strives to be the global leader in transformational congenital cardiac care, and helps to ensure complications from being born with a congenital heart defect don't stop tiny heart patients from living full lives.

Breakfast of Champions attendees will also hear from SickKids Patient Ambassador Luci, whose personal story showcases the impact the staff at SickKids have on patients and their families. At just three years old, Luci faced a congenital heart defect, along with several other cardiac issues that needed immediate attention. The staff at the Labatt Family Heart Centre worked tirelessly on a detailed plan that included tests, imaging and a 3D model of her heart's anatomy. After more than 12 hours in surgery, 11 hours in the SickKids Critical Care Unit and a harrowing emergency revival, Luci was able to recover with her family - becoming the thriving, happy and smart girl she is today. She returns annually for check-ups with her cardiologist.

Beginning on October 19th at 9 a.m., tickets will be available online for $89 with all proceeds donated to SickKids. To view the full list of champions and to purchase tickets, please visit www.breakfastofchamps.ca.

About Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast of Champions in support of SickKids is an annual fundraising and networking event which provides young professionals with the opportunity to enjoy an intimate breakfast with "champions" from various fields, including business, law, medicine, sports and entertainment.

Since its inception in 2012, Breakfast of Champions has raised over $600,000 dollars to support and bring awareness to under-funded and priority areas at SickKids. The quest continues. To fund the fight and help support SickKids, visit www.breakfastofchamps.ca.

Our thanks to Cision for sponsoring this announcement.

SOURCE Breakfast of Champions