The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's in support of Baycrest

“I believe Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect one person, but rather it affects entire families.” ~ David Lewenberg

It’s no surprise that the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest draws hundreds of hockey fans with the opportunity to hit the ice with some of the finest players ever to skate in the NHL.

But even if fandom is the initial reason for joining the Pro-Am, family often becomes front and center for many participants. Take David Lewenberg. When he first joined this event in 2007, it was because he wanted to play with luminaries like Wendel Clark. By the following year, though, the Pro-Am had taken on new meaning for David; his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Says David, “My father, now a resident at Baycrest, is one of 472 seniors receiving treatment and care at the facility. As a result, my passion for the cause is unyielding.” And that is why he has participated in every Pro-Am since 2007!

The difference that one person can make is substantial. Over the course of David’s participation in the Pro-Am, he has raised more than $100,000 for Baycrest. While his father remains his primary motivation for coming back to this event year after year, he notes that nearly “750,000 Canadians [are] living with a form of dementia,” so he continues to fundraise for all families affected by this disease.

David may play for his father and all the other families touched by Alzheimer’s, but for all his hard work and ongoing dedication to this cause, he has become an integral part of the Pro-Am family as well.

“We are united by our shared sense of purpose and the tournament has been a great way to reconnect with old friends and makes new ones…” ~ Jack Stern

Teams are the heart of the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest. They put in the time and hard work to raise those vital dollars for Alzheimer’s research; moreover, they give participants the rare opportunity to revel in a weekend of hockey fun with friends.

That is why Jack Stern keeps coming back to this event year after year. A seven-time participant, Jack is not only a seasoned player but also a team coach. As the bench boss for Team KAOS, Jack gets the chance to interact with every single player on his team. It’s this kind of engagement that creates an incredible sense of camaraderie for the Pro-Am.

But this camaraderie means far more than a guaranteed good time. It also inspires participants to take that extra step in asking for those all-important donation dollars that will play an integral part in helping those contending with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. Says Jack, “Each of us play a crucial role in leading the team to success…”

Last year alone, Team KAOS raised over $140,000 for the Pro-Am, and Jack anticipates another successful fundraising effort. With their collective energy and determination, Team KAOS and the many other teams that make up the Pro-Am can change lives. Jack understands exactly what is at stake: “Through the Pro-Am, I am making a personal difference in the lives of those living with the disease.”

Given that “no one is immune to Alzheimer’s,” the decision to team up against this disease is a crucial one. The number of Canadians affected by it continues to rise, which makes the Pro-Am key in helping those already diagnosed as well as those who may be in the future. Plus, few things are more satisfying than making a difference while playing the sport you love.

Customize your personal page. Use your Participant Centre. Get that first donation… You’ve heard this all before, right?

There’s no denying that those basic steps can help you reach your fundraising goal. If your donation tally is stalling, though, or if you just want to inject a little fun into your fundraising, we can help!

With the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest just around the corner, now is the time to push for those all-important last donations! And with a little ingenuity, you can quickly push beyond your fundraising plateau.  

Beard Rights It’s playoff season, baby! That means seven-game battles, sudden-death overtimes and the ubiquitous playoff beard. If you’re sporting this springtime hockey rite of passage, make it part of your fundraising efforts. Give the person who contributes the biggest donation beard rights. The winner can style, dye or cut your beard however he or she wants until the next Stanley Cup champions are crowned.

Birthday Donations Have a birthday coming up between now and the Pro-Am? Then turn that extra candle on your cake into additional donations for this great cause! Tell your friends and family members to forget the presents. Instead, direct them to your personal page and ask that they contribute to your fundraising drive. Even the smallest donations can quickly add up to big increases to your tally.

Rent-An-Athlete You’re not the only one who needs the lawn mowed or gutters cleared. Plenty of people put off these thankless tasks, so why not help them cross a few to-dos off their lists? In exchange, they make a donation to the Pro-Am. All you need to do is advertise your rent-an-athlete services to start seeing a boost to that fundraising total. Highest bidder wins!

“Working with long-term care facilities like Baycrest, I have seen the devastating effects that Alzheimer’s has on individuals and families.” ~ Paul Richey

Each year, The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest draws the participation of hundreds of men and women, many of whom have personal ties to the harm that Alzheimer’s can cause. However, longtime participant Paul Richey has a unique connection to this disease and event.

Paul’s company, Mulmer Services, provides transportation services to Baycrest and other facilities, so he is acutely familiar with how Alzheimer’s affects patients and their families. As a result, “The Pro-Am was an easy sell for me. It gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for hockey with a cause I truly believe in.”

In fact, this year marks a decade-long commitment to the Pro-Am for Paul. The impact that he and his team, the Geri-Hat Tricks, have made for individuals contending with Alzheimer’s is nothing short of life changing. Last year alone, the team raised more than $114,000 to stop this disease from affecting more lives.

While the help that the Geri-Hat Tricks provide to Baycrest provides the motivation to join this event, Paul readily admits that meeting the pros is an extraordinary part of the Pro-Am as well. Across the board, Paul notes, “The alumni are approachable and friendly and often go the extra mile to get to know their teammates.”

During his long Pro-Am history, Paul has met several Stanley Cup winners, including Denis Savard. He’s excited to hit the ice again with these alums and his teammates. He states, “The tournament is also a great way to see many familiar faces taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of a life-changing experience.”

Whether you’re a seasoned team captain or the newbie on the roster, one of the most important roles you will ever take on for the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s ™ in support of Baycrest is that of fundraiser.

Being part of a team often makes it easier to raise those donation dollars. Together you can trade fundraising ideas, coordinate events and support to each other all the way through Pro-Am weekend.

But to ensure your team’s fundraising success, you need to focus on your individual fundraising efforts. The following steps will help you both become a top-liner fundraiser and establish your presence as the quintessential team player.

Customize Your Personal Page. When you demonstrate that you care about the Pro-Am, you can better convince others to do the same. Far more effective than a generic appeal for funds is a heartfelt declaration of why the Pro-Am matters. Your personal page is your chance to show your passion for this great event and get everyone who reads your page inspired to give.

Explore Your Participant Centre. Even if you have never participated in a fundraising event, your Participant Centre can make asking for donations a stress-free experience. There you can find email templates for initial asks, follow-ups and thank-yous. As with your personal page, though, customize these templates to better your chances of getting those donation dollars!

Write Down Everyone You Know. Casting a wide net is key to your fundraising success. Sure, you might already intend to ask your family and close friends, but what about your neighbours, gym buddies or even your company? Writing down everyone you know can help in identifying the many people who can make sure you reach and even surpass your personal—and team—fundraising goal.

Reach Out for That First Donation. A carefully worded personal page and customized email template are important tools in raising Pro-Am funds, but you need to actually hit that send button to see those donations start rolling in. To gain confidence and momentum, make your first ask a “sure thing.” Reach out to a parent, sibling or best friend and let that first donation pave the way for many more!

“As captain, I believe I have a responsibility to lead by example and keep my teammates motivated and inspired.” ~ Rich Parry

Being a team captain is both a great honour and tremendous obligation. Those given this distinction are expected to show vision, passion, perseverance and diplomacy in both word and deed. While a demanding role, it can also be a highly rewarding one, which is why Rich Parry wears the ‘C.’

A Illustrious History of Influence

Rich captains Old Slugs, a team that has long supported the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest. In 2015 alone, this team raised more than $60,000 towards Alzheimer’s research and care. As a first-time captain of Old Slugs, Rich was honoured with the Wendel Clark Award for leading his team to such a successful fundraising run. Now he’s back to do it again in 2016.

Given Rich’s own impressive fundraising efforts, it’s no surprise that he makes such an impactful team captain. In his time with the Pro-Am, Rich has raised over $40,000 on his own! His enthusiasm for helping those contending with Alzheimer’s is evident, and his role as captain only heightens his dedication to this cause.

A Determination to Impact Future Change

Rich explains what has helped Old Slugs be so successful in their fundraising efforts: “Although the Pro-Am is a charity tournament, there is a competitive aspect that encourages us to fundraise even after we have met our fundraising goal and secure our spot in the draft.” Knowing that their hard work helps others only serves to make Old Slugs more committed to raising as many donation dollars as possible.

“The 2016 Pro-Am will be my fifth tournament, and it still feels surreal to play competitively against hockey’s greatest legends.” ~ Mitch McDermid

Hockey is more than a national pastime—it’s Canada’s official winter sport. It comes as no surprise then that not only do millions of Canadians love hockey, but also they often have personal ties to it. Beyond memories of playing on the local pond, they can name off friends and even family members who have made it to the NHL.

Part of Hockey History

Mitch McDermid has been a part of the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest for several years; he also happens to belong to a hockey family. His great uncle, Cecil Dillon, enjoyed a decade-long NHL career, playing nine of those years for the New York Rangers. In 1933, his eight post-season goals helped deliver to the team the illustrious Stanley Cup.

Cecil passed away long before Mitch was born, but this Original Six great largely inspired his great nephew’s participation in the Pro-Am. Cecil, as well as Mitch’s grandmother, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease later in life. In honour of both individuals, Mitch now laces up his skates each May. However, even with an NHL legend in his own family, Mitch still gets star struck each time he hits the ice.

Part of a Hopeful Future

To meet a player you admire is an extraordinary moment, and that’s exactly what Mitch got to experience when he came face-to-face with Bryan Trottier. Mitch says, “I’ll never forget the year I met Bryan Trottier… I used to collect his playing cards as a kid and the opportunity to meet him in person was a dream come true.”

Over the years, the Pro-Am has given Mitch the opportunity to skate alongside many hockey heroes, including Pat Boutette, Dan Daoust and Bryan Muir. For anyone thinking of joining this tremendous event, Mitch offers this advice: “I encourage all fans to take up this challenge for a chance to meet one of their own hockey heroes.”

“I am one of the lucky ones who can say that Alzheimer’s has not touched my family, but who knows when that can change?” ~ Trent Pringle

The NHL may be made up of conferences, divisions, teams and lines, but really it’s just one huge hockey family. And as Trent Pringle can attest, those bonds often cross over into the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest.

A Chance to Make a Difference

Trent will be participating in his fourth Pro-Am this May. He notes, “My teammates on OfficialGamePuck.com come from across the province to take part in this epic weekend. Many of us have met through the tournament and have bonded over our mutual love for the sport.” Plus, last year alone, they raised $30,400!

While Pro-Am participants revel in the chance to spend a weekend with their hockey families, they also enjoy the opportunity to raise funds that go towards much-needed Alzheimer’s research and treatment. Nearly 750,000 Canadians suffer from dementia, and that number will only rise over the next several years.

Though without direct ties to Alzheimer’s, Trent understands how critical an event like the Pro-Am can be in combating it. He says, “I have seen families struggle to cope with the impact the disease has on their loved ones. With an aging population that continues to grow, this will sadly become the case for more families.”

The Family That Keeps Getting Bigger

Trent is quick to mention how the Pro-Am also provides a chance to skate alongside “hockey legends”—a definite perk—but his greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that he is making a real impact for Alzheimer’s research and the families it supports—families that are extensions of those formed through the Pro-Am.

Trent also acknowledges all the people in his life that made his participation and impact possible. “I am so grateful to my incredible donors who have generously contributed to my campaign, year after year.”

“I hope my contribution to this tournament has a lasting impact that improves the quality of life for families like mine.” ~ Jamie Rooney

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month brings to light for 31 days what thousands of families must contend with for years. Jamie Rooney has witnessed the day-to-day and decade-to-decade struggle of this disease, which is why he will be lacing up his skates for the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest this May.

A Grandfather’s Devotion

Nearly three-quarters of a million Canadians have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but as Jamie states, “the number of people whose lives have been touch by the disease is much higher.” For more than 20 years, his grandfather Maurice took on the role of caregiver as well as husband for his wife Dorothy.

As Dorothy’s condition progressed and Maurice’s advancing age made looking after her more difficult, the couple eventually moved into a long-term care centre so that they could remain together for as long as possible. Two years ago, Jamie’s grandfather passed away at the age of 89.

Jamie fondly says of Maurice, “I will always remember my grandfather as a loyal and loving husband.” In honour of both Maurice and Dorothy, Jamie signed up for the Pro-Am. With his commitment to this event and the vital funds raised through it, Jamie will be making a significant impact on other families coping with this disease.

A Grandson’s Impact

The Baycrest Foundation’s mission is to enrich quality of life by supporting programs and services that promote excellence in care, research, education and innovation in the field of aging, as well as provide crucial funding to Ontario’s Baycrest Health Sciences, which is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Did you know that January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?

Little more than a century ago, Alzheimer’s disease was barely part of the medical lexicon, nor was its devastating impact known. Since that first diagnosis, though, its damaging reach has touched millions of people, making this month a critical one.

Only with steady support for research can experts continue their vital work. For this reason, the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest is committed to raising the awareness and funds necessary to stop this disease.

Fast Alzheimer’s Facts Just how pervasive is Alzheimer’s impact? The following facts show how this disease affects us all:

• Roughly 750,000 Canadians live with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Current estimates indicate that by 2031 the number of diagnosed individuals will rise to 1.4 million.

• The financial toll that Alzheimer’s takes is extensive. Between medical expenses and income lost by caregivers, the current cost is approximately $33 billion. That number is expected to balloon to $293 billion by 2040.

• Many people consider Alzheimer’s disease an elderly issue. While older age is the number one risk factor, circumstances such as family history and heredity can also heighten the likelihood of the disease.

• Memory loss is the most well known warning sign of Alzheimer’s, but it is far from its only initial symptom. Confusion, poor judgment and withdrawal from social activities are other common signs of the disease.

• Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition. Though it can affect individuals in a variety of ways, doctors often classify it into three stages. Early diagnosis is critical in creating the most effective care management plan for patients.

The Future of Alzheimer’s Care The battle against Alzheimer’s is a considerable one, but Baycrest is already leading the charge. The Baycrest Foundation enriches the quality of life of our community by supporting programs and services that promote excellence in care, research, education and innovation in the field of aging.

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Temperatures are finally falling below the freezing mark, and you might be thinking about some good old-fashioned pond hockey. But with winter upon us, you have plenty of workout alternatives even when hitting the ice isn’t an option.

Treadmill Walking. It’s one of the easiest ways to work out. When it means slogging through boot-deep snow, though, walking is far from a walk in the park. So forget the elements and walk on a treadmill. If running is more your speed, treadmills are great for jogging as well—and you still get to avoid the slush and cold.

Skiing When you see white stuff falling from the sky, do you think of a shovel or skis? If it’s the latter, winter is the perfect time to enjoy that fresh powder. So take advantage of the many hills around Toronto to get your cardio fix. For a truly intensive experience, try cross-country skiing, which works virtually every muscle group.

Stationary Bike The snow is hip-deep and temperatures are at a season low. It’s a great time for a bike ride, right? When you have a stationary bike, it is! Like a treadmill, a stationary bike gives you an outlet to work out no matter how wet, cold and inhospitable it is outside. Plus, you can bike and catch up on your favourite shows!

Swimming Perhaps you’re one of those people who actually enjoys diving into icy waters in the middle of winter. Well, we won’t stop! But that’s not the kind of swimming we’re talking about. For a great workout that’s easy on the joints, head to your nearest indoor—and heated—pool for a few laps.

“I believe it’s important to care for our minds in the same way we care for our bodies.” ~ Navi Dhami

Over its decade-long duration, The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ in support of Baycrest has become a hugely popular event, as it gives hockey fans across the GTA a chance to contribute to a great cause through a sport they love.

A Lifelong Passion

Navi Dhami is a hockey buff who has joined the fight to stick it to Alzheimer’s. He notes, “Hockey has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.” Though Alzheimer’s has not touched his family, Navi knows many friends and coworkers affected by it. That’s why joining the Pro-Am was an easy choice.

With the team OfficialGamePuck.com, Navi helped to raise more than $30,000 for the 2015 tournament, and he plans to be part of the 2016 effort to support Baycrest as well. “I am happy to support research and education programs that will ultimately prevent the disease from impacting more families.”

A Game-Changing Participant

Through the Pro-Am, Navi can have a direct impact on the future of Alzheimer’s research and care. Plus, participants have the opportunity to meet their favourite hockey pros! At this year’s Pro-Am, Navi got to play with NHL alums Bryan Berard, Mike Modano and Denis Savard. His daughter even hit the ice with these legends!

It’s time to rally for Alzheimer’s!

December marks the 2016 Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s™ Winter Rally, a special year-end push to join next May’s Pro-Am, build your team and boost your fundraising tally.

Plus, when you heed the rallying call, you’ll also receive a limited edition Winter Rally towel!

This special towel lets you show off your #RallyForAlz spirit! So what do you need to do to get your very own Winter Rally towel? Whether you’re a current captain, past captain or past player, we’ve got you covered!

Winter Rally Towel Requirements:

TEAM CAPTAINS WITH FULL ROSTERS: Start fundraising! Encourage your teammates to get those donations! Players who fundraise at least $100 in self-donations OR $250 in general donations by January 1 get a Winter Rally towel.

TEAM CAPTAINS WITH EMPTY ROSTERS: Fill your rosters! Start fundraising! Fill your roster by January 1 and get a Winter Rally towel. Also, encourage your teammates to get those donations! Players who fundraise at least $100 in self-donations OR $250 in general donations by January 1 get a Winter Rally towel.

PAST TEAM CAPTAINS: Register your team! Register by December 31 and get a Winter Rally towel. Players who join your team and fundraise at least $100 in self-donations OR $250 in general donations by January 1 also get a Winter Rally towel.

PAST PLAYERS: Contact your Team Captain and register for the Pro-Am! Fundraise at least $100 in self-donations OR $250 in general donations by January 1 and get a Winter Rally towel.

It’s not unusual to come home from practice feeling a little stiff and sore. But now it’s been a week since you played, and you’re still experiencing pain.

What can you do? Hockey definitely comes with its share of bumps and bruises, but injuries should be dealt with as soon as possible. How do you know if that discomfort is actually a serious problem? When you experience any of these side effects, it might be time to see a doctor.

Change of Routine Have you altered your daily habits? Perhaps you sleep on your side now instead of your back. Maybe you drive to the spots you once walked. If discomfort has forced you to adjust your everyday activities, consult a medical professional. Pain that causes a change of routine is pain that you should address.

Asymmetrical Pain Take a moment to consider the source of your pain. Especially if discomfort radiates from a shoulder, arm, hip or leg, do you feel it on both sides of your body? When you play, you normally work both arms, both legs and so on. So if you suffer from only left shoulder stiffness or right knee tenderness, it might denote an injury.

Swollen Tissues When you work out, you create small muscle tears, which can result in mild swelling following a rough and tumble game. However, swollenness typically arises post-practice and subsides in a few days. A hard hit or awkward fall that leads to immediate swelling, though, could be a sign of a break, strain or sprain.

Joint Pain Joints often take the brunt of any high-impact activity. As a result, the stress they incur can prompt sprains or breaks. As with any other workout side effect, some joint soreness can be perfectly normal, especially when you put in a lot of minutes on the ice. But joint pain that persists or makes you flinch? Talk to a doctor.

You’re a hockey fan, eh? So let’s put your ice-pertise to the test! How many of the following hockey facts do you already know?

1.  The NHL isn’t the first organized hockey league—that honour belongs to the National Hockey Association—but it has been around for nearly a century! Founded on November 22, 1917, the NHL will celebrate its centennial anniversary in two short years.

2.  Quick, how big is the standard NHL ice rink? If you guessed 200 feet by 85 feet, you’re right! But that wasn’t always the case. The arenas that predated the regulation size sometimes had shorter lengths, including the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, which was the last to be demolished in 2009.

3.  Back in the day, wooden pucks were used for hockey games. Now, they’re made of vulcanized rubber, which requires them to be frozen prior to games to prevent excessive bouncing while in use.

4.  With each goal, the ultimate goal it to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. So who has achieved that honour the most times? With 24 championships, the Montreal Canadiens top the list. The Toronto Maple Leafs come in second place with 13, and the Detroit Red Wings take third with 11.

5.  So how exactly did the Stanley Cup come into existence? The history of this trophy precedes even that of the NHL. All the way back in 1893, a rabid hockey fan—Canadian Governor General Lord Stanley of Preston—bought and donated the Cup as the highest prize in professional hockey competition.

6.  The HHOF is full of extraordinary athletes, but none are as widely known as Wayne Gretzky, The Great One. Gretzky’s proficiency for hockey was evident early in life. In fact, he played in a 10-years-old league when he was just six. Because of his small size, he had to tuck in his sweater, a tradition he continued throughout his NHL career.

7.  Maurice Richard was the first NHL player to score 50 points in a season, which he accomplished in just 50 games. But who holds the record for getting to 100 first? That would be Phil Esposito, who did it back in 1969.

8.  Hockey has many traditions, some sentimental, some strange. None are as curious as the octopus throw created by fans of the Detroit Red Wings. Why an octopus? Well, this cephalopod has eight legs, and before the NHL expansion, it took only eight playoff wins to get the Stanley Cup.

9.  Dream of suiting up for a professional hockey game? If both goalies on a team get hurt, you might just have your chance! According to the NHL rulebook, the team can select any available player—even a fan—to defend the net.

“I know the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will continue to climb if nothing changes.” ~ Irv Kleiner

The success of The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s in Support of Baycrest depends upon the enthusiasm and dedication of participants. Each person who signs up for this annual event becomes an integral part of the Pro-Am community, and for the past 10 years, Irv Kleiner has been a prominent example of the impact that one individual can make for this worthy cause.

The Impact One Man Can Make

Irv founded and captained the Geri Hat-Tricks, a Pro-Am team that raised $1 million over the course of a decade for Toronto’s Baycrest Foundation. With these vital funds, Baycrest Health Services has been able to further its Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, research, innovation and education.

Though he has no family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, Irv is very aware of how pervasive these conditions are. He notes, “I have learned a great deal from Baycrest experts who have given me a heightened awareness of the risks and challenges of what it is like to live with the disease.”

The Importance of Teaming Up Against Alzheimer’s

As Irv steps down from his position as captain of the Geri Hat-Tricks, he acknowledges how integral the support of his donors and teammates have been to the overwhelming accomplishments of his team. His knees may be keeping him off the ice in coming years, but Irv promises to continue his support of both the Geri Hat-Tricks and The Scotiabank Pro-Am.