June 3, 2017

BLUE JAYS FANS RAISE MORE THAN $275,000 FOR JAYS CARE DURING 9th ANNUAL SPORTSNET JAYS CARE BROADCAST AUCTION PRESENTED BY TD

Toronto, ON -- On Friday, June 2, during Sportsnet’s national broadcast of the Toronto Blue Jays game, Blue Jays fans raised $276,425 in support of Jays Care Foundation through the 9th Annual Sportsnet Jays Care Broadcast Auction presented by TD.  Since 2009, the fundraiser has raised $1.6 million to support Jays Care programming for children and youth.

Hosted by Sportsnet Central’s Evanka Osmak, the annual Broadcast Auction provides Blue Jays fans across the country with the opportunity to bid on unique and unparalleled Blue Jays prizes and experiences. This year’s marquee items included a cleat-design session with Kevin Pillar, a CN Tower excursion with Joe Biagini, and a private dining experience with Jason Grilli.             

“Jays Care is incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors, Sportsnet, Blue Jays fans, and that of the many community-minded Blue Jays players who dedicate their time and effort to our cause throughout the season and beyond,” said Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation. “The funds raised through this initiative will help Jays Care level the playing field and create opportunities for more than 65,000 Canadian children and youth in 2017.”

“As a proud partner of Jays Care, we at Sportsnet are inspired by the dedication of the foundation’s staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of Canadian children through sport,” said Rob Corte, Vice President of Production, Sportsnet. “Sportsnet is honoured to once again be a part of this initiative and we thank our viewers for their tremendous support.” 

The 9th Annual Sportsnet Jays Care Broadcast Auction was made possible through generous contributions from presenting sponsor TD, technology sponsor Acer, Sportsnet, WestJet, The Peace Collective, The Right Hand Gal and host, Evanka Osmak. 

About Jays Care Foundation

Used intentionally, baseball has the power to create lasting social change for children and youth. That's why we help kids get involved in the game, build safe spaces in which they can play and work with like-minded organizations to design and lead comprehensive programs that reflect the needs of marginalized children and youth across Canada. Jays Care Foundation has been recognized with the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy (2014), the Beyond Sport Sports Team of the Year Award (2013) and the MLB Commissioner's Award for Philanthropic Excellence (2012).

For more information, visit www.jayscare.com, follow @JaysCare on Twitter, ‘like’ Jays Care on Facebook, or call (416) 341-1456.