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[PRESS RELEASE] Defeat Is NOT An Option | Introducing The 2019 Fight To End Cancer Fight Team

By March 4, 2019February 1st, 2022No Comments


THE FIGHT TO END CANCER IS WORKING TO RAISE $2 MILLION DOLLARS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION

The 2019 Fight Team Showcases The Unyielding Commitment Of Diverse Individuals Dedicated To Making A Difference!


Important Dates:
–> Steam Whistle FTEC Gallery: Tues. May 7, 2019 7pm – 11pm | Request Media Access
–> Official Media Day at MINDSET Brain Gym: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access

Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
pr@fighttoendcancer.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — TORONTO, ON. The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) 8th Annual Fight To End Cancer Charity Gala, benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is a Black Tie, exclusive, must attend event, hosted at The Historic Old Mill Toronto, on Saturday June 1, 2019. 
The FTEC 2019 Fight Team has dedicated SIX MONTHS of their already busy lives to transform themselves from never having boxed, to becoming sanctioned fighters.  This unyielding commitment culminates at the FTEC Gala when they step into the ring.  Angie Seth, Anchor and Reporter with the CTV News Channel, will guide you through this incredible experience as Emcee for the evening’s events.
The FTEC Fight Team, in concert with our presenting partners Landscape Plus Ltd. and Grafton Apparel Ltd., are working to make FTEC history by taking the total funds raised to $2 million dollars. Be a part of history and Join The Fight!
The FTEC ring will feature five incredible bouts on Gala night, including not one but TWO main events.  In the first main event, Lisa Ventura will square off with Renata Reynolds – these fiercely independent and successful fighters are relishing their roles as agents for change in the FIGHT TO END CANCER as they cash in months of hard training for research dollars.  In the second main event, Josh Hillinger of Steam Whistle Brewery, faces George Boutsalis – both successful, professional and uniquely suited.  They are not only dedicated to taking the fight to each other, but also landing some heavy body blows against Cancer!  The action won’t stop there with three additional bouts on the card.  Each fighter has been equally dedicated in their training and raising funds in support of the Fight To End Cancer.  Join the fight and be part of making the difference.
Official FTEC national ambassadors, Grafton Apparel, have raised over $250,000 to date through over 100 stores across Canada, including Tip Top Tailors, George Richards, Mr. Big & Tall and Kingsport.  This year, they hope to raise $200,000 in additional donations with their “Wear Your Support” Campaign – featuring exclusive FTEC tie-clips – available in all Grafton Apparel stores across Canada, up to and following, the 2019 Gala.
Jennifer Huggins, FTEC founder and CEO, keeps the team on track, along with her partner in crime and Official FTEC Team Head Coach, Virgil Barrow.  The duo inspires those who are fortunate enough to step into the ring, with their unwavering commitment to the cause and the Fight Team.  In addition to being the driving force and visionary behind the Fight To End Cancer, Jennifer maintains a very busy schedule as a globally recognized ambassador for the sport, a 3-Star boxing Referee and Judge with AIBA International Boxing Association.

“The reality of what the Fight To End Cancer represents is bittersweet.  Something that threatens to tear our lives apart has brought so many people together.  Eight years ago, I started this event to give back to the community.  The Fight To End Cancer has since become a community in itself; a family working together towards one goal.  My vision evolved from being a fundraiser, to becoming a global movement that we are all part of.  We are fighting for a future free of cancer, and we will succeed.”

~ Jennifer Huggins, Fight To End Cancer
Founder and Executive Director

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!

— 30 —



2019 Campaign Photo Description:
The individuals in the campaign photo represent the 2019 Fight Team and Coaches.
[Campaign Photographer: Spencer Wynn]

  • Top Row Standing (from left to right): Renata Reynolds, Paul Agapito, Lisa Ventura, George Boutsalis, Virgil Barrow, Jennifer Huggins
  • Middle Row Sitting (from left to right): Fedele Rosins, Josh Hillinger, Deren Hasip, Ceilagh MacDonald, Rick Denley
  • Bottom Row: Talia

Important Dates:
–> Steam Whistle FTEC Gallery: Tues. May 7, 2019 7pm – 11pm | Request Media Access
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access

Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
pr@fighttoendcancer.com
Donations to our Fight Team can be made at: www.fighttoendcancer.com. Photos available upon request.
Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities available in studio, on site and via phone or email with:

About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide.  Over $1,000,000 has been donated to date since our inaugural year in 2012.  Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala.  This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team.  Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners.  Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer for a long and successful future for everyone.  This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca


Let’s Take A Moment To Meet This Years Incredible Heroes…

Help the #FTEC2019 Fight Team reach their goal of $2 million dollars before Fight Night! Use the link below to get to know the individual team members better and support them in their Fight To End Cancer! Defeat Is NOT An Option
Sponsor A Fighter  Tickets & Event Info



Fedele Rossi | View Full Bio
When Fedele Rossi’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, he and his family went into a state of shock.  Escorting his mother to all of her treatments exposed Fedele to the roller coaster of emotions experienced not only by his family, but by many others.  He used his anger and frustration as a motivator to first get in great physical condition and now to become a member of the FTEC2019 fight team.  He knows, as we all do, that Defeat is not an Option.
Richard Denley | View Full Bio
Through his business, Richard Denley spends his days motivating individuals to become better leaders.  As an FTEC2019 fighter he will put those motivation skills to good use raising funds and awareness for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  His motivation for becoming an FTEC2019 fighter…ending cancer in our lifetime.



Ceilagh MacDonald | View Full Bio
Ceilagh MacDonald works with clients every day who are struggling to come back from injury.  She sees first hand how hard they try, the good days and the not so good days.  She has seen this same fight in family and friends who have faced a cancer diagnosis.  Not one to step back from a challenge, FTEC2019 provides Ceilagh with the opportunity to punch cancer in the face and show what she’s made of.
Talia | View Full Bio
As an Immigration & refugee lawyer, Talia is used to taking on tough challenges, but as an FTEC2019 fighter she’s taking on the biggest one yet.  Not one to take her health for granted, Talia is stepping into the ring to use her good fortune to help raise funds to support the vital research of the doctors, chemists, and volunteers of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.



Paul Agapito | View Full Bio
As a marketing professional, Paul Agapito has an incredible ability to highlight the positive attributes for a wide range of products and services.  But there is nothing positive about cancer, so he has decided to let his fists and his heart take the lead as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team.  This “spin doctor” will be raising funds to support the doctors and researches working hard to end cancer in our lifetime.
Deren Hasip | View Full Bio
Deren Hasip is all too familiar with the impacts cancer has on a family having watched his daughter and father take on their own fights.  At work Deren coaches others to help them achieve their goals.  As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, the coach will become the student as he and his teammates submit themselves to 6 months of intense training.  Keep those hands up!



Renata Reynolds | View Full Bio
Renata Reynolds is committed to the success of her clients, helping them build winning sales teams and strategies that result in real success.  She is also committed to taking a punch in the face to move one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.  Good news Renata, your opponent is committed to helping you with that challenge.
Lisa Ventura | View Full Bio
As a CEO, Lisa Ventura is responsible for all aspects of her company; definitely a person comfortable being in charge, getting things done and making stuff happen.  Lisa is not comfortable feeling helpless, like she has when friends and loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer.  True to form, she has decided to do something about it by becoming a member of the FTEC 2019 fight team, raising funds and awareness on behalf of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.



Josh Hillinger | View Full Bio
Josh Hillinger is the most recent member of fighters coming from Steam Whistle Brewing.  Like all of us, he has been directly touched by cancer, seeing his grandmother, father and father-in-law fight for their lives.  Not one to stand on the sidelines, Josh has joined the Fight to End Cancer as a member of the FTEC2019 fight team and promises to “provide the best guest experience” to his opponent.
George Boutsalis | View Full Bio
As a perennial fundraiser George Boutsalis has focused his efforts on raising funds for cancer and Alzheimer’s research, both of which have affected his family.  As a professional, George spends his days generating new opportunities and expanding his markets, but keeps his feet firmly entrenched his community. As a member of the FTEC2019 fight team, his community has grown leaps and bounds with one common goal; ending cancer in our lifetime.


Important Dates:
–> Official Media Day: Thurs. May 23, 2019 6pm – 8pm | Request Media Access
–> 2019 Charity Boxing Gala: Sat. June 1, 2019 5pm – 11 pm | Old Mill Toronto Request Media Access