![[POST EVENT RELEASE] $2.5 Million Dollars And Counting! The Fight To End Cancer Breaks Records In Support Of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation](https://fighttoendcancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/T5SW4171.jpg)
The Much Anticipated #FTEC2023 Fight To End Cancer Charity Boxing Gala Finally Rang The Bell Again At The Old Mill Toronto!
The 2023 Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) Fighters made their much anticipated entrances into the ring at The Old Mill Toronto on May 27. The evening was full of emotion, energy and all out entertainment. [Photo Credit: Spencer Wynn]
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Jennifer Huggins
Executive Director
Phone: +1.416.666.9314
Email address: pr@fighttoendcancer.com
The 10th Annual Fight To End Cancer Charity Gala (FTEC2023) presented by Landscape Plus Ltd. and Grafton Apparel Ltd. was a successful, high-energy and, at times, emotional event. The sold out event was hosted by the incredible Angie Seth, CTV News Channel anchor, with the irrepressible Barry Pletch, once again entertaining as the official ring announcer for the evening. Bringing together some of Toronto’s top influencers and media, including Toronto Police Services Ambassador, Pauline Gray and Miss Universe Canada, Tamara Jemuovic, the event was a celebration unlike any other. Among our roster of fighters were five team members who have been waiting to step into the ring since 2020. Their perseverance and dedication to “get on with the fight” kept the team focused and motivated throughout those three tough years. The highlight of the night featured 10 brave men and women, literally fighting to end cancer in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The FTEC2023 Fighters hit the red carpet before stepping through the ropes on Saturday night. [Photo Credit: Blair Woodward]
Photo Credit: Kaitlin Black
Alissa Winicki (red gloves) parries a jab from Julia Siegal (blue gloves). The Pair have been waiting to showcase their skills since 2020, before the pandemic. [Photo Credit: Spencer Wynn]
The five sanctioned, Olympic style matches – 3 male bouts, 2 female bouts – represented the culmination of months of hard work put in by our FTEC2023 Fight Team. The whole event was a celebration of not only their commitment, but the efforts of an army of volunteers. All ten of our fighters are champions, having dedicated the past 6 months of their lives to training, fundraising and raising awareness in support of this important cause. Nearly $500,000 has been donated in 2023 alone, with Jeff Skrypek announced as the top fundraiser on this year’s fight team, totalling over $17,500. Humbertown Jewellers made a huge impact with their donation of the OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 Men’s and Women’s watches, raising an additional $30,000 through their Golden Key Presentation.
First album image: Humbertown Jewellers were presented with a special award. Their generosity helped to raise over $30,000 on fight night. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
We also give deep and heartfelt thanks to our partners at Grafton Apparel. Last year, their nationwide campaign reached over $345,000 with the goal of surpassing this number in 2023. The Grafton Family fundraising campaign continues later on this year – just visit any Tip Top Tailors, George Richards or Mr. Big & Tall to join the fight! You will receive a specially designed key chain or lapel pin for any donation of $20 or more, while quantities last.
We project over $3 million will be donated to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, between the tireless efforts of the Fight Team, the FTEC Ambassadors and our incredible partners all combined with the funds raised at the gala.
First album image: Dr. Jonathan Irish of The Princess Margaret, on the Red Carpet at The Fight To End Cancer 2023 Charity Gala [Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
The inspirational Dr. Jonathan Irish, Chief Surgical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, once again brought the crowd to its feet when he spoke about the impacts that the funds raised have had on research, his patients and their families. Beyond the excitement and joy of the event, the words from Dr. Irish served to remind all in attendance and those watching worldwide, the reason we all choose to fight.
In addition to the exciting fight card, FTEC always features local musical talent, sure to entertain the gala attendees. This year was no exception as the crowd was treated to a powerful performance by Dr. Draw and Scott Jackson. The duo returned to the stage following their 2018 appearance, wowing the crowd with their unique pairing of Beatboxing and Electric Violin, delivering a pulsating performance before the co-main event and main event.
Returning from a Switzerland and Austria tour only hours prior to the event, Electric Violinist, Dr. Draw and Canadian Beatbox Champion, Scott Jackson, filled the ballroom with non-stop musical action. The duo also known as Nemesis, were excited to join the fight once again following their first appearance at the 2018 gala. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
Fight To End Cancer’s Executive Director & Founder, Jennifer Huggins, is beyond proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the Fight Team and all of the volunteers in making the 2023 event an unbelievable success. In her own words:
“Despite the challenges of a 3 year delay, this year has been the most remarkable yet, and its foundation lies in the unwavering generosity and support from our volunteers, sponsors and community. The energy and emotion on Saturday night was indescribable. Each fighter, performer, and guest left their hearts in the ring. This year was truly incredible, built on the foundations that began at our first event in 2012.
The Fight To End Cancer family means everything to me…your efforts and dedication make it all possible to continue to exceed expectations. Thank you all for defining the Fight To End Cancer personally and as a community! We have all outdone ourselves this year, yet we feel nothing but inspired to do even more!
Together, we will knockout cancer in our lifetime – Defeat Is Not An Option!”
FTEC Founders, Jennifer Huggins and Virgil Barrow, were presented with an award by Dr. Jonathan Irish from The Princess Margaret. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
FTEC Founder, Jennifer Huggins, presents the championship belt at the Red Carpet with Official Ring Announcer Barry Pletch. [Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
A powerful moment of silence was called on by FTEC Founder, Jennifer Huggins, during her address to the guests. [Photo Credit: Spencer Wynn]
The $2,000,000 goal was achieved last year and the Fight To End Cancer took a major step this year towards the $3,000,000 mark. You can still support the fight and the 2023 Fight Team with donations being accepted until the end of June.
Next year’s Gala is set for Saturday May 25, 2024, with strong interest from partners, media, artists, celebrities and the community, to participate in FTEC2024! Tryouts for the Fight Team are scheduled for Saturday September 30th, 2023 and are expected to attract another large group of hopefuls. Watch the Fight To End Cancer website for details on this first step to becoming part of the FTEC 2024 Fight Team and the Fight To End Cancer family!
Lead by musician Michel DeQuevado, the Fight To End Cancer always includes incredible musical talent, in addition to the exciting fight card. [Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
The generous team of Presenting and Official Partners for the Fight To End Cancer were recognized for their support. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
Presenting sponsor and president of Landscape Plus Ltd., Jim Mosher, was presented with a championship belt in honour of his contributions since the beginning of the Fight To End Cancer. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
Presenting partner and president of Grafton Apparel, Lance Itkoff, took a stab at ring announcing during the main event of the evening. [Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
info@fighttoendcancer.com
Donations to our Fight Team can be made at: fighttoendcancer.com.
Photos available upon request.
Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities are available in studio, on site, and via phone or email with:
- Jennifer Huggins (Executive Director and Founder, Fight To End Cancer)
- Virgil Barrow (Fight Team Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club)
- FTEC 2023 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
- Presenting Partners:
- Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
- Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)
DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!
MEET THE FTEC FIGHT TEAM
Help the #FTEC2023 Fight Team reach their goal of $3 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
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 $2,000,000 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
