![[POST EVENT RELEASE] Fight To End Cancer Shatters Records — Closing In On $4 Million Raised for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation](https://fighttoendcancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gala_Zardasht-Abdulkhalegh-51-scaled.jpg)
The Highly Anticipated #FTEC2025 Gala Delivered a Record-Breaking Night in the Fight To End Cancer at the Historic Old Mill Toronto!
The 2025 Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) Fighters made their much anticipated entrances into the ring at The Old Mill Toronto on May 31. The evening was full of emotion, energy and all out entertainment. [Photo Credit: Zardasht @thelayzeephotographer]
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Jennifer Huggins
Executive Director
Phone: +1.416.666.9314
Email address: pr@fighttoendcancer.com
The 2025 Fight To End Cancer Charity Boxing Gala (FTEC2025), proudly presented byLandscape Plus Ltd., Grafton Apparel Ltd. and APEX Mobile Media, delivered an unforgettable night of inspiration, hope, and powerful moments—both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
The sold-out gala was hosted by award-winning journalist Angie Seth, whose presence set the tone for the night. She was joined by returning ring announcer Barry Pletch, bringing his signature energy and charisma to the ring.
FTEC Ambassador Liz Cairns is presented with an award by her son, Mitchell Cairns—FTEC Fighter Alumni. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
The event united some of Toronto’s most prominent influencers and media personalities, alongside members of Toronto Police Services—including Inspector Paul Krawczyk, who currently leads the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, Firearms Enforcement Unit, and Biker Enforcement.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from Liz Cairns, mother of FTEC2023 fighter “Marvelous” Mitchell Cairns, who bravely shared her personal experience with cancer.
The night was a true celebration of strength and solidarity, culminating in a powerful finale: 12 courageous men and women stepping into the ring to fight—literally and symbolically—to end cancer, in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The FTEC2025 Fight Team hit the red carpet before stepping through the ropes on Saturday night, joined by celebrities, leaders from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and many of the incredible sponsors who make the year-round fight possible.
[Photo Credit: Jasmine Luo]
Behind-the-scenes moments featuring Fight Team medicals and candid shots of the evening’s entertainment—captured by the incredible Kaitlin Black, who shares her own journey in a deeply personal fight to end cancer.
Behind-the-scenes moments with the Fight Team and officials before the first bell rang. [Photo Credit: Melanie Muto]
Emotional moments from centre ring as the FTEC2025 Fight Team embraced one another after leaving it all in the ring at the Fight To End Cancer. Among them, Kristin Smith-Zuccula—who waited since 2020 for her chance to step through the ropes—and Jaco Crouse, who not only brought guests from as far as South Africa but also raised over $50,000 in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
The evening featured six sanctioned Olympic-style bouts—four male and two female matchups—showcasing the powerful culmination of months of dedication from the FTEC2025 Fight Team. These twelve fighters trained relentlessly, fundraised tirelessly, and used their platforms to raise vital awareness. Their efforts, along with those of the countless volunteers behind the scenes, made the night a true celebration of purpose and perseverance.
In 2025 alone, over $3.5 million has been raised in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, with final totals still being counted. Leading the charge was Jaco Crouse, this year’s top fundraiser, who raised over $50,000. His efforts united communities across the mining industry and reached as far as South Africa, where his family roots lie—bringing global attention and momentum to this year’s campaign.
A major highlight came from Air Canada, whose generous contributions to both the Live and Silent Auctions helped raise an incredible $17,000. Roam also made a powerful impact, stepping in just over a week before the event as the Official 50-50 Partner, helping raise even more through the 50-50 Lottery and Silent Auction.
Together, Air Canada and Roam contributed over $20,000, making a significant mark on one of the most impactful Fight To End Cancer galas to date.
FTEC’s Presenting and Heavyweight Partners were honoured on stage with special awards, presented by Inspector Paul Krawczyk of Toronto Police Services and Fight To End Cancer Founder Jennifer Huggins, in recognition of their unwavering support in the fight to end cancer. [Photo Credit: Rebecca Freeman]
Grafton Apparel once again played a pivotal role in the Fight To End Cancer campaign. In 2024, their nationwide fundraising efforts raised over $500,000, with a goal to surpass that milestone by the end of this year.
The Grafton Family fundraising campaign will resume later in 2025. Supporters can contribute by visiting any Tip Top Tailors, George Richards or Mr. Big & Tall location. Donations of $20 or more will receive a limited-edition keychain or lapel pin, while quantities last.
We’re on track to raise over $4 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, with totals from this past weekend’s gala still coming in. This milestone reflects the relentless dedication of our Fight Team, the passion of our FTEC Ambassadors, the unwavering support of our partners, and the incredible generosity of everyone who showed up to fight for the cause.
Highlights of the evening captured through the lens of our campaign photographer and world-renowned photojournalist, Spencer Wynn—bringing the emotion, intensity, and purpose of Fight To End Cancer to life in every frame.
While the evening was filled with energy and celebration, one of the most powerful moments came when Liz Cairns, co-founder of Golf To End Cancer and mother of FTEC2023 fighter “Marvelous” Mitchell Cairns, took the stage. Introduced by FTEC Founder Jennifer Huggins, Liz’s words held the room in absolute silence—an unforgettable moment filled with awe, reflection, and deep gratitude.
Later in the evening, Dr. Jonathan Irish, Chief Surgical Oncologist at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, spoke with moving clarity about the real impact of the funds raised—on groundbreaking research, patient care, and the lives of families facing cancer. His message was a powerful reminder of the purpose that unites us all in this fight.
Beyond the action-packed fight card, FTEC is renowned for blending sport with world-class entertainment—and this year delivered like never before. Head of Entertainment Michel DeQuevado brought together an exceptional team of musicians and dancers, curating a lineup that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
The night featured a high-energy performance by Dr. Draw and Michael O’Grady, whose fusion of electric violin and guitar created a powerful atmosphere that pulsed through the venue. For three of the evening’s walkouts, the duo lit up the stage with their unique sound, setting the tone perfectly for the co-main and main events.
Thanks to Michel and his team’s vision, the entertainment seamlessly elevated the night—adding another unforgettable layer to an already electric evening.
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 2025 event an unbelievable success. In her own words:
This year’s Fight To End Cancer Gala was one of our most unforgettable yet—built on over a decade of passion, purpose, and community. The energy on Saturday night was electric, and the emotion in the room was intense—raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Every fighter, performer, guest and volunteer brought something extraordinary to the evening, reminding us why this fight means so much.
The Fight To End Cancer family means everything to me. Your support, dedication, and heart make it all possible. Year after year, we raise the bar—and this year, we’ve outdone ourselves.
But we’re not done yet. Together, we will knock out cancer in our lifetime. Defeat Is NOT An Option.
After surpassing $2 million last year, the Fight To End Cancer has taken a massive leap forward in 2025. With donations still coming in, we’re on track to exceed the $4 million mark raised in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation—a milestone made possible by the dedication of our Fight Team, partners, and community.
You can still be part of this historic year. Donations in support of the 2025 Fight Team are being accepted until the end of June.
Looking ahead, FTEC2026 is already gaining momentum. Set for Friday, October 16, 2026, next year’s event is drawing strong interest from media, artists, celebrities, partners, and passionate community members alike.
Visit the Fight To End Cancer website for updates on how to join the 2026 Fight Team and take your place in a movement that’s making history—one fight at a time.
Couldn’t make it to the gala? You can still experience every powerful moment of FTEC2025 with a donation for access to the full event recording.
Relive the magic from anywhere—whether from the comfort of your home or by hosting a watch party around the world. With 100% of pay-per-view proceeds going to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, it’s a meaningful way to be part of the fight.
The full event is colour commentated by Sportsnet’s Jesse Rubinoff and FTEC2023 Fighter Alumni Mitchell Cairns, capturing every fight, every story, and every reason we continue this mission.
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 2025 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
- Presenting Partners:
- Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
- Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)
- APEX Mobile Media (Since 2025)
DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our presenting partners: Grafton Apparel, Landscape Plus Ltd., and our newest partner, APEX Mobile Media.
Since 2014, Grafton Apparel has been a force in the community, contributing over $2 million to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through innovative, year-round initiatives.
Landscape Plus Ltd., under the leadership of Jim Mosher and family, has been instrumental since 2012, helping to raise over $3 million in direct donations. Their dedication honours personal connections to the cause and strengthens our community impact.
Elevating their commitment, APEX Mobile Media, a key sponsor since 2020, has stepped into the role of Presenting Partner for 2025. Their global reach and expertise in mobile advertising are set to amplify FTEC’s mission, bringing the fight against cancer to a worldwide audience. Together, these partnerships embody our collective resolve to knock out cancer in our lifetime.
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated over $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.
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
