Over $800,000 Raised At Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's 2nd Annual Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup raised more than $800,000 last month in support of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) - Canada's largest and most sophisticated centre for pediatric cancer research, treatment and care, announced Rally Chairman Bobby Genovese.

"As event chair for the second year, I'm so proud of the amount of money we raised to provide much needed resources and support to pediatric cancer initiatives," said Genovese, Chairman BG Capital Group and BG Signature Properties. "Our efforts will help the spectrum of what's needed — from groundbreaking research and treatment to practical advancements like 'chemotherapy backpacks' that free young patients from confining hospital stays."

Staged on the waters of Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau in the Muskokas, the Boat Rally is a continuation of the extremely successful Car Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup, which began in 2008, raising more than $13 million for SickKids, which Genovese also chairs. This year's rally, which is nearly sold out, will be held in Toronto on September 19 and 20, 2014. 

"The support that SickKids receives from the Boat Rally makes it possible to be a world-leader in child health research and care," says Ted Garrard president and CEO, SickKids Foundation. "More specifically, contributions from these rallies help fund important innovations in cancer research that will translate into new treatments for children who currently battle cancer as well as those yet to be diagnosed."

The day was marked by a "treasure map" of clues and riddles that rally participants followed from one lakefront cottage to the next before enjoying the evening's gala BBQ dinner, live auction, awards ceremony and award-winning entertainment by Eric Lee Beddingfield and Tony Arata at Rocky Crest. Celebrity navigators included:  Actor Billy Baldwin (Parenthood, Backdraft); Actress  Catherine O'Hara (SCTV, Home Alone); NHL Alumni Gary Leeman; Actor Harry Hamlin; 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Bobsledder Heather Moyse; Actress Julie Benz (Defiance, Dexter); FISH TV Host Leo Stakos; Actress Lisa Rinna; NHL Alumni Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski; and NHL Montreal Canadians, Norris Trophy Winner P.K. Subban, and others.

"It is our hope to not only increase awareness of the cause but to continue to raise much needed funds to help children in their fight against cancer," said Joel Hock, founder of the Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation. "This is a testament to what can be done when philanthropic individuals unite with one shared vision: the health and well-being of our children." 

Cancer is the most common cause of disease-related death among Canadian children. Treating approximately 360 new cancer patients each year SickKids is renowned for its world-class patient care, research, education and advocacy. Through donor support, SickKids has become a charity that strategically invests in research and training programs that have the potential to improve the health of children across Canada and around the world. For more information, visit www.rallyforkids.com or www.boatrallyforkids.com

Media Contact:

Lorraine Quartaro
Director, Communications
Solutions with Impact
416-703-5371 ext. 236 or  416-433-7232
[email protected]

About BG Capital Group

With more than 25 years of experience in mergers and acquisition. BG Capital Group Limited and BG Capital Management Corporation are both based in Barbados with associate management offices in the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver. In 2012 Genovese developed and launched BG Signature Properties, a portfolio of 12 exclusive luxury retreats in the US, Canada, Europe, South America and Bahamas, including its flagship property, BG Equestrian Resort in Ocala, Florida, a 100-acre, year-round luxury equestrian retreat featuring world-class stables and lodging for traveling horse enthusiasts.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/134200

SOURCE Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup