For Immediate Release:

Ajax, 16-February 2012 – On Thursday, February 16^th, 25 community leaders, Hearts of Durham core team members along with representatives of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada will gather at Mr. C’s Restaurant located on the lower level of Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility on Audley Road in Ajax.  The event will announce the community sponsors for the upcoming 7^th annual Hearts of Durham “DreamWeaver- Reflections of the ‘70s” gala in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation.

WHAT:                  The 7^th Annual Hearts of Durham “DreamWeaver” gala is the signature and largest fundraising event facilitated by Hearts of Durham in support of their 2011/2012 Charity of Choice- Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

WHO:                    Gala sponsor representatives, along with Sandra Harris, Executive Director of Children’s Wish Foundation will be on hand to speak at the event

WHEN                   Thursday, February 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

WHERE:                Mr. C’s Restaurant, lower level of Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility, Audley Road, Ajax.

Why?                    “When we first met around our dining room table, we envisioned a community dance in the hopes of raising $10,000.  7 years later, Hearts of Durham has raised over $377,000 and our event has become one of the most anticipated galas in our community, where corporate sponsors such as Signage Source, Flaherty Dow Elliott & McCarthy, Veridian and many more are able to showcase their community leadership to making Durham Region a better place in which to live, work and play,” said Hearts of Durham core team member Kelly Semeniuk.

The Hearts of Durham gala is the signature and largest fundraising event facilitated by Hearts of Durham in support of its charity of choice. This year along with the gala, Hearts of Durham conducted a Big Hearts draw with over 2500 tickets and over $10,000 in prizes.  Along with these events, five community leaders (WishMakers) are working with Hearts of Durham to raise funds to grant the wishes of local children in need.  This year’s “DreamWeaver” gala will be held on Saturday, April 28^th 2012 at the Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility. 

This year, Hearts of Durham’s Charity of Choice is the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.  Children’s Wish is a national foundation that provides wishes to critical ill children.  Any child residing in Canada who has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness qualifies for a wish. 

·         Every year in Durham region over 12 wishes are granted

·         There are 50 wishes in our community pending

Each wish is unique as the child who is asking.  On average, a wish granted is valued at over $10,000.  All monies raised this year will go toward granting heart-felt wishes for children from Durham region.

Hearts of Durham was established in 2005 as a volunteer group comprised of eight women who choose one local charity each year to raise money and awareness.  It is the vision of Hearts of Durham that by working with and supporting local resources, all of our families will benefit by living, working and playing in a stronger community. -30-

Contact: Siân Gibson, Hearts of Durham, Team Member
Tel: 905-655-9188, Cell: 647-222-9188

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address);  www.heartsofdurham.com