One4One – Teaming Up for a Great Cause

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Four teams and 80 players come together for MLSE Fundraiser Event
 
Four of Toronto’s professional sports franchises were all in action last night but instead of plying their trade on a rink, court or pitch, the athletes came together for a fundraiser event at Real Sports Bar & Grill in support of a charitable cause.
 
Entire rosters of Toronto FC, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Raptors all came together for the first time in MLSE’s inaugural One4One event to raise money for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Team Up Foundation. This event marked the first time in North America that NHL, NBA, MLS & AHL teams came together on one night.
 
A red carpet was rolled out for fans and were greeted by captains of each team – Alex Foster of the Marlies, Dwayne De Rosario of TFC, Jose Calderon of the Raptors and Dion Phaneuf of the Maple Leafs. Once inside guests were able to enjoy cocktails and food at various stations including the opportunity to be served by the athletes themselves. Players from all teams took the time to pose for pictures, sign autographs, talk and even play video games with their fans.
 
The Team Up Foundation is a charitable arm of MLSE that was created in December 2009 to invest in recreational refurbishments as well fund sustainable programs that will provide youth of all abilities the access to sport and recreational opportunities. Over the past four years, the Foundation has invested and contributed to 25 city-owned facility refurbishments including hockey rinks, basketball courts and soccer pitches.
 
“Our goal with the One4One Event is to celebrate the important work of the MLSE Team Up Foundation through a unique fan experience,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, MLSE prior to the event.
 
“This city has never seen so many of its professional athletes come together for a meaningful cause. We hope that this is just the first of many events of its kind for our Foundation.”
 
More than 600 fans were expected to attend the event and paid $275 for the chance to mingle with MLSE athletes, coaches and management and to bid on unique silent auction items, including a trip to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, Alumni dinners and autographed game-worn gear.
 
MLSE raised close to $200,000 at the event and all the funds will continue to be invested in the revitalization of communities through sports and recreation.
 
“The MLSE Team Up Foundation has an ambitious mandate and each year, through rink, court and pitch builds and refurbishments, we strive to make as great an impact in the community as possible,” said MLSE Team Up Foundation Chair, Bruce Kidd.
 
“These community building efforts have costs associated with them and hopefully the funds raised will allow us to make an even greater impact next year.”
 
Not only were fans able to get up, close and personal with some of their favourite professional Toronto athletes, they can also take comfort that the proceeds will go towards a great cause and continue to help young athletes for generations to come.
 
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Contact Aman Dhanoa at aman@oyetimes.com   

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