Walter’s CNIB Event
Ed O’Leary appears courtesy of the Brantford Expositor
City businessman Dave Loney has been a longtime supporter of the Gretzky family and the many charities to which it contributes.
Loney, owner and president of Anthrafilter Ltd., dug deep into his pockets to show his support Monday night at the Brantford Golf and Country Club to show his support at the auction portion of the annual Walter Gretzky/CNIB Celebrity Golf Classic and Charity Auction.
“I enjoy the Gretzky family and I like to help the less fortunate,” said the 71-year-old Loney.
“I like to support the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and I certainly like the Gretzky tournament.
“My two girls (Kim and Lori) went to school with the Gretzkys.”
Loney bid $1,200 to purchase a Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Edmonton Oilers jersey signed by the Great One.
It was the highest priced item in the auction, which brought in $16,654.
Loney also purchased a Pat Hickey-signed hockey stick, a Walter Gretzky Golf Classic shirt signed by the celebrities at last year’s tournament, a Wayne Gretzky Estates tasting certificate for up to 10 people, a Wayne and Walter Gretzky “Younger Years” print signed by Walter, a 1980 Civic Centre Shootout picture Gretzky, Hickey and goaltender Rick Wamsley that is signed by Hickey, and a signed Wayne Gretzky “Hanging Up Skates” New York Rangers picture.
Loney also purchased several items from the silent auction tables.
“I just got taken up with this but the whole event is terrific,” said Loney, who prefers to stay out of the limelight.
He has purchased sports memorabilia at the Gretzky auction over the years but he’s never bought as many items in one night as he did Monday.
What will he do with his new purchases.
“I told someone that one day they may come back so someone else can enjoy them and we’ll raise more money,” said the soft-spoken Loney.
This year’s money total was down from last year’s exceptional total of $24,625.
However, last year a package to NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October in Charlotte, N. C., were sold during the regular auction along with several NASCAR memorabilia items.
This year, the NASCAR package, which includes a NASCAR garage tour, a tour of Hendrick Motorsports and a CARQUEST gift bag, will be sold through a silent auction at Ohsweken Speedway when it hosts the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, July 28-29.
The golf portion of the event will be played today at the country club.
Ed O’Leary appears courtesy of the Brantford Expositor
Tags: canadian national institute for the blind, cnib, CNIB Golf Classic, dave loney, pat hickey, walter gretzky