The world’s Number One hockey dad Walter Gretzky is getting ready once again to play host to one of the season’s premier events.  The Honorary Chair of the CNIB Celebrity Golf Classic & Memorabilia Auction will welcome hundreds to Brantford’s prestigious Golf & Country Club for the two-day event that bears his name.

This year the event begins on the Monday evening July 13th with a memorabilia auction that is sure to please everyone, from the serious collector to the interested hobbyist.  Auction items include autographed photos, personal effects, and numerous objects of interest from celebrities in every walk of fame.   The entertainment industry, sports figures, and other dignitaries will all be represented and have artefacts from which to choose.  Preview will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the auction getting underway at 7:00.  Previous year’s items have included, but are certainly not limited to signed NHL jerseys and sticks, autographed movie scripts, celebrity signed photos, and nostalgic collectibles. All are welcome, and admission is free.  There will also be a silent auction providing participants with an opportunity to capitalize on some great gift items and celebrity memorabilia at bargain prices as well.

To date this event, including both the auction and golf tournament, have raised in excess of $1,000,000 for the CNIB. The money raised is used to provide programs and services for the visually impaired, enabling them to live a more independent and improved quality lifestyle. It also provides for scholarships awarded to visually impaired students in their first year of post-graduate studies.  Walter proudly states that, “Without this program, many of these students would not be able to pursue an education, or to realize a rewarding career in their chosen field.” Yet, what he remains most proud of is the participation of so many individuals who generously give of themselves to make this event the success that it is.  He adds, “It means so much to me, and even more to them… you have no idea… Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”

This year promises to be every bit as eventful as previous years as we hope to significantly add to our already impressive total contribution to the CNIB.  The merchandise is arriving daily, being catalogued, and prepared for auction.  Everyone involved is hard at work in preparation.

Once again this year, the auction will take place July 13th, with a scramble format golf tournament the following day Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at the Brantford Golf & Country Club on Ava Road, Brantford, Ontario.  For more information contact Sue Bartlett at 519.753.3486.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic

The Gretzky name obviously means a lot to the residents of Brantford, Ontario –  the small, blue-collar town located near Toronto, Ontario. But it’s more than the hockey accomplishments of its native son Wayne that has made the name famous.

Walter Gretzky is affectionately referred to as Canada’s hockey dad and his commitment to charity is well known across his homeland. Though his support for foundations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind has wide-ranging impacts, his care for causes right in his hometown is just as strong.

“Walter is an absolute treasure for the City of Brantford,” said Pat Shewchuk, Tournament Capital of Ontario Coordinator for Brantford Parks and Recreation. “I’ve been lucky enough to have known Walter for several years and worked with him on a variety of events. We are purely blessed to have a gentleman of his caliber in our city. He is, in my opinion, our hometown hero without a doubt.”

Among the many Brantford-area charitable events he supports is the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament, set for June 5-9 at the Ball Hockey International venue in Brantford. Now in its third year, the event aims to raise funds for the Brantford Sports Facilities Infrastructure Legacy Fund, which replaces and refurbishes aging youth and adult sports facilities and infrastructure in the area.

“When we decided that we wanted to hold a special event, we knew we would go to Walter and ask him if we could use his name,” Shewchuk said. “He was intrigued by the idea and, of course, always supports our community, so he said absolutely and Wally’s been on board since day one. The first year of the tournament he was there every single day, signing autographs and taking pictures. He’s a tireless person and so generous with his time and the commitments we ask of him. He is such a giving individual, for sure.”

Between the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament and a Brantford day at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game – in addition to support from local sponsors, such as SC Johnson – more than $40,000 has been raised for the Legacy Fund. With the growth of the Street Hockey Tournament, that number is expected to increase. The tournament, which features both youth and adult categories, has drawn participants from as far away as Sarnia and all throughout Southern Ontario.

Organizers anticipate a bit of extra attention at this year’s event, thanks in part to participation from Hollywood producer, director, screenwriter, actor and comic book writer Kevin Smith. The man behind pop films such as Clerks and Chasing Amy and known for his role as “Silent Bob” has entered a team of celebrities in the tournament, including the counterpart to Silent Bob, Jay (Jason Mewes).

“It’s increased the visibility of the tournament,” Shewchuk said. “Our goal has always been – my vision personally and others on our committee – that the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament can be a signature event for the City of Brantford. I believe down the road people from all over will come to this. I think this year is a kick start, to where if people are only coming to see Kevin, but then they see everything else that’s going on in the tournament and say ‘This was such a good event I think I’m going to register a team next year.’”

In addition to the more than 70 teams competing, the event features an exhibition from the Hockey Hall of Fame, performances by Guinness Book of World Records stilt walker Doug Hunt, music provided by Brantford-area bands, a Guitar Hero contest and a mini rink for the youngest in attendance. A Silent Auction is also planned, featuring signed memorabilia from Wayne and Kevin, along with a variety of other items donated by local businesses.

Click here to learn more about this year’s tournament.

Article by Don Schwartz, WG Authentic

Kevin Smith an internationally known film producer, director and actor is playing in the 3rd annual Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament.

Kevin Smith, a film producer, director, screenwriter, actor and comic book writer from Los Angeles who is well known for his role as “Silent Bob” has entered a team of celebrities in the tournament, including the counterpart to his Silent Bob role, Jay (Jason Mewes).

The roster for Kevin’s team includes Smith in goal, actors Jason Mewes, Bryan Johnson and Jim Jackman; producer Scott Mosier; filmmakers Jon Gordon and Malcolm Ingram; comic book artist Walt Flanagan; View Askew web designer Ming Chen and Smith’s wife Jennifer Schwalbach.

The Hockey Hall of Fame will be at the park on Saturday from 9 am to 6pm showcasing artifacts from the HHOF; live entertainment from local bands include The Grumpies from 11:30 am to 3pm on Saturday and The Golden Ticket from 3:30 pm to 5pm on Saturday.

Doug Hunt will be performing stilt walking activities from 10 am to 12pm on Saturday; a Guitar Hero mini competition will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and competitions will be taking place throughout the weekend at the  BHI mini hockey rink located beside the BHI main building.

The Knights of Columbus are operating a hospitality area and a variety of food and merchandise vendors will also be in the park during the tournament.

There will be a Silent Auction taking place on Friday and Saturday with signed memorabilia from Wayne Gretzky and Kevin Smith along with a variety of other items donated by local businesses.

The official Opening Ceremonies will take place at the BHI rink on Saturday at 1pm when Walter Gretzky welcomes special guest Kevin Smith to Brantford.  Local dignitaries and Brantford’s official Town Crier David McKee will be on hand to welcome over 70 teams from Canada and the US.

An Exhibition game will take place at the Civic Centre on Sunday at 1pm when Kevin Smith and his team of celebrities compete against Dean Blundell a Toronto radio personality from 102.1 The Edge, with a group of local teens.  Tickets are available at the door at a cost of $5.00 ea.

All proceeds raised from this year’s tournament will benefit Brantford’s Sports Facilities Infrastructure Legacy Fund.

Walter Gretzky and the Tournament Capital of Ontario Board are grateful for the generous donation and support that has been received from SC Johnson and their team of volunteers.

Join us for a weekend of FUN and sports starting Friday June 5 at 5pm until Sunday June 7 at 5pm and meet Kevin Smith and Brantford’s hometown hero Walter Gretzky.

For more information contact;
Pat Shewchuk
519-756-1500 x 5506
pshewchuk@brantford.ca