NHL Alumni work together to reach 2012 fundraising goal of $1.6 million

CALGARY, Nov. 3, 2011 /CNW/ - Standing alongside Gordie Howe at a press conference held this morning in Calgary were NHL Alumni Executive Director and Stanley Cup champion Mark Napier and multiple Stanley Cup champion Mike Krushelnyski. All were on hand to announce the return of the Scotiabank Pro-Am to Calgary. Taking place April 13 - 15, 2012, the event will raise funds for the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's supporting the work of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories (ASANT) and Baycrest - a global leader in innovations in aging and brain health headquartered in Toronto - to improve the lives of others affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. With the extreme success of last year's event, organizers announced today that they hope to raise $1.6 million in 2012.

"The amount of money raised in Calgary last year was outstanding and we are so thrilled that the event will be returning for a second season," said ASANT CEO Bill Gaudette. "The Scotiabank Pro-Am event has given Calgarians the opportunity to reach out to their communities and raise awareness and funds for this disease that affects many. We are extremely thankful for its ongoing support."

Napier and Krushelnyski were also greatly moved by the outstanding contributions made in Calgary in 2011. "Calgary had an amazing first year, raising more than $1 million, which makes coming back to the city so exciting. We can't wait to see the success of this year's event as we know Calgary will rise to the challenge of doubling last year's total and raising at least $1.6 million for the Gordie and Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's."

The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's is an innovative fundraiser that offers amateur hockey players the chance to play with and against a host of NHL alumni while raising critical funds for Alzheimer's research and care.  Team's must raise a minimum of $25,000 and, based on total dollars raised, get to draft an NHL alumnus to play on their team.

"As a proud supporter of community hockey programs, it's critically important for us to sponsor the Scotiabank Pro-Am - an event that combines our love of hockey with research and care to assist those affected by Alzheimer's and related illnesses." said George Marlatte, Senior Vice President, Scotiabank Prairie Region. "As Canada's Hockey Bank we know how important it is to preserve great memories.  Working with the NHL Alumni, Baycrest, and the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories we're proud to put our name on this event and help raise funds to help keep memories alive."

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's, which is named in tribute to Gordie and in loving memory of his wife Colleen who passed away from Pick's disease, a form of dementia, in March 2009.  The Howe Fund supports the work of ASANT, and care and research in Alzheimer's and related dementias at Baycrest.

The Scotiabank Pro-Am in Calgary is an extension of the highly-successful Scotiabank Pro-Am Hockey Tournament, which has raised more than $16 million in its six-year history.  The Scotiabank Pro-Am wishes to acknowledge the support of Frank King, Chair of the 1988 Calgary Olympics, who is volunteering his time as Tournament Chair.

About Baycrest
Baycrest is unique in the world in combining: a comprehensive system of care for aging patients; one of the world's top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience; dedicated centres focused on mitigating the impact of age-related illness and impairment; and, unmatched global knowledge exchange and commercialization capacity. For more information about Baycrest, visit www.baycrest.org

About the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's
Gordie & Colleen Howe's contribution to hockey is legendary, earning them the title Mr. and Mrs. Hockey™.  When Colleen lost her battle with dementia in March of 2009, Gordie lost a wife, his children lost a mother and the world of hockey lost a champion.  It was a battle that inspired the Howe family to improve the lives of others affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.  In pursuit of this mission, they have attached their name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's.

About The Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories (ASANT)
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories 'Provides help for today, and Hope for Tomorrow'. The Society provides support services to Albertans impacted by dementia. It also supports some of the world's top researchers, provincially and nationally. We also provide educational and awareness programs about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and the impact these diseases have on individuals, families and our province. Over 40,000 Albertans have dementia; 17% were diagnosed under age 65. Alberta has the highest prevalence of early onset of Alzheimer's in Canada. At this point there is no cure. Until that cure is found, ASANT will work to provide help and support to those impacted by the disease.
Additional information about the Society's programs and services, see www.alzheimer.ab.ca
Call (403) 457-4387; Toll-free 1-866-950-5465

About Scotiabank
As the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™ and the CWHL, Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank.  Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues.  Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game.  Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank's partnership with Pro Hockey Life provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to the Bank's customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies.  Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens®, the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the Ottawa Senators® whose home arena is Scotiabank Place.  For more information on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 5 years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com