Celebrity Dinner Success with Trottier
Former Islanders great treats dinner guests to stories and music
story courtesy of acadiau.ca 15/06/2012 4:17 pm
WOLFVILLE, NS – For the 15th consecutive year, the Axemen Hockey Celebrity Dinner, presented by local barristers Boyne Clarke, drew the attention of the Annapolis Valley sporting fan with this year’s headliner NHL hockey Hall of Famer Brian Trottier.
With over 400 in attendance, Trottier grabbed the attention of a appreciative crowd with his stories of past glory with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins along with a request by emcee and local CTV news anchor Paul Hollingsworth to play a little guitar for those in attendance. Trottier, known for his musical talent, did not disappoint all with a rendition of Johnny Cash’s I walk the Line.
Also on hand for the event was recently NHL draft Boone Jenner, brother of hockey Axeman Leo Jenner. Boone, who was the first draft choice of the Columbus Blue Jackets this year, was interviewed by Hollingsworth and gave insight as member of the Junior Team Canada last season and his outlook on heading to the NHL.
The event, chaired by local radio personality Len Hawley, has raised over $300,000 in its 15 year history and has attracted some of the top hockey personalities including Jean Beliveau, Gordie Howe and Trottier. Support of the Silent Auction alone raised over $14,000 this year plus table sales.
Kevin Dickie, Acadia’s Athletic Director, who started the Celebrity Dinner while head coach of the hockey Axemen 15 years ago, acknowledged how the event has grown and how it is led by numerous community volunteers including Hawley. Dickie pointed out that the event began as a fundraising brainstorming session with several Blue Line Club members including Tom Prescott and Connie MacNeil and grew to the showcase event it is today.
The night was wrapped with comedian Peter Anthony, a graduate of Acadia University, who left a smile on everyone’s faces as he concluded a great fundraising evening.
NOTE: Trottier, who was given the choice to donate a $1000 gift from Boyne Clarke to a charity of his choice, took the opportunity to donate the gift to the local Acadia Minor Hockey Association.
Also a special thank you to the event’s major sponsors including Aqua Valley, Tripcentral, London Life, RBC, Labatts, WestJet and Pepsi.