2019 Gala Honours Denise Bebenek, Founder, Meagan`s Walk
 
About Our Honouree
 
Rotary Toronto West hosts the Rotary Youth Impact Awards in January each year to recognize and honour people in the community who have contributed significantly to the support and development of youth. At the 20th awards ceremony to be held on January 25, 2019, we will be privileged to give the Lifetime Achievement Award to Denise Bebenek, founder of Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope.
 
The story of Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope begins with the tragic death of Denise's daughter at the age of 5 from a form of brain cancer. In the aftermath, Denise and the community that had been a comfort to Meagan and her family established the Walk as a means of promoting public awareness of brain tumors in children and youth, and supporting those affected by these illnesses. The annual Walk and Hug, Gala, school programs and community events raise funds for research in pursuit of advanced treatments and, one day, a cure.
 
After more than 15 years, Denise remains the driving force behind Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope.  The organization has raised more than $5 million in funding for pediatric brain tumor research.  In addition to her work on fundraising, Denise has also been a school teacher and has worked with troubled youth and children.
 
The 5-kilometer Walk and Hug event occurs on Mother's Day annually.  Thousands of people participate in the Walk, with others providing encouragement from the sidelines of the route.  At this year's event, Toronto Mayor John Tory, who also participated, proclaimed May 12  Toronto's “Pediatric Brain Tumour Day.”
 
The school program encourages students to find Meagan's spirit within them while giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn the importance of hope and compassion within a community.
 
For more about Denise and Meagan's Walk, please visit meaganswalk.com
 
About the Evening
 
In addition to a dinner with wine at Toronto's prestigious Old Mill Inn, the evening features a silent auction of $50,000 worth of products, tickets and gift certificates as well as the Awards Ceremony recognizing some of our community's highest achieving individuals and organizations for their service to Ignite Potential in Youth.
 

Schedule of the evening:

5:30   PM Reception & Cash bar. Silent auction opens and continues through the evening.

7:00   PM Dinner service commences.

7:30   PM Awards ceremony commences.

9:00   PM Live auction commences. Silent auction closes.

9:30   PM Pay for and collect auction purchases.

10:00 PM End of the event.

Follow this link for pictures of past Awards Ceremonies.

 
Award Nominations
 
The mission of the Rotary Club of Toronto West is to ignite potential in youth through direct involvement in projects and financial support of indivuals and/or organizations whose activities align with this goal.  Denise Bebenek clearly embodies the spirit of our mission. 
 

Rotary Toronto West is proud to recognize Denise Bebenek with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award and by supporting her chosen charity with proceeds from the 2019 Rotary Youth Impact Awards Gala.

If you know of a person or organization you think should be recognized for their contributions to developing potential in young people, you can use this form to submit a nomination:

Rotary Youth Impact Awards 2019 Nomination Form

See the details below to purchase tickets to the event or make a donation in support of this great cause.

 
Ticket Information
 
Tickets for the 2019 Rotary Youth Impact Awards Gala are $150 per person.

 

Buy your tickets online and gather at the Old Mill Inn, 21 Old Mill Rd, Etobicoke, on January 25, 2019, to enjoy a wonderful evening in support of a great cause.

 
 
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