The 20th anniversary edition of the Cummings Centre Foundation's Sports Celebrity Breakfast was another sold-out, record-breaking event as over $415,000 was raised to benefit the many senior programs offered by the Centre. Co-chairs Mike Waagen and Bram Nimer, along with the committee and dedicated volunteers, put on a very enjoyable morning for attendees. This year they were joined by Richard Pound as the event's Honorary Chair.
Brothers Rob and Paul Cutler of Delmar International will be honored for their philanthropic contributions to the foundation and event over the years. Tony Marinaro is the 2024 Larry Fredericks Media Award recipient.
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Jordan Harris was named Sports Personality of the Year and is the only mixed race Jewish player in the NHL and a member of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition. “I always think of it as an honour,” Jordan Harris said of the honour. “I mean, it's not so much the recognition, it's just being here and supporting the foundation and its causes, especially with what's going on in the world right now, that's a big thing and I think hockey is a great outlet to be able to express that and use my platform for the greater good of society at large.”
Hammers ambassador Chris Nilan was on hand to receive the Canadiens Legends Award. “I've been here many times,” said Chris Nilan. “It's a great cause and a great opportunity to see some people I knew back in the '80s. Obviously a lot of people are big Canadiens fans. It's a great event and I'm very happy to receive it.”
Georges Laraque, a 13-year NHL veteran with various teams, including the Canadiens, was presented with the Humanitarian Award in recognition of his contributions to community service. “I've always been really grateful for the opportunity (to give back),” said Georges Laraque. “When you get a platform and you do it, what you have to do is be a role model for the younger kids in the community who might one day be at the same level as me. It was also really important for them to get a chance to see me outside of hockey because on the ice, it's a battle on the ice. And more importantly, realize that off the ice, we are entertainers. For me, what you do with that platform is the most important thing. That's why the work I've done over the years to support different causes, causes that help people, is what I'm most proud of. That's the real world, that's what we need. And we need to set an example for others.”
