TORONTO – JUNE 12, 2012 – On July 5, Sunnybrook Foundation will be cruising in the fast lane as the beneficiary of Toronto’s newest go-kart racing extravaganza, the Bay Street Grand Prix. Spearheaded by philanthropists Andrew and Cathy DeFrancesco, the Bay Street Grand Prix will see some of Canada’s top business executives go head-to-head in the ultimate go-kart race with a goal of raising $500,000 for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Women & Babies Program. “Our son Devlin was born prematurely, but under the expert care of Sunnybrook staff he has grown into a thriving, active boy competing worldwide in the top levels of kart racing with a number of Championships to his credit,” said Andrew DeFrancesco, CEO of Delavaco Capital Inc. and, with Cathy, the visionary behind the event. “Cathy and I are deeply grateful for the treatment Devlin received at Sunnybrook. We hope to turn this into an annual fundraiser at the Honda Indy Toronto so we can continue to support Sunnybrook’s important work.”
Inspired by son Devlin’s early start in life, the DeFrancescos have devoted much of their philanthropy to supporting Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program. Born 15 weeks early and weighing just one pound, Devlin spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now, 12 years and 85 pounds later, Devlin is healthy and preparing himself for a promising career as a race car driver, having won races all over North America including the Pan American and Canadian Championships, and now setting his sights on Europe.
“The work of the physicians and researchers at Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program is vital to so many people,” said Cathy DeFrancesco. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone there and we’re looking to Bay Street’s top executives to help us support a cause that can truly save lives.”
“Andrew and Cathy have been so supportive over the years,” said Dr. Elizabeth Asztalos, director of the Centre for Mother, Infant, and Child Research at Sunnybrook Research Institute. “Their generosity has enabled us to continue with our innovative research and allowed our medical staff to continue to provide life-saving care at the most critical times.” Hosted by Honda Indy Toronto, the Bay Street Grand Prix will be held July 5 on an ASN Canada FIA sanctioned track at Exhibition Place. Torontonians will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to an after-party and concert featuring star performers to be announced shortly. Sponsors of this event include GMP Securities, Canaccord Genuity, Stikeman Elliott LLP, Clarus Securities Inc., Wildeboer Dellelce LLP, Difference Capital, PowerOne Capital Markets Ltd. and Delavaco.
More information on how to register can be found at www.baystreetgrandprix.ca.
About Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program: From fertility, pregnancy and birth to mature women’s health, Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program is a world leader in teaching, patient care and scientific discovery. The Women & Babies Program offers expert, personalized care for women and their families before, during and after pregnancy. Each year they deliver approximately 4,000 babies, one quarter of which are high-risk deliveries and require specialized care for mother and baby. Specializing in high-risk pregnancy and critically ill and premature babies, they deliver one in five babies in Ontario weighing less than three pounds in Ontario. The gynaecology services at Sunnybrook are designed to meet the needs of women through all stages of life, including pregnancy, menopause and beyond. Our gynaecologists specialize in compassionate care for a range of reproductive health and pelvic problems.
About the Honda Indy Toronto: The Honda Indy Toronto takes place July 6 to 8, 2012 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 26 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a festival of live entertainment and interactive activities. For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com.
From Jeri Brown, Media Profile
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