A handful of local hockey and football heroes will be on hand next week for the Rotary Club of Coquitlam’s Sports Gala Dinner at the Hard Rock Casino.
Vancouver Canucks legends Kirk McLean and Jyrki Lumme will be in attendance while former BC Lions Angus Reid will emcee the event and current Lions receiver Marco Iannuzzi will work as an auctioneer.
“It is the Rotary of Coquitlam’s 50th anniversary, so we decided we wanted something a little different this year,” said Noella Neale, the chairperson for the dinner and the service director with Rotary. “We are hoping it is going to be an annual thing.”
Proceeds from the charity dinner will go to the Canucks Autism Network and to purchase and install playground equipment at Coquitlam’s Mountain View Park.
The event will also feature Robert Gagno, a 28-year-old pinball champion who has autism and will be demonstrating his skills — he’s even expected to challenge McLean and Lumme to a friendly competition.
“His dad said he’ll even play with one hand behind his back,” she added.
Along with dinner, a silent auction will be held with more than 40 contributions and eight sponsors, while a 50/50 draw will take place at some point in the evening.
• The Sports Gala Dinner takes place on Thursday, March 2 (doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by contacting Noella Neale at 604-805-8001 or [email protected]. There are 50/50 tickets still available.
