Views (October 01, 2005)

Without the support and input of dozens of dedicated industry volunteers earlier this year, the Fellows of the CIP Society’s 11th Annual Charity Gala could not have exceeded its goal to become the event ‘where wishes and dreams can come true.’ All proceeds from this dreamy event were donated to the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, which serves the needs of seriously ill children and teens. The pinnacle of the evening was the moment that Paul Durigon, representing the Foundation, was presented with a $150,000 cheque by Gala Chair and hostess for the evening, Camille Alexander. The unabashed generosity of every single individual involved in the evening facilitated this truly impressive cheque presentation. With an additional $40,000 pledged in ‘wishes’ during the evening, a grand total of $190,000 was raised.

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The Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) started as strong and stayed that way, crossing the finish line as clear winners at the 2nd Annual Night at the Races hosted by Fred DeFrancesco of Fairview Insurance Brokers and Bill Blakeney of Blakeney Henneberry & Murphy. With over 340 in attendance, the evening of fine dining and thoroughbred racing, which included live music and special entertainment, raised $30,000 for WICC, topping the $17,000-raised last year.

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Unofficially hosted by Bill Blakeney of law firm Blakeney Henneberry Murphy, the insurance industries own 3rd Annual Invitational Shark Hunt was held in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia the week of August 15th. The participants in the pictures include Fred DeFrancesco (Fairview Insurance Brokers), Max Brugger (Miller & Associates), Peter Brugger (King-Reed Investigations), Robin Udhwan (Hartford US), Steve Lewicki (Royal & SunAlliance) and Jim Cameron (Cameron & Associates). DeFrancesco was the winner… and the sharks were released immediately.

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Partner Re recently held its client appreciation event at the Bridgestone Racing Academy located just outside of Toronto in the Mosport’s Driver Development Facility. Packed with hours of twists and turns plus driver training, Partner Re fine-tuned its client appreciation day by treating them to a test drive of some awesome Reynard Formula 2000 open wheel cars. And at the finish line – a truly unique and exhilarating seat-of-the-pants experience for all who attended.

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The Fellows of the CIP Society, Toronto, recently hosted its annual golf tournament at Diamond Back Golf Club in Richmond Hill, ON. The event brought together shooters from across the industry to raise funds for The Arthritis Society. Prestige Tournament Sponsors included Aviva Canada, The Dominion of Canada, Canadian Underwriter magazine / i-hire.ca and The CG&B Group.