5/17/2011 9:14:44 PM

May 12, 2011

Musician Peter Appleyard gets seniors jazzed up for the Toronto Challenge presented by MonsterMortgage.ca

Jazz great Peter Appleyard joined Councillor Janet Davis (Ward 31 Beaches-East York), Vice Chair of the City of Toronto's Community Development and Recreation Committee, Vince Gaetano, Vice President of MonsterMortgage.ca, and representatives from the City of Toronto's Long-Term Care and Services division and community agencies to promote the Toronto Challenge presented by MonsterMortgage.ca. The event was held at Bendale Acres.

This year's Toronto Challenge presented by MonsterMortgage.ca will be held at Metro Hall on June 12. The event features a 5km run, 5km walk and 1km walk on a scenic course though the Entertainment District. This annual fundraising event benefits the City's Long-term Care Homes and Services division and more than 50 community agencies that provide services and programs to seniors. Participants can choose which organization to support, with funds raised going towards outings, recreation programs, performances, activities, large print books, garden paths, entertainment equipment and many other amenities that enhance quality of life for Toronto's seniors.

"This is the 20th anniversary of the Toronto Challenge," said Councillor Davis. "For 20 years staff, volunteers and people of all ages have seen supporting the City's Long-term Care and Service's division's most important fundraising event. By participating in a walk or run, volunteering at the event or sponsoring the event, you are providing joy in the lives of our residents. I, along with Mayor Ford, encourage everyone to take the Toronto Challenge on June 12 and let's continue to provide quality care and all the extras that we can manage to the residents of the City's Long Term Care homes."

"I am thrilled to be here today with Mr. Appleyard to promote the Toronto Challenge. MonsterMortgage.ca believes that there is a corporate responsibility to invest in communities and this is why we are here today-to encourage everyone to take the Toronto Challenge and help enhance the lives of seniors in our community. This will be my sixth year attending the event and I can tell you it's lots of fun," said Vince Gaetano, Vice President of MonsterMortgage.ca.

Appleyard entertained the group with motivational stories from his illustrious career and a rendition of "two-finger piano playing". Just prior to his appearance at Bendale Acres, Appleyard was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame. Appleyard was made an Officer in the Order of Canada in 1992 in recognition of his being an internationally renowned vibraphonist who has represented the jazz community across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

The Toronto Challenge presented by MonsterMortgage.ca offers something for everyone with prizes for participants in all age categories. The Nissan Canada Foundation, sponsor of the 5km walk, is supplying an all-electric Nissan LEAF as the pace car for this year's Toronto Challenge.

Registration is available online at http://www.toronto.ca/challenge. Find the Toronto Challenge on Facebook or follow the event on Twitter@tochallenge2011.