(Pictured above: Outgoing Champions Director of Fundraising Jill Bennett accepts the Champions Diamond Award at the recent 3rd Annual Champions for Kids Foundation Golf Tournament.)
(Brockville) – Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Champions for Kids Foundation outgoing Director of Fundraising Jill Bennett was recently awarded the first-ever Champions for Kids Diamond Award for her work in helping raise more than $250,000 for kids in need.
Bennett was honoured with the award July 7 at the 3rd Annual Champions for Kids Foundation Golf Tournament, held at the Nation Golf Course in Curran. Bennett is one of the founding members of the Champions board of directors. The charity has worked since January 2008 to raise money for families in need in eastern Ontario.
The foundation discreetly provides funds to low-income parents so they can meet their children’s medical and dental needs, as well as give them an opportunity to participate in sports, the arts and other fun activities outside of school.
“I feel honoured but I don’t feel like it’s about me,” Bennett said in a recent interview. “This is a team award and it’s for everyone who has helped out. I’ve been very fortunate to have great people working with me who offer new ideas.”
Since its inception, the foundation has received amazing support from community members and organizations. She noted Eamer’s Corners Public School staff members Karen Murray and Leesa Jarvo who came up with the idea to host the recent Celebration of the Arts in Cornwall which raised $13,000 for the foundation.
Bennett recalled a number of proud moments as the director of fundraising, including
the creation of an In Memorium program in honour of her father Roger Brophy, as well as the opportunity she had to take one of her students to a Senators hockey game.
“Part of my philosophy in education is to ensure all children succeed, not only in school but in life” she said. “I will do whatever I can to help kids succeed.”
Bennett recently announced her resignation from the Upper Canada District School Board and the foundation. The former principal at Vanier Public School has accepted a new position this fall as a principal in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Until then, her plans include assisting incoming Director of Fundraising Jackie Lord, with the transition, as well as chairing the Champions biannual Masquerade Ball entitled “Dreams in Disguise,” which will take place at The Baldachin Inn in Merrickville on September 25.
“I will continue to support the foundation no matter where my future takes me because I believe in what it does for kids,” Bennett said. “The foundation is my heart. This has definitely been a life-changing experience for me.”
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For more information please call:
Jill Bennett
Director of Fundraising
Champions for Kids Foundation
613-340-3560