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Over 1,000 Toronto suits hit the town last Monday to toast RBC president and CEO Gord Nixon for his commitment to Right to Play at their first-ever tribute dinner. Right to Play’s modus operandi is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through sports; the evening was also an opportunity to recognize pro golfers Mike Weir and Ernie Els, Olympic rower Silken Laumann, and hockey hero Steve Yzerman for their athletic achievements. Held at the Westin Harbour Castle, the event attracted the likes of Hello magazine’s new publisher Lisa Tant (previously of Flare magazine) and marketing mama Arlene Dickinson. After performances by musicians Suzie McNeil and Liam Titcomb, guests bid on a set of auction items that included a custom-built kayak and a private training session with Olympic kayaker Adam von Koeverden. Over $1.5-million was raised for the program’s outreach mandate.

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Greg Westlake, Steve Yzerman John Hastings at the first annual Right to Play Tribute dinner honouring RBC President and CEO Gord Nixon. Right to Play’s modus operandi is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through sports; the evening was also an opportunity to recognize pro golfers Mike Weir and Ernie Els, Olympic rower Silken Laumann, and hockey hero Steve Yzerman for their athletic achievements.TOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Silken Laumann and Dave Patchell-Evans.TOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Gordon and Janet NixonTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Liam Titcomb and Suzie McNeilTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Johann Olav Koss with Mike WeirTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Ernie Els with Marayna and Arlene DickensonTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Charles Coffey and Ruby DahllaTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Courtney Gulan,Meghan Rossini and Robyn YoungTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Harry and Evelyn Rose and George CohonTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Elvio DelZotto, Michael DelZotto, NY Rangers and Andrea CallaTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Dennis and Rola BrightTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MA

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Andy and Valerie Pringle with David ShawTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Chris Rudge, Victoria Winter and Curt HarnettTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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Michelle Rigato, Erica Furgiuele, Elisabeth Hass and Byanca DinizTOM SANDLER FOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL

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