So, last night he fielded a team of sports all-stars that simply couldn't lose.
Montreal Canadiens hockey great Jean Beliveau and Toronto Maple Leafs legend Frank Mahovlich were the superstars in a line-up that also included an Academy Award winning actor, a red-hot wrestler and a former Canadian Football League star quarterback at the the sixth annual Teresa Group charity fundraiser. The swanky affair, a guaranteed sell-out ever year, is arranged by Canada's toy company executives to raise money for children and families affected by HIV and AIDS.
Tomorrow is World Aids Day.
Cameron started the fundraiser his daughter was tested for HIV after a series of medical procedures. She tested negative, but the turn of events inspired her father to take up the fight. Last year's event generated $300,000 for the Teresa Group, a Canadian charity serving children affected by HIV and AIDS and their families.
In addition to Mahovlich and Beliveau, last night's star-studded line-up of celebrities included Champ Car Driver Ashley Taws, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star CM Punk, former Toronto Argonaut pivot Matt Dunigan, Academy Award winning actor Jon Voight and comedian Gerry Dee.
One of hockey's greatest ambassadors, the distinguished-looking Beliveau sahred his insights with the gathering as he auctioned off his famous No. 4 jersey for $2,500. He said it was the same jersey he wore when his team won 10 Stanley Cups.
“In hockey, just like life it is important to be surrounded by right people,” he said.
Beliveau told hockey fans in the crowd he never regretted his decision not to become an instant millionaire by joining the World Hockey Association in 1972, even after he was offered a contract higher than any in his 18 years in the National Hockey League.
“I was 40 years old at that time and I knew it wouldn't be fair for the team or the fans,” he said.
Mahovlich — The Big M — told fans he took about 2,000 stitches in his head over 21 years. He also shared his frustrations about the arena of politics.
“Being a senator is not like playing hockey,” Mahovlich said with a grin. “ In hockey, if you didn't like somebody, you could always wring his neck on the ice, whereas in the Senate, you sit up in your seat and wish you could wring his neck.”
Up for auction last night were an array of items including original autographed sweaters worn by Mahovlich and Beliveau during their many Stanley Cup wins, a guitar signed by members of rock group Pink Floyd, a light sabre signed by George Lucas, tickets to a Hannah Montana concert and a puck autographed by Philadelphia Flyers legend Bobby Clarke.
CM Punk revealed to his fans that 'CM' stands for Cookie Master, a nickname that dates back to childhood, courtesy of his mother.
“I was a fat little kid very fond of cookies so my mother called me Cookie Master,” he told the crowd.
