Rib and Roll roars

Attendance on both Friday and Saturday exceeded last year. Our the ribbers - Clock n Hen, Jake's, Lousiana's and Turtle Jacks - sold out of ribs by late Saturday evening and the crowd spent copious amounts on alcoholic beverages.

"This has been our biggest and best ribfest so far," said Rib n Roll Chairman Rob van Kessel. "And it couldn't have happened without the support of our sponsors, our organizing commitee and the many volunteers who helped us over the two days. It was a tremendous effort and I deeply appreciate the support we have for this event."

RBC Financial Group surprised everyone with the amount of their contribution at $15,500, which goes directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. They raised the money by encouraging employees at branches to raise pledges and get involved in the roll part of the event.

"They are a first class team, wonderfully motivated and we appreciate their support right across the whole financial group," Rob said.

"The City of Brampton makes a significant contribution to this event, with manpower, park expertise, equipment, signage and it goes on and on. It's difficult to put a dollar value on their contribution but it's significant and we couldn't stage Rib n Roll without it. They have been a partner with us since the beginning when Blade-a-thon was first launched. I personally would like to thank Steve Wilson."

Investor's Group has been a premier sponsor since the first Rib n Roll. "We value the support we get from Investor's but also from Bill Charles, a key member of our organizing team."

The marketing efforts came from the ongoing support of The Brampton Guardian, but also two members - Steve Rhodes and Khaled Iwamura, partners in The Marketing PAD, who's task it was to get the message out.  "And Scott Ching of Meri-Mac has been a tremendous resource to us over the past two years and we appreciate his tireless work."

Rob also thanked Peter Ward for his skillful management of the ribbers, Bill Charles for putting together the entertainment lineup, Steve Robinson, Tony Gale and Frances Laming-Vancer for working on sponsors, Ken Spreen for keeping volunteers at the right station at the right time, President Sheila and John Digby for managing the cash and Brad Goodison for managing beer and alcohol sales.  

"I had tremendous support from my organizing team and as this event grows each year it's critical to our success. These people work long hours and I can't tell them how much I appreciate their efforts. I also appreciate the efforts of all Rotarians who worked during the event."

The final tally on money raised won't be available for a few weeks.

The event is made possible through the contribution of many sponsors. The list includes:

The City of Brampton
RBC Royal Bank and RBC Dominion Securities
Investor's Group
The Marketing PAD
The Brampton Guardian
Cool Beer
McCarney Greenwood
Justine Blainey Wellness Centre
Lawrences
Accurate Accounting Services
CGA Accountant Ashwani Sood
BDO Dunwoody
TD Canada Trust

Frito Lay
Coca Cola

Coldwell Banker Innovators
Canadian Auto Workers
Fleetcom and Lakeshore Communications
Goodison Insurance and Financial Services Ltd.
GMF Transport Ltd.
JWS/Miller Waste
Meri Mac

Rotary Glen Wedding  & Corporate Events
Rutherford Collision Centre
Winsor Interiors

Pictured, the Royal Bank Financial Group contributes $15,500 to the Canadian Cancer Society and wins the Canadian Cancer Society/Rib n Roll Challenge Cup for raising the most pledges in the roll portion of the event. Congratulations!