Rady JCC “Y” Sports Dinner Will Have A New Name in 2018

May 11, 2017

On Wednesday, May 10, Teemu Selanne returned to Winnipeg, awing more than 1,300 in attendance as the keynote speaker at the 45th Annual Rady JCC Sports “Y” Dinner.

This year’s dinner was unique in a somber way – as it was the first without long-time chair, Ken Kronson, who passed away in February.

“I know that, like me, many of you are thinking about Ken tonight,” Sports Dinner chair, Blair Worb¬†said while addressing the crowd. “Ken‚Äôs passion for community, for making a real difference in people‚Äôs lives, is what drives our committee and the Rady JCC to this day.” ¬†

Today, 45 years since Ken’s vision first became a reality, the Sports Dinner has become one of Winnipeg’s most successful fundraising dinners providing thousands of children, youth, seniors and families from all walks of life with the opportunity to attend summer camp, feel at home in their new country, make friends and lead healthier lives.

A video played at the dinner paid tribute to Ken’s legacy, as seen here:

But the biggest announcement of the night was the unveiling of a new name for the Sports Dinner – effective next year – now known as the Rady JCC Ken Kronson Sports Dinner.

Also announced, in recognition of Ken Kronson‚Äôs 45-plus years of service, the Rady JCC will be establishing the Ken Kronson Memorial Fund as part of its endowment. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s dinner will be directed to this fund.

Selanne is just one of a long list of high-profile athletes that have spoken at the Rady JCC dinner over the years, joining the likes of Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Mark Messier and Joe Montana. The Sports Dinner provides the Rady JCC with the financial support to fund scholarships and programs for members of our community that wouldn’t otherwise have access to these services, including financially disadvantaged families, children, youth and adults.