Markham
October 03, 2007 11:37 PM
By: Chris Traber
Humbled, but honoured.
That’s how Allan Bell described being named recipient of the 2007 Anthony Roman Award.
Add embarrassed.
“A bit,” said the raconteur, restaurateur, entrepreneur and fundraiser extraordinaire. “And amazed. With all the things I’ve done to help raise money, I’ve always had a committed team of volunteers. I’m just the cheerleader.”
Mr. Bell, event co-ordinator for Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, will receive official town and Markham Board of Trade recognition for his community contributions Oct. 18 at the Markham Hilton Suites hotel.
Over the past five years, he and his Celebration of Hope committee have raised more than $1.3 million toward the fight against breast cancer. The luncheon campaign is one of most successful events of its kind in Canada.
It is partially a personal mission for Mr. Bell. Cancer took his sister, Lesley, in 2002. His father was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and died in 2001.
Formerly owner of the Pine Apple Inn in Unionville, he was also a radio regular on The Erin Davis Show, where his opinions on restaurants, movies and entertainment were a popular segment.
A mainstay on Rogers Television too, Mr. Bell now raises funds for health care full time for the hospital.
But he has been raising money as a volunteer for more than 20 years. Some milestones include:
• Hosted a Livingwater Restaurant event in 1988 to raise funds for the Terry Fox campaign;
• Co-ordinated his first fashion show at the inn a few years later, supporting The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation with $9,000;
• Created the Ladies Golf Tournament and Luncheon with Grandma’s Treasures, raising more than $50,000 for the York Region branch of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation;
• Worked with the capital campaign committee for the Varley art gallery, co-ordinating 31 events to help raise $1.2 million;
• Chaired the Fore the Cure golf tournament, helping raise more than $500,000 for the the York Region branch of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and;
• Active in the Culinary Classic Golf Tournament, raising funds for the Breast Health Centre at Markham Stouffville Hospital and also George Brown Culinary College. In the past two years he, as co-chairperson, has helped raise more than $30,000.
“We are thrilled Allan has been honoured with this award for the many things he has done and we are delighted to have him on our team to direct his passion toward health care,” the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation said in a media release.
The Anthony Roman Award is presented to individuals whose business achievements and commitment to the community have made an important contribution to Markham, board spokesperson Mary Ann Quagliara said.
Previous recipients include Evan McDonald of Village Grocer, Eric Tappenden of Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, Karen Chadwick of the Queen’s Pantry, Kevin Thistle of Angus Glen Golf Club and Jim Mitchell of Steelcase Canada Ltd.
For Markham Board of Trade Celebration of Business Excellence gala information, call 905-474-0730.