2.1K 
As the city’s skyline reaches new heights, so does the commitment of Toronto’s real estate industry to a pivotal cause. This Thursday, November 9, the Hold’Em for Life Charity Challenge is set to unfold at Fairmont Royal York, as a beacon of the industry’s unwavering dedication to cancer research. This year, the expectations for this night of friendly competition are high, as the event is on track to surpass its own fundraising records.
In its 17th year, Hold’Em for Life has become a cornerstone of philanthropy within the real estate sector, bringing together over 600 industry leaders for a night of gambling for a good cause. The event’s legacy is as impressive as the buildings these professionals construct, having raised over $47 million since its inception in 2006. Bob Blazevski, President and COO of DiamondCorp and co-chair on the event's board, spoke with UrbanToronto and reflects on this legacy with pride, “It just goes to show you the level of commitment to the cause, and how generous our industry can be.”
The event is poised to significantly exceed last year's record, with a grand total of $3.2 million anticipated by the end of the night. “We broke the record last year in terms of fundraising, and we will exceed that again this year,” Blazevski shares, signalling a record-breaking trajectory that mirrors the growth of the city itself.
The fundraiser is a catalyst for change. With over 85% of proceeds going directly to fund cancer research and initiatives, the impact is tangible. Blazevski notes the significant advancements made possible by the event: "Since 2019, more than 139 Fellowship awards have been awarded, giving approximately $10 million to keep the brightest minds staying in Toronto and focusing on cancer research in our city.” These contributions have led to over 50 published scientific research papers and presentations, a beacon of hope for countless lives touched by cancer.
The Hold’Em for Life Charity Challenge stands as a unique platform where industry titans like Andrew Hoffman, CEO of CentreCourt, and Tony Reale, Head of Canadian Property Brokerage & Real Estate Advisory at BMO, come together not in competition, but in solidarity. This unity is echoed by Blazevski’s gratitude, expressing thanks "to the industry at large for stepping up year after year, and really being extremely generous in supporting this very important cause.”
As the torch of leadership passes, with Blazevski stepping down and colleagues Adrian Rocca, CEO of Fitzrovia, and Gavin Cheung, President of CentreCourt, stepping up to co-chair, there is a sense of continuity and enduring commitment. “My two colleagues and friends are set to continue this legacy, with the hope of setting new records in the years to come," says Blazevski, underscoring the sustainable nature of this philanthropic endeavour.
The beneficiaries of this year’s event, including SickKids, Sinai Health System, and Women's College Hospital, are among the city’s most esteemed institutions, poised to further their life-saving work with the funds raised. As the Hold’Em for Life Charity Challenge approaches this Thursday, the real estate industry's efforts extend beyond building structures; they're also strengthening the very fabric of our community.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
