In the Media

From SNAP Brampton:

Adam, Chris, Lindsay & Rohan

The 2nd Annual Drew Hildebrand Charity Golf Classic was held on August 26, 2010 at Lionhead Golf & Country Club. The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in memory of Drew, an unfortunate victim of teen violence who died on April 8, 2008 at the age of 16. The Shotgun tournament format had all golfers on the course to begin at the same time – with everyone enjoying a beautiful afternoon with great prizes available to participants in a variety of ways, as well as a delicious dinner and a silent auction.

Drew touched many people’s lives and continues to be a positive influence with all. All money raised at the tournament was earmarked to support Drew’s “It takes courage to change” Scholarship fund, for post secondary education for Turnaround Teens in Peel, Halton and GTA.

Full story and more photos

From SNAP Oakville:

Drew's family Cindy, Catherine, Warren & Crystal

The Drew Hildebrand 2nd annual Charity Golf Classic was recently held at Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton. The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in memory of Drew, who died on April 8th, 2008 as a victim of teen violence at the age of 16. The Fund recognizes and rewards positive change through individual scholarships for post secondary education and or training programs. Scholarships are awarded to graduating teens who have demonstrated a turnaround initiative. While a scholarship will be awarded at Drew’s high school, Thomas A Blakelock High School in Oakville, the fund’s goal is to expand to more high schools in the Halton, Peel and GTA areas so that as many turnaround teens as possible can pursue a better life.

Full story and more photos

For immediate release

Mississauga, ON (August 10, 2010) —: The 2nd Annual Drew Hildebrand Charity Golf Classic will take place Thursday, August 26, 2010 at the Lionhead Golf & Country Club, Masters Course, in Brampton.

The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was created in memory of Drew Hildebrand, who died in 2008 at the age of 16, a victim of teen violence. The Fund  rewards turnaround teens with scholarships to the postsecondary institution of their choice, and raises awareness and concern in our communities to help stop teen-on-teen violence.

At the charity’s June 2010 Walk/Run, 5 very deserving participants from the Peel and Halton regions received Drew Hildebrand “It takes courage to change” scholarships of up to $5,000 to the postsecondary school of their choice.  The Fund hopes to expand the number of scholarships available to at-risk teens.

Money raised from this year’s tournament will go to the scholarship fund.  “It’s very important to us to reward turnaround teens,” said Jay Hildebrand, Drew’s father.   “Drew himself was a turnaround teen, receiving recognition from his high school Thomas A Blakelock for his initiative. Unfortunately, tragedy struck before he could reach his full potential.  We draw strength from our scholarship teens, and in Drew’s memory we are helping them to pursue a better life,” said Hildebrand.

“The turnaround stories that our scholarship winners submitted were heartfelt and showed incredible courage as they each overcame difficult hurdles and adversity.  The teens mentioned how motivating they found it to know that an organization like the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was available to them and supporting their quest for a better future,” said Crystal Simmons, Drew’s mother.

The Hildebrand and Simmons families would like to encourage others in our communities to help support Drew’s scholarship fund by attending or contributing to this event. “We are looking for support from the citizens of Peel and Halton regions to donate prizes, send a team of four to play golf, or sponsor a hole,” said Hildebrand.

The $195 registration includes green fees at the Lionhead Master’s course, golf cart, golfer’s gift bag, Prime Rib Dinner, complimentary wine, and silent auction. The very entertaining Ryan Parker, Q107 morning show, will co-MC the dinner and awards,  The four man scramble will begin with a shot gun start at 1:30, followed by dinner at 7:00.  Those who register before August 15 receive a free passport ($20 value) for all contests during the day.

To register on line for the tournament, go to www.dhtbf.com.  To sponsor a hole. make a donation, or contribute prizes for raffles and silent auction, contact Cathy Harris at c.harris@rogers.com.

About the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund

The mission of the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund is to support teens who are navigating the many pressures and dangers of violence, drugs, alcohol, among others. Through scholarship and support programs, and by raising awareness and concern among teens and within our communities, more teens will have a safer and better journey to adulthood.  For more information www.drewhildebrandtbf.com.

For more information:

Jay Hildebrand, Crystal Simmons, Kim Evershed

Founders
T: 905-814-1306 E:  dhtbf@rogers.com

Charitable Registration #852039866RR0001

From Snap Oakville:

The 2nd Annual Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fundraiser 5km Walk was a huge success at Coronation Park. This day-long event included a barbecue, raffle and silent auction tables, community sponsor tents, a live graffiti demonstration and a concert. Drew was killed tragically in 2008, a victim of teen on teen violence and the highlight of the event was the tribute to Drew and other teen violence victims and the presentation of the Drew Hildebrand “It Takes Courage to Change” Teen Benefit Fund Awards & Scholarships that enable six very deserving turn-around teens to pursue the post secondary education of their choice in September 2010. “The goal is to encourage at-risk teens to walk the walk and take the initiative to find the path to a better life!”

Oakville Beaver editorial Jun 09, 2010 – 1:23 PM

Today’s Oakville Beaver features three articles about three local teens, Sara Carlin, Drew Hildebrand and Matt McGregor who, sadly, left this world all too soon.

Sara Carlin, who was suffering from depression, took her own life in her parents’ Oakville home in May 2007.

Drew Hildebrand died as a result of senseless teen violence in April 2008.

Matt McGregor was killed in a car collision last March.

We cannot imagine the heartbreak and loss their families and friends must feel.

However, we salute all three families for turning such heartbreaking tragedies into positive endeavours.

McGregor’s parents, Sharon and William, will honour the memory of their son by jumping out of a plane with a parachute on June 19. The jump has grown into an event involving 30 people, who will raise funds for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Hildebrand’s parents have honoured their son’s memory by establishing the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund to help turnaround teens achieve their goals. Last Saturday, more than 300 participants helped raise funds for this charity in the second annual Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund 5 km Walk/Run. The event saw five scholarships given to five turnaround teens to help them pursue their post-secondary education.

While the Carlins have not established a charity to in their daughter’s memory, they are still honouring her by ensuring she didn’t die in vain.

Against all odds, the Carlins have petitioned for a Coroner’s inquest into their daughter’s suicide in May 2007. The Carlins allege the prescription anti-depressant drug Paxil played a role in their daughter’s death.

The inquest began Monday and is expected to last three weeks. For the Carlins, it will be a grueling three weeks in which their daughter’s last days will be placed under a microscope and revealed to all.

The presiding Coroner Dr. Bert Lauwers has stated the inquest is not about finding blame for Sara’s death, but rather preventing similar deaths in the future.

If the inquest saves even one life through the jury’s recommendations or the publicity it generates, then the Carlins will have made a lasting tribute to their daughter.

For immediate release

Oakville, ON (May 14, 2010) —The 2nd Annual Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund  5km Walk the Walk/Run takes place Saturday, June  5th at Coronation Park in Oakville.

“Our goal is to encourage at-risk teens to walk the walk and take the initiative to find the path to a better life,” said Jay Hildebrand, whose son Drew was killed tragically in 2008, a victim of teen on teen violence.  A fund was set up in Drew’s name in early 2009; the aforementioned Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund.

After two successful 2009 fundraising events, the charity will award its first Drew Hildebrand “It Takes Courage to Change” scholarships to 6 very deserving turnaround teens from 6 different Peel and Halton schools, so they can pursue the post secondary education of their choice in September 2010.  “The turnaround stories these teens submitted were heartfelt and showed incredible courage as they each overcame difficult
hurdles and adversity.  The teens mentioned how motivating they found it to know that an organization like the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was available to them and
supporting their quest for a better future,” said Hildebrand.

“We want to celebrate and support turnaround teens in our communities.” said Crystal Simmons, Drew’s Mom.  “The steps we take together can help encourage some at-risk teens to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk and turn their backs on risky behaviour.”

There has been an increase of over 30% in youth/teen violence in Canada since 1991, much of it due to a rise in assaults, according to information from Canadian police forces. Therefore, the work of this charity becomes even more timely and necessary.

Registration for the day-long 5km Walk the Walk/Run begins at 10 am while the run and walk begin at 11:50 am and noon respectively.  A barbeque lunch and a live graffiti demonstration featuring urban artists Jessey Pacho and Kedre Browne will start at 1 pm, while the 5km Run awards will be handed out at 1:30 pm.  The free live Concert will sound at 2 pm, featuring the talents of MC-Tabby Johnston, Foxes in Fiction, Harshmellows, BF Soul, Wrench and Jordon John and Prakash John. The scholarships and fundraising awards will be handed out during the music performances.  There will also be a tribute area to Drew and other teen violence victims, and a community outreach area.  The live music will end by 5:30 pm, bringing an end to this exciting day.

All proceeds from this 5km Walk the Walk/Run will go toward this charity’s work.

About the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund

The mission of the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund is to support teens who are navigating the many pressures and dangers of violence, drugs, alcohol, among others. Through scholarship and support programs, and by raising awareness and concern among teens and within our communities, more teens will have a safer and better journey to adulthood.  For more information www.drewhildebrandtbf.com.

Jay Hildebrand, Crystal Simmons, Kim Evershed

Founders
T: 905-814-1306 E:  dhtbf@rogers.com

Charitable Registration Number 852039866RR0001

From SNAP Oakville:

Walkers came together at Coronation Park for a 5K Walk followed by presentations, a barbeque and music festival all in support of The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund. The fund will recognize and reward positive change through individual scholarships for post secondary education and or training programs. Scholarships are awarded to graduating teens who have demonstrated turnaround initiative. While a scholarship will be awarded at Drew’s high school, Thomas A. Blakelock High School in Oakville, the fund’s goal is to expand to more high schools in the Halton, Peel and GTA areas so that as many turnaround teens as possible can pursue a better life.

Link to article

May 29, 2009 15:06 ET
From Marketwire

The First Annual Drew Hildebrand 5K Walk the Walk Will Raise Money for Scholarships for Turnaround Teens
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 29, 2009) – The first annual Drew Hildebrand 5K Walk the Walk will take place on Sunday, June 7th, 2009 in Coronation Park Oakville.

“We are very pleased that our first tribute to Drew is ready to go and that we will start raising money to help turnaround teens,” said Jay Hildebrand, Drew’s father. The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in memory of Drew, who died at the age of 16 on April, 08 2008. “We were so proud that Drew himself took such strong turnaround initiative and received that recognition from his high school, Thomas A Blakelock, but unfortunately tragedy struck before he could realize his full potential,” said Hildebrand.

The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in early 2009 and will have two major fundraising activities in 2009 – the 5K Walk the Walk in Oakville and a golf tournament at Royal Woodbine in Toronto on August 24. Proceeds will go to scholarships for post secondary education and training programs for turnaround teens and other support programs that help teens achieve their goals of change and success. While the first scholarship will be awarded at Thomas A Blakelock High School, the Fund’s goal is to expand to more Halton, Peel and GTA high schools.

“We all know it’s easy to talk the talk, but it can be an extraordinary challenge for teens to take the courageous and consistent actions to actually walk the walk, and turn their backs on risky behaviours,” said Crystal Simmons, Drew’s mother. The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established to recognize and reward these turnaround teens. The Fund, through its many initiatives, will also focus on raising awareness of teen violence.

“We’re so happy that our first fundraising event is in Oakville, a community that has been so supportive to our family,” said Simmons. “We want to celebrate and support turnaround teens in our communities. The steps we take together can help encourage some at-risk teens to step toward a safer and better journey to adulthood.”

“Our goal is to encourage at-risk teens to walk the walk, and take the initiative to find the path to a better life,” said Hildebrand.

Final registration for the walk starts at 8:30 on June 7th in Coronation Park with the walk beginning at 10:00. The walk is followed by a barbecue lunch and a noon to 4:00 music festival that will feature 6 live performances at the bandshell. Participants can also visit a community outreach area that will include supporting charitable organizations like the Trillium Gift of Life Network, ChildFind Canada, and Unity Charity, a youth led anti-violence movement.

About the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund

The mission of the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund is to support teens who are navigating the many pressures and dangers of violence, drugs, alcohol, among others. Through scholarship and support programs, and by raising awareness and concern among teens and within our communities, more teens will have a safer and better journey to adulthood. For more information www.drewhildebrandtbf.com.
For more information, please contact:

DHTBF
Kelly Neuber
Director Marketing
kelly.neuber@mtgarc.ca

News
May 27, 2009
From the Oakville Beaver

The first annual Drew Hildebrand 5K Walk the Walk will take place on Sunday, June 7 in Coronation Park.
“We are very pleased our first tribute to Drew is ready to go and that we will start raising money to help turnaround teens,” said Jay Hildebrand, Drew’s dad.

The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in memory of Drew, who died at the age of 16 on April 8, 2008.

“We were so proud that Drew himself took such strong turnaround initiative and received that recognition from his high school, Thomas A. Blakelock, but unfortunately, tragedy struck before he could realize his full potential,” said Hildebrand.

The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established in early 2009 and will have two major fundraising activities in 2009 — the 5K Walk the Walk in Oakville and a golf tournament at Royal Woodbine Aug. 24.

Proceeds will go to scholarships for post-secondary education and training programs for turnaround teens and other support programs that help teens achieve their goals of change and success.

While the first scholarship will be awarded at Thomas A. Blakelock, the fund’s goal is to expand to more Halton, Peel and GTA high schools.

“We all know it’s easy to talk the talk, but it can be an extraordinary challenge for teens to take the courageous and consistent actions to actually walk the walk, and turn their backs on risky behaviours,” said Crystal Simmons, Drew’s mom.

The Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund was established to recognize and reward these turnaround teens. The fund will also raise awareness of teen violence.

“We’re so happy that our first fundraising event is in Oakville, a community that has been so supportive to our family,” said Simmons. “We want to celebrate and support turnaround teens in our communities. The steps we take together can help encourage some at-risk teens to step toward a safer and better journey to adulthood.”

Final registration for the walk starts at 8:30 a. m. on June 7 in Coronation Park with the walk beginning at 10 a. m. Live music and a barbecue follow at noon.

For more on the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund, visit www.drewhildebrandtbf.com .