An Honour And A Privilege

In the business of media and entertainment, those of us in the spotlight mark our success rate by the degree of recognition we receive from the public. It's what we have to do to survive in a competitive field. Recognition of any kind, it's been said, is good recognition; even if it's critical because, at least, people are talking about you. I'll agree with that, to an extent. Somehow I can't see how being caught flashing little old ladies at a fruit stand in the Byward market on a Saturday morning can be a good thing. But I digress.

As the Doc and Woody Fund for the Operating Rooms at CHEO crests the $200,000 mark, the foundation has decided to recognize our contributions by inducting Doc and Woody into the Order Of The Good Bear. It's a nice thought and Doc and I are both touched by the gesture.

Last week we received the letter from CHEO Foundation President Fred Bartlett inviting us to a special ceremony at the end of November. The letter was precedent by the following email from Corporate veep Kevin Keohane:

Hi Doc & Woody,

Each year we hold a special event to recognize some of our great supporters and this year we are including you in that distinguished group. You will receive a letter in the next day or two from Fred Bartlett inviting you to a special ceremony on Wednesday, November 30 where you will be inducted into the Order of the Good Bear. Sound's sappy but it's very grassroot stuff and probably our favourite event of the year. It's short and sweet with a start at 5:30 p.m and it's all over by 7:00 or so. Finger foods, drinks and little mingling here at the hospital along with some of the other recipients and hospital/foundation staff. I know you guys don't help us in order to be recognized and that's what makes it so nice to do it. Very much deserved and overdue. Stay tuned for more info. Congratulations and thanks!

Kevin Keohane

Vice President

Development & Corporate Relations

The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation

415 Smyth Road

Ottawa, Ontario

K1H 8M8

(613) 737-2782

One thing, however.

We're just the middle men. It's the generosity of our listeners, friends and neighbors that makes the Doc And Woody Fund work as well as it does. We're quite inspired by the growing number of unsolicited donations and fundraising activities that are now occurring on our behalf. Schools, offices, sports leagues, amateurs and professionals are contributing on a continual basis. From $300 efforts from school activities, to a quick thinking single opportunity to sell Leaf tickets as Dan Cowley did at Don Cherry's (where he initially told me he raised $400 then slipped a $500 cheque into the envelope: Thanks Dan), to Mark Rushton and CR Associates raising over $30,000 to-date for the Doc and Woody Fund from their annual golf tournament, we are giddy and humbled at the same time.

To our friends everywhere and there are way too many to mention, it's you who should be thanked.


On November 30th, in the clinic play park, we'll have our pictures taken. But make no mistake, we'll be accepting on your behalf. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.