OTTAWA - The 2011 Bell Sens Soirée presented by Ferguslea Properties Limited, the premier fundraising event of the Sens Foundation, has raised $360,500 in support of children’s healthcare. Monies raised will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation (CHEO), la Fondation de CSSS de Gatineau, Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, Ottawa Rotary Home Foundation and Roger’s House.

In conjunction with Bell, the Sens Foundation announced that with the addition of the proceeds from this event it has achieved their $1-million commitment to CHEO. These funds will purchase a highly sophisticated computer-based Clinical Decision Support System, which will be used in the Infant and Toddler Medical Unit at CHEO.

More than 800 guests, along with Senators players, members of the coaching staff and management, attended this year’s event at Gatineau’s Hilton Lac-Leamy, which was themed “Manhattan.” The players hosted a variety of games of chance while interacting with guests during the cocktail reception. The venue featured New York attractions, including Central Park, Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

One-of-a-kind auction items were highlighted by a trip to the 2011 Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., a fan’s dream package for the Heritage Classic in Calgary, and tickets and behind-the-scenes passes for the 2012 NHL all-star game and skills competition. Sens public-address announcer Stuntman Stu of 93.9 BOB FM, served as MC for the evening. Musical group Best of Broadway and DJ Andrew Carter provided the entertainment while Chef Denis Girard and his staff presented the fine cuisine.

“I would like to recognize the commitment from our sponsors, table purchasers, volunteers and guests for enabling the Sens Foundation to raise and give so much back to the region each year,” said Sens Foundation president Danielle Robinson. “The foundation is proud and honoured to work with so many great people to ensure healthcare providers we support continue to offer the best care for children and youth.”

“The Bell Sens Soirée is an event of which we are extremely proud,” said Bell vice-president of professional services Gary Cameron. “Not only does it offer up a truly great night of entertainment hosted by the Ottawa Senators, but it ensures that all of these great healthcare providers have the newest equipment, most well-trained staff and state-of-the art facilities when caring for our kids.”

Since 1992, the Ottawa Senators and the Sens Foundation, through their annual dinner/soirée event, have provided more than $2.5 million to children’s charities in the region.