Oakville & Burlington Real Estate Blog - Dan Cooper » Charity

Giving where you live begins with local organizations

Dan Cooper — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:53:46 +0000

Featured in the photo: Margaret Anderson, Paula Gardin, Chris John, Dan Cooper

My team and I support a number of organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

One of the most rewarding organizations I have had the pleasure to be connected with is the Ian Anderson House. The cancer hospice is playing a critical role in our society by offering a quality of life and dignity for those who are terminally ill. It is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice and offers without charge, quality end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals.

Last month I sponsored the Fill The House benefit concert at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts which featured vocal impressionist Chris John and jazz vocalist and Oakville native Paula Gardin. The fundraiser provided a fantastic evening and I thank the generosity of those who attended for supporting this very worthwhile cause.

Located on the Oakville and Mississauga border, the hospice has six large private bedrooms with ensuite washrooms and large windows, each with an attached bird feeder and overlooking the garden and grounds.

Residents have access to the entire house, which includes a large country kitchen, living room, sun room and covered patio. In addition, the House was carefully designed to ensure that beds and wheelchairs can be taken out on the patio and to the garden.

The Sanctuary Garden, at the back of the property, has greatly enhanced the grounds of the hospice and is much enjoyed by residents, families and visitors alike. The garden features paths for wheelchair and bed access, seating areas, a gazebo, a pond and a Memory Wall. Joshua’s Creek runs through a ravine along the back of the Garden.

Residents at Ian Anderson House receive round-the-clock individualized programs of care in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre which augment the hours of nursing and support provided by the hospice’s trained professional staff.

True to the philosophy of hospice, Ian Anderson House offers care to its residents without charge. Their operating cost, which allows them to provide the high quality 24-hour care that is necessary at the end-of-life, is currently $1,800 per day. In order to offer the medical care and the number of staff that is expected and necessary in a hospice environment, they must currently raise an additional $600,000 a year for annual operating costs.

In order to continue to offer their exemplary care and support, without charge, they rely on the generosity of individuals, service clubs, foundations, local businesses and on fundraising events such as the Fill The House benefit concert.

Building a stronger community means supporting great causes such as the Ian Anderson House. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

For more information about Ian Anderson House, visit their website www.ianandersonhouse.com.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Public service is a commitment to giving back to the community

Dan Cooper — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:08:27 +0000

Featured in the photo to the left: Kevin Flynn & Dan Cooper. Featured in the photo to the right: Tim Hudak & Dan Cooper.

Congratulations to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn on his re-election in the provincial election last week, as well as the first-time election of Progressive Conservative Jane McKenna in Burlington. I don’t know Jane, but I’m confident she will do well for her riding. I know Kevin and he is a strong representative for Oakville. I also know members of the other parties, including PC Leader Tim Hudak, and they are good people.

What these people have, regardless of their party affiliations, is a strong conviction to serve; to embrace the responsibility of being a citizen. It can be a thankless job at times, it can be challenging and long hours, and I’m certain there are many rewarding moments. But above all, it is a commitment to fulfill a civic duty that goes beyond what many of us are prepared to give.

Their service is admirable, and yet, we need to remind ourselves that we can all contribute to make our community a better one. That involves taking the time to vote, which we did last week, to ensure we have an MPP who will represent us best. But, our obligation to our community goes far beyond simply casting a vote of course. It also means supporting local causes, giving back to the community and taking a stand on political and environmental issues that impact our way of life.

We have a very vibrant community and there are so many opportunities for everyone to get involved in some fashion and at any level. Whether it’s giving your time, donations or both, we need to follow the lead of our elected officials and give something of yourselves to help make ours a better society. My team and I have chosen a number of wonderful local causes to support; everything from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and, more recently, Ian Anderson House to name a few. It’s all about “giving where you live” and I encourage everyone to get involved – maybe not at the level of our elected officials, but certainly enough to help improve your community.

There is much work to be done in the Oakville and Burlington areas. On the provincial level, we have two strong members who belong to the governing party and that means our voices will be heard at Queen’s Park. Again, congratulations to the successful candidates, and for the rest of us – let’s keep working to make ours a better community.

Filling the house in support of Ian Anderson hospice

Dan Cooper — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:31:34 +0000

Featured in the photo: Margaret Anderson, Paula Gardin, Chris John, Dan Cooper.

Update:

There are only a few tickets remaining so you will need to act fast. To purchase tickets please click on the Oakville Centre link below or call the box office at 905-815-2021 in support of this most worthwhile cause.

http://www.oc4pa.ca/boxoffice.htm

It’s going to be a great night for a great cause at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Saturday. If you are in the mood to be entertained by world-class performers and, at the same time, help a very worthy local non-profit organization, then order your tickets now. They are going fast.

The headliners are vocal impressionist Chris John and jazz vocalist and Oakville native Paula Gardin.
With the uncanny ability to mimic a wide variety of voices, Chris honed his talents for impersonation through years of training and performing on stage, film and television. His credits include, leading roles in A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, Grease and Leader of the Pack. What sets Chris apart is his unique ability to mimic a wide variety of artists. It’s truly amazing.

Paula’s powerful voice and passionate performing style have engaged many audiences whether it be live theatre or smoky jazz clubs. As a songwriter she has been able to communicate her life experiences to an even wider audience through several genres of music which include jazz, pop and Latin. Her debut album A Little Rain Must Fall evokes emotional responses from all walks of life.

Tickets are only $55 for what will be a lively evening of entertainment and fun. The cause is the Ian Anderson House. If you are unfamiliar with the very valuable work this terrific organization is doing, let me fill you in. Ian Anderson House is one of the most rewarding organizations I have been connected with and I am proud to be the lead sponsor and one of the organizer’s for Saturday’s concert. The cancer hospice is playing a critical role by offering a quality of life and dignity for those who are terminally ill. It is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice and offers without charge, quality end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals.

Located on the Oakville and Mississauga border, the hospice has six large private bedrooms with ensuite washrooms and large windows with attached bird feeder and overlooking the garden and grounds. Residents have access to the entire house, which includes a large country kitchen, living room, sunroom and covered patio. In addition, the House was carefully designed to ensure that beds and wheelchairs can be taken out on the patio and to the garden.

Building a stronger community means supporting great causes such as the Ian Anderson House. My team and I support a number of organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

A giving and caring spirit makes our community stronger – a place in which we can all be proud to live and raise a family. How we treat those in need, how we support charities and organizations that are making a difference, shape our community’s character and reputation. Today we enjoy one of the most desirable locations in Canada in which to live – because we have built a safe and caring community. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

For more information about Ian Anderson House, visit their website www.ianandersonhouse.com.

Golfers swing BIG for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Dan Cooper — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:39:52 +0000

I’ve been a huge supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters over the years. For the past two years I have held the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey in support of BBBS Halton. And on June 14th, I participated in the 18th annual Golf Classic for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

The tournament at Copetown Woods Golf Club attracted more than 100 golfers to raise money for a great cause. I can’t say enough about the tremendous work this organization does for the youth in our communities. So many young people need a mentor, and the BBBS branches are matching adults who will give their time and energy to help our leaders of the future.

The day was magnificent. We had good weather, great companionship and generous sponsors who donated some outstanding prizes. For example, every par 3 had a contest with prizes that included golf clubs, vehicles and more. The generosity of the business community in this area is overwhelming and goes a long way to helping charitable and community organizations such as BBBS do their invaluable work.

Radio sportscaster Al Craig was on hand to act as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the evening portion of the event. Good friend Matt Dunigan, who has been a celebrity guest at my tournament, had also graciously given his time to be the celebrity guest at the Hamilton and Burlington tournament. He also happened to win it as well. Little Brother Justin and his Big Brother Greg gave a great talk to further inform the attendees about the value of mentoring relationships.

The day was not just about guys and golf….it was about the importance of mentoring and how it can make a positive difference in the life of a child. Every day Big Brothers Big Sisters’ agencies across Canada facilitate life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their full potential. Mentoring makes a positive difference not only in the life of the child but in the life of the volunteer and community. Studies show that mentoring helps children stay in school, avoid risky behaviour, and experience first-hand the importance of helping others in their community.

Participation in agency events, like the Golf Classic and the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational provide funds needed for trained staff to carefully screen volunteers and match them in long-term, safe mentoring relationships, while providing necessary ongoing management and support for volunteers, children and families. Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on community support to help create a future where every child who needs a mentor has a mentor.

Whether it’s in the form of time or money there is no more important investment we as individuals can make than in helping children realize and share their full potential. I’ve often said it in this column that anything you can offer – time, money or services – helps to make our communities the best places to live, work and raise our families.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Support a great cause by supporting my team

Dan Cooper — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:36:03 +0000

Featured in the photo from left to right are Dan Cooper, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Paul Coffey.

Every year I put my mind and body through a gruelling event to raise money for an incredibly important cause. I’m about to participate once again in the Joe’s Team Triathlon in support of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation on July 9th. We participate in teams and I’m proud to have two Oakville/Burlington residents going through this challenge with me – Craig Radford and Alex Moore.

Last year there were about 550 of us who swam, cycled and ran at Lake Joseph, Muskoka and together we raised more than $1 million to support critical cancer research funded by the Foundation.

Yes, cancer can be beaten, and with your help, I would like to make a significant contribution to the fight. Please go to my website and make a pledge. Log onto www.dancooper.com and simply follow the links to the Joe’s Team form. Even a small donation goes a long way. Collectively we can make a difference in someone’s life. So be generous, give what you can and together we can accomplish something significant and fulfilling.

Cancer is an insidious disease that touches all of us. We all have a family member, or relative or friend who has been stricken with this horrible illness. The triathlon is a key challenge in the Joe’s Team Fundraising Campaign, which raises money for the Foundation. The background is that in 2004, Joe Finley began a difficult fight with cancer, but despite the physical and emotional toll of an extremely aggressive cancer treatment (or perhaps, some say, because of it), Joe fulfilled a life-long objective in August 2006 – he completed his first triathlon.

Crossing the finish line was just the beginning for Joe. Teamed up with The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Joe created “Joe’s Team,” an innovative cancer fundraising initiative that has in four short years already raised more than $3 million. The need to conquer cancer in our lifetime is urgent and important. Right now, two in five people will hear these words in their lifetime: “You have cancer.” Those words will transform their life and the lives of their loved ones forever. The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Canada’s leading cancer research hospital, The Princess Margaret and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute. To learn more about The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation visit our website at www.pmhf.ca.

Where does your money go? Funds raised by Joe’s Team benefit The Joe’s Team Fund supporting The Princess Margaret Hospital Head & Neck Translational Research Program, a leading international research team of 28 dedicated clinicians and scientists whose vital research leads to potential new drugs, radiation and individualized treatment options that are more effective, less toxic, and will increase a patients quality and length of life.

Our support helps researchers and clinical staff to have tremendous impact on the lives of patients and provide the basis for scientific breakthroughs in other human malignancies including head and neck, lung, breast and colorectal cancers. With the support of Joe’s Team, The Princess Margaret’s translational research program will significantly advance its understanding of the development and progression of head and neck cancer.

I can’t describe the feeling I get when I know I’ve done something that will change the lives of others for the better. That’s the best gift of all.

Again, please visit my website and support a great cause.

A pleasant way to raise money for the community

Dan Cooper — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:58:41 +0000

Top row from left to right – Kevin Andrews, Matt Dunigan, Keith Costello, Kevin Smellie, Dan Ferrone
Bottom row from left to right – Dan Cooper, Brenden (Little Brother), Tim Scrinns (Grown-Up Little), Bill Demytruk (Big Brother)

I enjoy a good round of golf and when I can combine my passion for the game with a great community fundraiser, well, that’s just a perfect day. I had the pleasure of doing just that last month with the Oakville Community Foundation’s Marathon of Golf and the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton.

Both these events raised thousands of desperately needed dollars to support the tremendous work they are doing in the community.

Despite inclement weather, 35 golfers came out to the OCF tournament, played 100 holes and raised over $188,000, which was $10,000 over the 2010 total. This money goes toward supporting the Foundation’s community initiatives. OCF plays a critical role as a conduit – matching necessity with resources, challenges with opportunities. Support from the Marathon of Golf annual fundraiser will allow the OCF to develop two new community initiatives in response to identified community needs: Poverty and Community Engagement and Awareness.

In its 12-year history, the Marathon has raised close to $2 million. That’s an incredible accomplishment and speaks volumes about the caring and giving community in which we live. It’s the kind of community I am proud to call my home.

I am also immensely proud to have been host to the second annual Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey on May 19th in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. Grassroots charities such as the BBBSH are preventative in focus, helping children in the early stages by providing mentorship that has a positive impact that lasts a lifetime with these kids of all ages. Our young people are our future leaders and it is critical that we provide all the support we can to ensure they develop into good citizens, business people and community leaders.

The person I need to acknowledge as the driving force and tireless organizer for this tournament is Jules Graham-Hood, who, as the Executive Director of BBBSH, was not only behind this event 100 percent, but did an absolutely brilliant job in helping to bring celebrities and sponsors together to make this fundraiser an outstanding success. Putting together a professional and successful golf tournament is no easy task, and Jules’ energy and connections were instrumental in creating one of the best local fundraising events of the season.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, Oakville Community Foundation, United Way, Salvation Army and a host of other charitable bodies help to build a strong community and a brighter future for all our citizens. I encourage you to get involved in your community – with your time, your money or both.

Calling all golfers for two exceptionally worthy fundraisers

Dan Cooper — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:26:09 +0000

Featured in the photo from left to right are Craig Watkins, Matt Dunigan, Dan Cooper & Frank Dunigan.

Over the next few weeks I will be seeking sponsors and participants for two major fundraising golf tournaments next month.

The first is the Community Foundation of Oakville’s Marathon of Golf. In fact, I have already started collecting pledges, but will continue adding to my total for this very worthwhile cause. The Marathon of Golf at Glen Abbey Golf Club on May 17th is the Foundation’s only fundraiser. Golfers play up to100 holes in less than 12 hours to raise money to help fund local charitable initiatives. Last year the event raised more than $170,000. In its 12-year history, the Marathon has raised close to $2 million.

I’m proud to play a part in helping raise money for this wonderful organization and to be a supporter of the causes it represents. The true character of a community is the willingness of its citizens to give their time, talents and money to help those among us who are in need. Through grants and community projects, the Foundation supports a broad range of charitable causes and the support it receives from individuals and the business community is heartwarming. I’m honoured to be among those providing that support.

Please make a pledge and let your donation go to a great cause that will benefit our community. To sponsor me simply go to:
http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=11173.

I am also immensely proud to once again be host to the Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey on May 19th in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. This will be our second year and we anticipate another sold-out affair. Last year was a huge success with celebrity guests such CFL greats Matt Dunigan and Miles Gorrell, Canadian actor Art Hindle, sports broadcaster and former NHL executive Gord Stellick to name a few.

There are numerous charity golf tournaments through the season, but I can tell you that grassroots charities such as the BBBSH are preventative in focus, helping children in the early stages by providing mentorship that has a positive impact that lasts a lifetime with these kids of all ages. Our young people are our future leaders and it is critical that we provide all the support we can to ensure they develop into good citizens, business people and community leaders. Few of us may be aware that there are hundreds of youth at-risk here in our own community. Often, our comfortable and insular lives shield us from some very hard truths in our back yard. This reality, however, is only too clear to the great people and volunteers at BBBSH.

“Give where you live” is a slogan adopted by many charitable organizations across North America, but it really does sum up my own personal philanthropic objectives and the approach of The Dan Cooper Team when it comes to donations and giving back to the community I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, Community Foundation, United Way, Salvation Army and a host of other charitable bodies help to build a strong community and a brighter future for all our citizens. I encourage you to get involved in your community – with your time, your money or both.

A worthy cause for a brave young woman

Dan Cooper — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:42:51 +0000

Pictured in the photo from left to right are Mike Holmes, Brooklyn Mills and Dan Cooper.

I have often talked about my philanthropic philosophy and that giving back to the community is a core value for my business and The Dan Cooper Team. We feel strongly that to “give where you live” is not just a slogan, but a call to action.

Since many of the organizations we support are focused on the youth in our community, there are always stories that touch me personally. I attended one such fundraiser recently. It is a story that is both tragic and inspiring.

Brooklyn Mills is a 17-year-old girl who was a happy and extremely active student at Oakville Trafalgar High School in 2009. She was one of the school’s cheerleaders, performing back handsprings and flips. One day that fall, she woke up to severe back pain. Following that morning she saw countless doctors and specialists, was in and out of hospital and was finally diagnosed with a rare genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Only 1 in 5,000 Canadians are afflicted by the disorder, which makes it difficult to find health-care professionals who specialize and can treat the condition. The person suffers chronic pain, with acute dislocations or advanced osteoarthritis, which can be physically and psychologically disabling.

It was heart wrenching to see this young, vibrant girl’s health rapidly deteriorate to the point that she was confined to a wheelchair and forced to spend most of the day in bed. She was refused admission to all pain management programs due to the severity of her disorder and the fact that she was not an adult.

Thankfully, the family found help at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where Brooklyn spent more than five weeks in an intensive program and in January began walking for the first time in seven months. She plans to return to school this year.

I met Brooklyn at a fundraiser at Philthy McNasty’s on Speers Road on February 27th. Mike Holmes was the special guest and I was glad to provide support and a donation toward the cost of Brooklyn’s treatments.

While it was heart warming and inspirational to see this charming young woman bravely and successfully battle this rare and debilitating disorder, the family has been saddled with a large medical bill. Brooklyn’s medical expenses not covered by OHIP exceeded $50,000. I was proud to be part of this very worthwhile fundraiser to help a wonderful young woman in our community.

We wish you all the best Brooklyn and look forward to you returning to school, completing your education and fulfilling your dreams.

Dan Cooper thanks those who nominated him for Oakville’s Awards of Excellence

Dan Cooper — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:57:09 +0000

I want to thank all those who nominated me for the Annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence. It is an honour to join a strong group of community and business leaders who are being recognized at the 16th annual award ceremony.

I have been part of the Oakville community for more than 20 years and my real estate business has grown to be one of the most successful within Royal LePage. In fact, we have been the Number 1 Royal LePage Team in Canada for seven of the past 10 years. This is an accomplishment that does not happen by accident, but rather by design. Our dedication and commitment to selling your home, along with superior marketing strategies, have time and time again helped our clients sell their homes quickly and for top dollar. Our steadfast approach to do what is best for our clients has made us one of the busiest brokerages in Oakville.

But our success goes beyond dollars and cents. As much as the awards recognize business success, I believe they also strongly weigh the charitable component of a business. It is in the area of philanthropy that I have also developed a passion and I am proud that my Team and I support many worthwhile causes.

There is more to a community than homes, roads and shopping districts. The character of a town or city is defined by the number of caring and giving people in our midst. Whether it is donating time or money or both to a food bank, a youth centre or cultural organization, people in our community have demonstrated their generosity year after year. “Give where you live” is a slogan adopted by many charitable organizations across North America, but it really does sum up the philanthropic approach of The Dan Cooper Team.

I have chosen a handful of outstanding organizations to which I am personally making significant contributions:
- Ontario Hospital Foundation which has launched a major project – the New Oakville Hospital.
- Venue sponsor for Comic Vision, an evening of comedy in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
- Dan Cooper Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton.
- Appleby College
- Dan Cooper Concert Series at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

I’m proud that The Dan Cooper Team can be counted among our generous citizens by providing support for local organizations, services and minor sports. The contribution by every member of the team is a testament to our commitment to give back to the community. We are not simply in the business of selling properties and helping buyers find homes. We are your neighbour, our children go to school here and we shop in the same grocery stores. This is our community and The Dan Cooper Team is proud to play a part in shaping its character and its success.
The Oakville Awards for Business Excellence were created to recognize companies that excel in their business category. They are based on a rigorous interview and analysis process that judges not only gauge the company’s business performance but also how it contributes to making Oakville a better community.

Again, I am proud to be counted among those who are working to make this community a better place.

Record amount raised for a good cause at the Candlelight Ball

Dan Cooper — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:35:40 +0000

Featured from left to right is John Oliver, President & CEO Halton Healthcare Services with Debbie and Dan Cooper.

One of the many organizations to which I provide significant support is the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). One of their major fundraising functions I support is the Annual Candlelight Ball and this year’s event, held on November 6th, raised a record $700,000 net.

This money is desperately needed to purchase equipment for the OTMH and the New Oakville Hospital. The provincial government provides limited funding for new equipment and so it is up to us in this community to ensure our hospitals are well equipped and able to provide a high level of care. Providing proper health care is a cornerstone to building a strong and caring community. We are fortunate to live in a town in which the citizens rally around a cause and offer major support. The OTMH Foundation is just one recipient of our generous support, and that giving was demonstrated in a major way at this year’s 19th Annual Candlelight Ball.

The event itself was an outstanding social occasion that treated the patrons to a culinary adventure featuring a Parisian menu prepared by Food Network host, CityLine guest and restaurateur Michael Bonacini and his team of chefs from the Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill. “We’re delighted to be involved once again in the OTMH Candlelight Ball,” says Bonacini. “The sense of community here in Oakville is really quite special, meaning when Oakvillians rally, they really rally,” Bonacini adds.

“Joie de Vivre (Joy of Living), this year’s OTMH Candlelight Ball, exemplifies what we are trying to accomplish with the proceeds from this, and, for that matter, every gala,” says Kathy Mundy, chair of the gala volunteer planning committee. “This is our largest annual fundraiser and this year’s proceeds are going to purchase a new infant warmer for our Special Care Nursery, a critical care ventilator, an anaesthesia gas machine and an ultrasound machine, all of which will be used in both our existing and new hospitals. These machines will help our medical professionals give our community Joie de Vivre.”

Our local health-care system relies on all of us to help them build a level of care that is second to none. The Dan Cooper Team has been supporting worthy causes such as the OTMH Foundation for many years. We are not simply in the business of buying and selling homes – we are an integral part of the community; this is our home too, and so we care about the quality of life here just as much as you do. “Give where you live” is a motto we live by and we are proud to be working and living in such a great and caring community.

If you haven’t attended a Candlelight Ball, do yourself a favour and experience something special and support a great cause. The next gala is November 5th, 2011.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.