What this Toronto event is doing for one of SickKids' most urgent heart studies

For families and children facing complex heart conditions, research can make all the difference.

At SickKids, that story is unfolding through research like Dr. Lindsay Freud's FEAT study — focused on Fetal Ebstein's anomaly and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, two rare yet serious congenital heart conditions that can impact a child's life before they're even born.  

It's the kind of research that has the potential to change lives. But like so much in healthcare, it depends on funding, awareness, and community support to move forward.

This spring, The Heart in the Game (HITG) Charity Tournament,  a collaboration between Heart in the Game and the Ted Rogers Co-op Program at TMU aims to help with this unique collaboration . Taking place over three days in Toronto, this series of events is all about raising vital funds while giving people enjoyable ways to get involved.

A three-day event with heart

The first event kicks off on May 1 at Mattamy Athletic Centre with an interactive Skills Challenge night. Running from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., it invites attendees to step onto the court themselves, compete for prizes, and be part of the action alongside special guests.

If participating isn't your thing, you can check out a basketball tournament the following night on May 2, where teams representing organizations like BMO, the title sponsor, Elite MVMT, Cameron Stephens Mortgage Capital, and Gap Inc., as well as Ted Rogers School of Management Alumni and Students, ​​​​​​go head-to-head.

Both of these events are free, but attendees are asked to RSVP and bring a non-perishable food item or donate $5 cash onsite to support TMU Bold Athletics.

The weekend wraps with a reception and gala at The Aperture Room on May 3 — a more elevated setting where guests can connect and reflect on the cause, while enjoying some good music, food, and drink. The venue comes courtesy of J Ken Rutherford and the Thornton-Smith Corporation who own the beautiful heritage building on Yonge Street.

With an open bar supported by partners like Michelob Ultra, Halpern Wine, plus gourmet plates from Food Dudes, it's designed to bring people together in a different, but equally meaningful way.

Silent auction

Can't make any of the events? There's still a way to get involved. Heart in the Game is holding a silent auction online, where you can bid on a whole host of awesome items.

Expect a signed 1998-99 Vince Carter Toronto Raptors jersey, a seven-day beachfront stay in Aruba, and skincare bundles from brands like Tealogy, RoC, and Marcelle — plus plenty more up for grabs.

Building something that lasts

Beyond fundraising, HITG is also about building something longer-lasting. Through its connection with TMU (specifically the Ted Rogers Co-op program, at the Ted Rogers School of Management) the initiative is creating space for students to engage with their community in a way that goes deeper than traditional networking. 

The hope is that it will allow TRSM students to give back to their community through volunteer work with Heart in the Game and engage with the business community in a meaningful way, allowing them to build professional relationships and lead to new opportunities.

Tickets for all three events are available now, with proceeds supporting SickKids Research and related student initiatives. Whether you show up to compete, cheer, donate from home, or simply connect with others, getting involved is one small way to help make a difference.