October 2009

Since 2003, Salt + Light Television has been meeting an important need in both our modern society and the Catholic Church. Based on the feedback we receive from subscribers and the broader community, the charity is having a positive impact in the lives of people throughout the country and even around the world. This provides partial context as to why we’re sending you this e-mail, which contains an announcement from an important fundraising event held tonight in Toronto.

Please know, as well, of our interest in working with you and your team should you require more information, commentary, clarification or anything related to our organization, programs, customers or topics of interest in the lives of your audiences for which we may have insight, experience or perspective.

Sincerely,
Christopher Ketelaars

The Hon. Hilary M. Weston addresses a crowd of business and community leaders at a fundraiser for Salt + Light Television on Wednesday, October 14 at the Royal Ontario Museum. More than 150 supporters donated a total of $1.9 million to help the charitable organization fund its hope-driven television and media programming.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salt + Light Canadian Catholic television network
raises $1.9 million at fundraising gala
Westons, Desmarais and Knights of Columbus pledge their support
to one of Canada’s most vibrant and refreshing Catholic endeavours

October 15, 2009 (Toronto) – More than 150 business and community leaders from across the country gathered last night at the Royal Ontario Museum to celebrate and show support for Salt + Light Television, Canada’s national Catholic television network. The event raised $1.9 million in support of the charitable organization. 

Highlights from the evening included a donation of $1 million from The Honourable Hilary and Mr. Galen Weston for the development of new programming featuring the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI on Interfaith relations, $50,000 from the Montreal-based Desmarais family and Power Corporation and $500,000 from the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest fraternal and charitable order.

“This evening is a testimony to the great support Salt + Light Television has across Canada,” said Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. “Salt and Light Television was born six years ago on the wings of World Youth Day 2002.  It is a vibrant sign of the Church that is alive and young.  Tonight’s event is essential for the continued growth of our network and I thank all those who took part, as well as all those across Canada who support Salt + Light through prayers and donations.”

The 2009 gala, An Evening at the Dead Sea, took place against the backdrop of the ROM’s historic exhibits of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Deuteronomy Ten Commandments Scroll. 

“The Ten Commandments have helped to shape our society and culture, offering people a precise blueprint on how to live in harmony,” said Tony Gagliano, Executive Chairman and CEO, St. Joseph Communications and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Salt + Light Catholic Media Foundation. “Through modern media and real-life examples of hope and charity, Salt + Light Television gives audiences the support they need to remain faithful to this important call.”

The gala is one of several fundraising initiatives organized annually by Salt + Light Television to fund its operations. The network is staffed by a team of young adults from across Canada who have specialized in the broadcast medium.  The vast majority of funding comes people who are committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Church through creative television programming and other modern media.

 

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About Salt + Light Television

In addition to Salt + Light Television, the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation also provides the following products to its viewers, friends and supporters.

• Salt + Light Documentary Productions
• Salt + Light Radio
• Salt + Light Hungry for the Spirit Concert Series
• Salt + Light Blessed Journeys
• Salt + Light Blog
• Salt + Light Website

Additional media materials/photos, inquiries and interviews: 
CHRISTOPHER KETELAARS
Phone:  416-971-5353 ext 245
Mobile: 416-892-1729
cketelaars@saltandlighttv.org

Visit www.saltandlighttv.org/about_press.html for background materials.