Hot Stove Luncheon delivers as Blue Jays return to Vancouver

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, B.C.) - From the moment a quintent of Toronto Blue Jays greats marched into the British Columbia Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, fans knew they were set for an afternoon of great baseball moments and generosity. The 5th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon brought a number of Blue Jays to Vancouver including Hall of Fame infielder Roberto Alomar, catcher Russell Martin, pitchers Drew Hutchinson, Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez.

Perhaps stealing the thunder in the early stages of the event was Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Paul Beeston who was given a pair of lengthy standing ovations from the sellout crowd for his efforts in developing the game of baseball across Canada.

Canadians owner Jake Kerr was direct in his assessment of Paul Beeston's efforts over the past 40 years while also focusing on Vancouver's 2014 season and the upgrades that are now underway out at Scotiabank Field.

The current Blue Jays players took the the stage along with Canadians broadcaster Rob Fai for an interview that ended up taking the feel of an impromptu game show labeled "What Would Russell Say". The three pitchers were asked a series of questions which they would scribble onto a personal whiteboard before Russell would reveal his answer to the delight of the crowd.

Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney was welcomed to the stage and spoke passionately about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and its direct benefits to children from throughout the Lower Mainland. Mooney and his wife Suzanne donated $50,000 toward the VCBF to kick off the afternoon of giving.

VIDEO:  Watch the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation Video

The Blue Jays generously donated the jerseys off of their backs to five lucky fans in attendance before Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar stole the show during his interview with Rob Fai.

Alomar, before the first question was asked of him, committed 500 baseball gloves from his athletic apparel company 'Alomar' to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. The approximate value of the personal donation was $20,000. Beyond that, Alomar spoke about his thoughts on the Cooperstown Class of 2015 (Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio, John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez) before making cases for both Larry Walker and Tim Raines.

Donations were made to both the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Baseball program as well as Challenger Baseball who were both acknowledged as leaders across Canada for their efforts on and off the diamond.

Fans helped the VCBF set a new benchmark for donations and also set a new attendance mark for highest attended luncheon in the five years that the event has been hosted.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foudation would like to thank Scotiabank, Lafarge, Mac Construction and Grossman & Stanley for their significant contributions to the 5th Annual Hot Stove Luncheon as well as to each and every individual who donated either funding or their time towards the VCBF.

-30-