Throughout this time, an impressive $4.4 Million has been raised and rolled back into the Niagara community, reaching all twelve municipalities that make up the region.
The events throughout 2021 raised a total of $365,000
Humble Beginning.
The roots of the organization go back to 1990 when Doug Smith and his father Chuck Smith were fundraising for the build of the Walker Family YMCA in St. Catharines. They put together a few comedy nights to raise more money and decided to continue forward and help as many organizations as possible, becoming a registered charity in 1997.
With no administrative overhead, the organization and events are run entirely on volunteer commitment composed of engaged, dedicated, active, and responsible community leaders with a passion for giving back to their community any way that they can. This allows a maximum impact of funds raised to be directed to Niagara causes. From boxing events to pub nights and bike rides, there are numerous ways to get involved, give back and contribute directly to the community we all call home.
“Our annual charity men’s golf tournament, now in its 31st year, is perennially sold out and has been a tremendous success year over year. Dad always wanted to run a charity golf tournament, and that’s precisely how it began.” Said Doug Smith, Chair of Wise Guys Charity Fund. In 2014, the success of the men’s tournament led to the inception of the Wise Girls Tee Party and carries the strong tradition forward hosting its 7th annual event this August.
Welcome Sally & Margie!
This highly anticipated fundraiser returns this fall, with Sally McGarr and Margie Spence, two iconic Niagara-based realtors, taking their turn in the hot seat for charity.
Coming this fall, the 4th Annual Wise Guys Charity Roast welcomes Margie Spence and Sally McGarr to brave the signature purple chairs as this year’s targets. The light-hearted jokes and entertaining banter are sure to guarantee an evening to remember all in the name of a great cause. The event takes place September 22,2022 at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines.
The Board of Directors of the Wise Guys Charity Fund, at the Wise Guys Park, St. Catharines, ON. Top row from left: Erica Walters, Art Lopinski, Steve Mowder, John Pachereva, Anne Kemp, Gary Black. Bottom row from left: Doug Smith, Chris Rupp. Absent from photo: Betty Lou Souter
“The aim of the dinner and roast, just like all fundraising events, is to raise as much money as possible. The event has already been such a tremendous success these past few years, and we will be grateful for whatever amount we bring in for the community.” Said Doug Smith.
In addition to fundraising, the charity roast has also raised a considerable amount of awareness in the community beginning in 2019, when Doug Smith volunteered to be its first “roastee”. Gerry Coppola from Coppola's Ristorante followed suit in 2020 and Adam and Stephen Cook from Credit Bureau Services Canada took to the stage in 2021.
Margie and Sally are eager to support the cause, as both leading ladies have proven to be incredibly dedicated to their communities throughout their careers. Margie and Sally have shown astounding leadership skills, perseverance and are well-known trailblazers in their industry.
Together, The Wise Guys Charity Fund, which consists of Wise Guys, Wise Girls & Wise Kids, are all consistently working to improve the quality of life in the Niagara Region, helping many worthy causes including but not limited to mentorship programs, advocacy centres, women’s shelters, and educational and safety equipment. They are committed to raising awareness and increasing financial support for local organizations across the Niagara Region and are fully transparent about the projects and causes that they fund.
To learn more about the Wise Guys Charity Fund, please visit wiseguyscharity.com.