CHARITY
Circle of 7 Celebrates 25 Years Together How a local group of business leaders banded together to quietly make a difference in their community By Matthew St. Amand Photo by Trevor Booth
“We’ve provided funds for Leone House for teenage girls,” Rob continues. “They need money and food, but we have also helped with renovations, such as a new roof, flooring, carpeting, and plumbing. We have many partners in the city, and quite often a vendor comes in saying they will do the work at cost. Next thing we know, they’re donating their services.” Galas like Denim & Diamonds have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Children’s Aid Society, Alzheimer’s and CMHA mental health causes, Connections Early Years and the United Way summer lunch program.
The Circle of 7 is Windsor’s philanthropic dream team. For the past 25 years, this group of Windsor entrepreneurs has worked quietly in the background, funding people and causes that have nowhere else to turn. Their efforts have raised over $4 million during that time. All funds stay in the community. “We help those people and groups who aren’t eligible for grants, and who are in danger of falling through the cracks,” says Circle of 7 president, Tony Haddad, retired Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Tecumseh. “Our mantra is: ‘To help those who cannot help themselves, either in the field of health and welfare, youth sports, or the arts.’”
areas of expertise as the Marvel Super Friends gathered around the conference table at the Hall of Justice. They were: John Ferguson former NHL player with the Montreal Canadiens. Ed Agnew, one-time Commissioner of Finance in City of Windsor. Robert “Knobby” Knudsen. Keith White, general manager of Freeds of Windsor. Tom Williams former NHL hockey player. Don Wiley, retired Windsor Police detective. Rob Agnew, Realtor. “John Ferguson, Knobby Knudsen, and my uncle Ed are no longer with us,” says Rob Agnew, “having passed away a few years ago.”
“We are all Windsor-proud business people,” says Circle of 7 founding member, Rob Agnew. “All funds we raise stay in the area”.
Newer members include Tony Haddad, president, Gord Boggs, chartered accountant, Mickey Pierre (GM), Gus Revenberg (GMC), Deborah Severs, lawyer, Camille Shaheen, owner of Top Roofing), new secretary Julie Bortolotti, and co-Treasurer Justin Pierre.
The Circle of 7 was formed a quarter century ago following a round of golf. The original members were as diverse in their
The Circle of 7 has also worked for years with many large organizations but has also generously funded much smaller efforts.
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“If we gave them $1000 or $5000, it’ll have a good impact,” Tony adds. “That could be the difference in whether a program will be run or not.” The Circle has always been creative with fund raising initiatives. The Denim & Diamonds Gala, live and silent auctions, Dine & Drive with Chef Joe in August where donors ordered gourmet meal packages, including wine, and drove up where it was all ready and waiting. The latest initiative is “25 For 25,” where the Circle is asking people to go to its website (circleof7.com), click the Donate button and donate $25. “We’ve been around 25 years,” Rob says. “We’re now asking the community to help us help other people. We have zero overhead, no salaries, every dollar that’s raised goes into the community… often more. At the close of every initiative, we’re digging into our own pockets.” To learn more about what the Circle of 7 has done in Windsor-Essex, check them out online at www.circleof7.com. And be sure to click that green Donate button! D
