Our vision is to quicken academic excellence, infuse depth of character, promote health and vitality, and inspire generosity in our youth.
The four pillars of our vision are:
- Character - promotes the foundation of good citizenship
- Education - which is the catalyst for success and progress
- Health - which is the foundation of vitality
- Under Resourced - which is the foundation of philanthropy
Through organized fundraising appeals and events (Pinball Wizard gala), our goal is to make substantial contributions to local health, human resources, education and character building programs that serve our community.
Listed below are a few goals that your contributions will directly help us to achieve in our inaugural year:
- Habitat for Humanity - we are building a home for an under resourced family in our local community.
- Scholarship program - we are presenting two scholarships to students who have overcome all odds and have completed their first year of post-secondary education. We will present them with resources to help complete their degree.
- Kumi, Uganda, Africa - in collaboration with CBMI, we are committed to building an operating room to restore health and indeed life to physically disabled children in this remote area of Africa.
The Foundation truly believes that no contribution is too small. Like playing pinball, the simplest effort sets off a chain reaction; lights, sounds, excitement! With every motion the participant makes, a rewarding result is achieved. Your participation no matter how simple will set off a positive chain reaction in the lives of the youth within our communities.
About Michael "Pinball" Clemons
In the rich 132-year history of the Toronto Argonauts, there are many football heroes who have brought pride to the city of Toronto and the "Double Blue". Lionel Conacher, Bill Symons, Dick Shatto, Condredge Holloway and Doug Flutie have all made their mark on Canadian Football as Argos, but you would be hard pressed to find a more popular name in team history than Michael Clemons.
The man they call "Pinball" officially took over the coaching reins of the Argonauts for the second time on December 17, 2002, after guiding the team to a 4-2 record, and the team's first playoff appearance in 3 years, when he took over as head coach from Gary Etcheverry on an interim basis for the second half of the 2002 season, earning recognition as a finalist for CFL Coach of the Year honours, an honour he repeated in 2003 and 2004.
Born and raised in Florida, Clemons graduated from the College of William and Mary where he enjoyed an impressive career, racking up 4,778 all-purpose yards and scoring 31 touchdowns in his four-year career with the Tribe, while being named a Division 1-AA all-American and the Virginia Major College offensive player-of-the-year in 1986. Upon graduation, Clemons was drafted by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and saw action with both the Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before going on to a brilliant CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts that saw him establish a world-record for most career all-purpose yards by a professional football player with 25,396 yards. On September 15, 2000, "Pinball" hung up his Double Blue jersey after 12 brilliant seasons to move directly into the position of Head Coach. He retired with 12 all-time team records to his credit, including career receptions (682). In 2004, Clemons led the team to its first Grey Cup victory since 1997, his first as Head Coach.
Known for a personality that is as electric as his style of play on the field was, Clemons redefines the meaning of community involvement and has been recognized by many organizations for his tireless work with charities, schools and other community groups.
Whether in uniform, on the sidelines, or in the front office, Pinball has always been one of Toronto's favourite personalities. Clemons, who has made application to become a Canadian citizen, and his wife Diane, along with their treasured daughters, Rachel, Raven, and Rylie, are proud to call Oakville home.
