For Dominic Moore, it’s difficult to describe the Smashfest atmosphere and experience.
“People that come don’t know what to expect, but when they leave, they say, ‘That’s the best thing I’ve ever been to,’ or, ‘That’s the best charity event in Toronto.’ And when people give feedback like that, it really means a lot,” says Moore interviewing with Sportsnet. “There’s really nothing like it, and it’s hard to explain to people unless they’ve been there.”
After interviewing Moore, Sportsnet compiled a list of five reasons why you should consider attending Smashfest, Sominic Moore’s annual ping-pong charity event, that raises money for the Katie Moore and Steve Moore foundations.
Their five reasons are as follows:
- The players: Each year a couple dozen NHL players and alumni attend, with player announcements being made in the weeks and days leading up to the event. Dominic Moore does most of the player recruitment himself building on connections from playing with various teams and the hockey community more generally.
- The ping-pong: “A lot of fans don’t even know that ping-pong is a big part of hockey dressing room culture,” Moore says. “Almost every team has a table either in the locker room or in the training centre.” While many athlete’s fundraiser revolve around golf, Moore leverages the close ties the NHL has to ping-ping and brings that interactive element to Smashfest.
- A possible Alfie sighting: Moore has heard great things about Daniel Alfredsson’s, ping-pong game, stating that “He was an absolute ringer in the Senators’ locker room. His right hand was No. 1 ranked and his left was No. 2 ranked. He could beat everyone with either hand.” But he’s usually in Sweden come July but maybe someday he’ll be lured to Smashfest.
- The causes: For $250 you can join the fun ($1000 to play in the tournament) and get an open bar, food, and a night of mixing and mingling. It might cost more than your usual night out but all the proceeds go to benefit the Katie Moore Foundation for rare cancer research and Steve Moore Foundation for concussion research.
- The rare hangout: Not only do you get to try to snag autographs from your favorite players but you can actually relax, have a chat, and enjoy a drink with them. As tournament play wraps up casual games break out, so midnight pizza shows up, and the mingling fun continues.
Source: Sportsnet