TORONTO, June 5 /CNW/ - Equitable Trust Company is pleased to present the Mount Sinai Classic, at the magnificent Eagle's Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ontario on Thursday, June 22, 2006. The proceeds from the Classic are currently being directed towards the Leadership Sinai Fund for Excellence in Research.

"We are delighted to support the efforts of Leadership Sinai for the past nine years as the presenting sponsor of the Mount Sinai Classic organized by Leadership Sinai, the young professionals group at Mount Sinai. We're hoping to raise $250,000 to add to the already $1.2 million generated from the Classic over the past 11 years," said Geoffrey Bledin, President and CEO, The Equitable Trust Company.

As the key presenter of the Classic, and working in conjunction with Leadership Sinai, Equitable Trust encourages sponsorship among other corporations and volunteerism within its own organization. Community involvement is one of Equitable Trust's on-going commitments to philanthropy in the communities in which employees live and work. The sponsorship support enables Mount Sinai to continue to deliver on its promise of providing research, teaching and the most advanced medical and patient care to the community at large.

"The event has successfully reached its goal of attracting 144 players to the tournament. We're looking to increase the number of prospective sponsors who have the ability to further contribute to the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, part of the Leadership Sinai Fund for Excellence in Research," added Mr. Bledin.

Companies and organizations are being asked to join other recognized community philanthropists and business leaders to secure and achieve the highest standards of patient care by getting involved in a worthwhile cause.

There are several sponsorship opportunities still available, on a first-come basis, at this high profile event that attracts many professionals for a day out on the course.

Eagles Nest Golf Club, a public facility in Maple, offers a spectacular setting for the Mount Sinai Classic with its balance of nature and design.

Activities commence at 7 a.m., with an early optional skins game followed by registration at 9:00 a.m. Tee off time for the 18 hole tournament starts at 11:00 a.m. where an interesting array of on-course give-a-ways, contests and snacks can be found at each hole. Post tournament, golfers will be treated to cocktails at 5:00 p.m. together with the kick-off of a live auction that showcases unique and exciting gift items.

Sportscaster Rod Black will act as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, handing out several awards and shepherding the live auction into the night. A highlight of the Classic features Eagle Nest's Executive Chef who will prepare a gourmet dinner resulting in an outstanding culinary experience.

The 12th Annual Mount Sinai Classic anticipates raising approximately $250,000, bringing the contributions to $1.45 million towards a $2 million goal set by Leadership Sinai members. Potential sponsors can contact the Mount Sinai Foundation of Toronto by calling Cindy Berk Goelman, Director of Events & Programs at (416) 586-4800 extension 8749.

Equitable Trust was founded in 1970, and by following a prudent, results-driven approach, Equitable has become a leader in its primary niches: alternative single family dwelling as well as multi-unit residential mortgage lending. Equitable's primary geographic territory is single family dwelling in Ontario. In 2005, Equitable began to serve the Calgary alternative single family dwelling mortgage lending market. It also offers Guaranteed Investment Certificates to depositors as a nationally-licensed deposit-taking institution.

For further information:
Susan Carter, Director, Investor Relations & Marketing (416) 513-3502
Cindy Berk Goelman, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, (416) 586-4800 ext 8749