Selfless Beliveau Selling Memorabilia

Content originally published by sportscollectorsdaily.com on 15 February 2008

A hockey legend once again found himself on center ice of the Montreal Forum Thursday. Former Montreal Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau was on hand to announce a sports memorabilia auction for the benefit of the Fondation Jean Beliveau.

Beliveau has donated a treasure chest of incredible items that marked his award-winning career and several other renowned players, past and present, have also contributed personal autographed hockey memorabilia.

Among the items for bid are a game-worn 1969 Montreal Canadiens Beliveau jersey, two of his Stanley Cup trophies, a 1972-73 Stanley Cup ring, his 1980-81 Prince of Wales Trophy and a variety of one-of-a-kind game worn equipment from Beliveau and others, including Wayne Gretzky.

"I am very happy with the participation of my former colleagues and friends, but also with the participation of young stars, such as Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier, who are demonstrating their great generosity. The profits from this excellent initiative will help support disabled children across Quebec", said Beliveau.

Items can be viewed and bid on at classicauctions.net. The live portion of the sale takes place February 20th at the Pepsi Forum and will be hosted by Marc-Andre Coallier and George Springate. The online portion runs through March 11.

In March, 1971, the Jean Beliveau Fund was created as part of a special celebration to mark the retirement of the famous captain of the Montreal Canadiens. On that occasion, and at the behest of Beliveau, the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club, the business community, and the general public raised and donated to the Jean Beliveau Fund the sum of $155,000 in support of underprivileged youth in Quebec.

Today, the value of the Fondation Jean Beliveau portfolio is more than $1.3 million. Since its inception, the Fondation has contributed $1,367,000 to the well-being of needy youngsters.