Protecting Legends: DNA Technologies at the 2025 Sports Celebrity Dinner

For over 25 years, DNA Technologies has had the privilege of safeguarding the authenticity of moments that matter. On March 20, 2025, we were proud to continue that tradition at the 52nd Annual Progress Club Sports Celebrity Dinner in Halifax, Nova Scotia — a night dedicated to community, celebration, and raising funds for life-changing causes.

Held at the Halifax Convention Centre, this annual event brings together sports legends, media personalities, and generous donors in support of key Canadian Progress Club charities, including Special Olympics, Club Inclusion, and King’s Meadow Home. This year’s lineup included the likes of Jeremy Roenick, fresh off his 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame induction, Olympic gold medallist Tessa Bonhomme, and record-setting Special Olympian Jackie Barrett — just to name a few.

Co-hosted by Spittin’ Chiclets stars Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette, with the legendary Rod Black emceeing, the night was packed with laughs, inspiration, and sports stories that will live on long after the applause fades.

Elevating the Night with Authenticity and Security

Behind the scenes, DNA Technologies was once again proud to provide our anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions to support the event’s memorabilia and auction items. As longtime partners of the Progress Club Sports Celebrity Dinner, our role is simple but essential: ensure that every signature, every collectible, and every piece of sports history shared that night is verifiable, secure, and protected for the future.

Our proprietary DNA Matrix™ technology — originally developed for the Hockey Hall of Fame and trusted by global institutions like the Sydney Olympics, Super Bowl, MLB, NFL, and US Open Tennis Championship — continues to evolve. Today, we combine forensic DNA inks with digital tracking and traceability, helping organizations like the Progress Club uphold trust and authenticity while driving more value for the causes they champion.

Because real moments — like these — deserve real protection.

A Historic Night for Community Giving

This year’s dinner wasn’t just about honoring sports legends. It marked a historic announcement that will ripple through the community for years to come. The Canadian Progress Club – Halifax revealed a $1 million multi-year commitment to the Prescott Group, supporting their Building Belonging campaign. In recognition of this transformational gift, the new Prescott facility — opening later this year — will include a space named Progress Place, thanks to the club’s ongoing funding and partnership.

We were moved and inspired to witness this announcement in person, knowing that our presence at the event helps amplify efforts like these. At DNA Technologies, we believe in creating impact — not just by protecting valuable items, but by partnering with organizations doing real, meaningful work in our communities.

To everyone who helped make the 2025 Sports Celebrity Dinner a sold-out success: thank you. To the athletes who shared their stories, the attendees who showed up in style, and the donors whose generosity will change lives — you inspire us to keep raising the bar.

We’ll be back next year, as always, protecting the stories that matter.

Until then, stay authentic.

– The Team at DNA Technologies
Because authenticity isn’t just about memorabilia — it’s about legacy.