Past Events Archive
2009-11-18 - ORT Toronto’s 4th Annual Local Heroes
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On Wednesday November 18th 2009, ORT Toronto held the Fourth Annual Local Heroes Building Bridges Gala, winning over the 330 guests in attendance. They were delighted by the atmosphere generated in part by the splendour of the Carlu, the fabulous auction, raffle and can’t help- but-dance amazing performance of award-winning Nuevo Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook!
At the heart of the evening was the presentation of the 2009 Local Hero Award to four incredible individuals, acknowledging their commitment, leadership and dedication to the education of children and adults locally, nationally and worldwide, through unique and significant initiatives.
Isabel Bassett
Ms. Isabel Bassett is the past Chair and CEO of TVO and served as Minister of Culture in the Ontario Government. Prior to that, she spent 12 years as a host and producer of award-winning documentaries on CFTO TV, part of the CTV network. Ms. Bassett currently writes freelance articles, speaks and campaigns on behalf of women’s issues, and volunteers for the following organizations: Board Chair for York University Library Advisory Council Honourary, Co-Chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Capital, Campaign YWCA Toronto and Campaign for Elm Street Centre for Affordable Housing for Women. Ms. Bassett won the YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2006.
Award presented by Mr. Donald Macdonald, Isabel’s brother and Ms. Shelley Lederman-Klein, ORT Canada Co-President.
Lou Milrad
Mr. Milrad is a lawyer and IT specialist. He led the way in the computerization of the legal profession and serves as a member of several Boards. These include KINSA (Kids Internet Safety Alliance), an organization that educates children, law enforcement and parents about the perils of internet predators. He is Counsel to Miller Thomson LLP, Chair and CEO of the GTMA (Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance). Mr. Milrad is an educator, public speaker and author building bridges amongst government agencies and leaders of both the public and private sectors.
Award presented by brother Mr. Aaron Milrad and Mr. Donald Carr. O. Ont.
Dr. Arnold Noyek
Dr. Arnold Noyek is a Physician, Otolaryngologist-In-Chief, Professor, author, speaker, consultant, volunteer and humanitarian. Founder of the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO), Dr. Noyek has worked actively in an international leadership role in promoting continuing medical education, professional development, and capacity-building with universities in Israel since 1972, and with Arab universities since 1982. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Noyek is one of only two Canadians in the past half-century to be honoured as First Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology at Harvard.
Award presented by Dr. Jerry Chapnik and ORT Toronto President, Justice Sandra Chapnik.
Dorothy Shoichet
Mrs. Shoichet has been a Director of Skycharter Limited from 1968 to the present and is currently the Chairperson of the Board. She has won several prestigious awards such as the North York Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Her community involvement began in 1958 as a member of Hadassah-Wizo. Mrs. Shoichet attended several United Nations Conferences and was Director of organizations including Women’s Canadian ORT from 1968-1990 and President from 1976-1980, Honourary Vice President of World ORT, Chair of the Koffler Centre of the Arts from 2000-2008, and is currently Chair Emeriti. Throughout her many endeavors, Mrs. Shoichet has nurtured an inner drive to be a participant on the stage of life, and a deep belief that those who are able must make a commitment to the betterment of the life experiences of every member of the community.
Award presented by daughter Dr. Molly Shoichet and Harriet Morton, Past ORT President.
Gala Co-Chairs were Barbara Kingstone and Wendy Switzer Myles. Donald Carr, O. Ont., Q.C. was Honourary Chair and at the helm was Master of Ceremony, Mr. Charles S. Coffey, O.C.
Justice Sandra Chapnik, ORT Toronto President, spoke of her journey with ORT as being both challenging and rewarding saying “The ORT family is on a roll!” Justice Chapnik also stated many guests found the gala to be warm and wonderful…just like a wedding or Bar Mitzvah!
World ORT Director General Robert Singer addressed the event, relaying a recent message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulating ORT on its 130th anniversary and commending it on its “global efforts to achieve education for all”.
Over a quarter of a million dollars was raised! Hundreds of disadvantaged students will receive an education and the promise of a brighter future, thanks to the generous sponsors, guests, Local Heroes Committee and ORT Toronto family.
Plans for the 5th Annual Local Heroes Gala to be held in October 2010 are underway. Stay tuned!
Thank you to our Benefactors!
Lion's Gate Bridge
Jodi & Jason Chapnik - Joseph Lebovic - Dorothy Shoichet
Confederation Bridge
Hedy & Ronald Frisch - Alan Greenberg - The Greyrock Group of Companies - Frances Mandell-Arad
Peace Bridge
Dr. Jerry & Justice Sandra Chapnik - Pearl & Felix Erlich - Marvelle & Murray Koffler - Miller Thomson LLP - Mount Sinai Hospital - Irene Reingold
Ambassador Bridge
Isabel Bassett - Elaine & Lou Milrad - Gardiner Roberts LLP - Teva Novopharm
Rainbow Bridge: Gail & Mark Appel - Rose Baum - Sheila Collin - Florence & Sydney Cooper - Wendy & Elliott Eisen - Carol Epstein - Toby & Saul Feldberg - Ruth Frisch - Malka & Al Green - Tove & Isaac Gaon - Shira Herzog - Elaine James - Elise & Harvey Kalles - Carrie Katz - Dr. Edward & Barbara Kingstone - Julia & Henry Koschitzky - Mira & Saul Koschitzky - Shelley Lederman-Klein - Florence Minz - Wendy Switzer Myles & Lou Myles - The Asper Foundation - Dr. Bernard & Carole Zucker
Patrons: Renette & David Berman - Bogoroch & Associates - Tiana Koffler Boyman & Marc Boyman - Elizabeth & Tony Comper - Phyllis & Ab Flatt - Eva & Peter Friedmann - Leah & Harvey Fruitman - Heather & Maxwell Gotlieb - Senator Jerry & Carole Grafstein - Henrietta Kostman - Carol & Morton Rapp - Edith & Kurt Rothschild - Sheila & Melvyn Rubinoff - Senator Nancy Ruth - Gloria Shulman - Harriet & Jules Solomon - Fran & Ed Sonshine - The Henry and Bernice Kaufmann Foundation - Shelley & Jerry Werger - Zuckerman Family Foundation
Donors: Tony Char Salon - Marc Anthony - Hugo Nicholson - Tiffany & Co. - K. Walsh & Associates Travel Services Inc. - Lilliana & Robin’s fine Jewellery - Glow - Davids - Joan Eiley - Marlowe - AT Design Group - Milli - Town Shoes
Special Thank you: Lyndsay Goldman – Photographer - EMI Music Canada for their generosity and the gift of the Jesse Cook CDs - DMS Video Darren Sager - Students of Seneca College – Special Events Design and Management and Visual Merchandising Arts - Students of George Brown College – Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Special Events Planning Program - Julie Ann Wolfe-May
Volunteers: Elijah Antflick - Lily Antflick - Marie Boros - Zoe Bundas - Mara Carson - Aviva Elman - Michelle Hart - Dani Lipkin - Kyra Liss - Maria Marquez - Gabriel Meranda - Shawna Meshwork - Matthew Myles - Ellie Richmond - Danny Richmond - Mary-Anne Talbot - Susie Shillow - Noah Sniderman
At the heart of the evening was the presentation of the 2009 Local Hero Award to four incredible individuals, acknowledging their commitment, leadership and dedication to the education of children and adults locally, nationally and worldwide, through unique and significant initiatives.
Isabel Bassett
Ms. Isabel Bassett is the past Chair and CEO of TVO and served as Minister of Culture in the Ontario Government. Prior to that, she spent 12 years as a host and producer of award-winning documentaries on CFTO TV, part of the CTV network. Ms. Bassett currently writes freelance articles, speaks and campaigns on behalf of women’s issues, and volunteers for the following organizations: Board Chair for York University Library Advisory Council Honourary, Co-Chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Capital, Campaign YWCA Toronto and Campaign for Elm Street Centre for Affordable Housing for Women. Ms. Bassett won the YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2006.
Award presented by Mr. Donald Macdonald, Isabel’s brother and Ms. Shelley Lederman-Klein, ORT Canada Co-President.
Lou Milrad
Mr. Milrad is a lawyer and IT specialist. He led the way in the computerization of the legal profession and serves as a member of several Boards. These include KINSA (Kids Internet Safety Alliance), an organization that educates children, law enforcement and parents about the perils of internet predators. He is Counsel to Miller Thomson LLP, Chair and CEO of the GTMA (Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance). Mr. Milrad is an educator, public speaker and author building bridges amongst government agencies and leaders of both the public and private sectors.
Award presented by brother Mr. Aaron Milrad and Mr. Donald Carr. O. Ont.
Dr. Arnold Noyek
Dr. Arnold Noyek is a Physician, Otolaryngologist-In-Chief, Professor, author, speaker, consultant, volunteer and humanitarian. Founder of the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO), Dr. Noyek has worked actively in an international leadership role in promoting continuing medical education, professional development, and capacity-building with universities in Israel since 1972, and with Arab universities since 1982. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Noyek is one of only two Canadians in the past half-century to be honoured as First Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology at Harvard.
Award presented by Dr. Jerry Chapnik and ORT Toronto President, Justice Sandra Chapnik.
Dorothy Shoichet
Mrs. Shoichet has been a Director of Skycharter Limited from 1968 to the present and is currently the Chairperson of the Board. She has won several prestigious awards such as the North York Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Her community involvement began in 1958 as a member of Hadassah-Wizo. Mrs. Shoichet attended several United Nations Conferences and was Director of organizations including Women’s Canadian ORT from 1968-1990 and President from 1976-1980, Honourary Vice President of World ORT, Chair of the Koffler Centre of the Arts from 2000-2008, and is currently Chair Emeriti. Throughout her many endeavors, Mrs. Shoichet has nurtured an inner drive to be a participant on the stage of life, and a deep belief that those who are able must make a commitment to the betterment of the life experiences of every member of the community.
Award presented by daughter Dr. Molly Shoichet and Harriet Morton, Past ORT President.
Gala Co-Chairs were Barbara Kingstone and Wendy Switzer Myles. Donald Carr, O. Ont., Q.C. was Honourary Chair and at the helm was Master of Ceremony, Mr. Charles S. Coffey, O.C.
Justice Sandra Chapnik, ORT Toronto President, spoke of her journey with ORT as being both challenging and rewarding saying “The ORT family is on a roll!” Justice Chapnik also stated many guests found the gala to be warm and wonderful…just like a wedding or Bar Mitzvah!
World ORT Director General Robert Singer addressed the event, relaying a recent message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulating ORT on its 130th anniversary and commending it on its “global efforts to achieve education for all”.
Over a quarter of a million dollars was raised! Hundreds of disadvantaged students will receive an education and the promise of a brighter future, thanks to the generous sponsors, guests, Local Heroes Committee and ORT Toronto family.
Plans for the 5th Annual Local Heroes Gala to be held in October 2010 are underway. Stay tuned!
Thank you to our Benefactors!
Lion's Gate Bridge
Jodi & Jason Chapnik - Joseph Lebovic - Dorothy Shoichet
Confederation Bridge
Hedy & Ronald Frisch - Alan Greenberg - The Greyrock Group of Companies - Frances Mandell-Arad
Peace Bridge
Dr. Jerry & Justice Sandra Chapnik - Pearl & Felix Erlich - Marvelle & Murray Koffler - Miller Thomson LLP - Mount Sinai Hospital - Irene Reingold
Ambassador Bridge
Isabel Bassett - Elaine & Lou Milrad - Gardiner Roberts LLP - Teva Novopharm
Rainbow Bridge: Gail & Mark Appel - Rose Baum - Sheila Collin - Florence & Sydney Cooper - Wendy & Elliott Eisen - Carol Epstein - Toby & Saul Feldberg - Ruth Frisch - Malka & Al Green - Tove & Isaac Gaon - Shira Herzog - Elaine James - Elise & Harvey Kalles - Carrie Katz - Dr. Edward & Barbara Kingstone - Julia & Henry Koschitzky - Mira & Saul Koschitzky - Shelley Lederman-Klein - Florence Minz - Wendy Switzer Myles & Lou Myles - The Asper Foundation - Dr. Bernard & Carole Zucker
Patrons: Renette & David Berman - Bogoroch & Associates - Tiana Koffler Boyman & Marc Boyman - Elizabeth & Tony Comper - Phyllis & Ab Flatt - Eva & Peter Friedmann - Leah & Harvey Fruitman - Heather & Maxwell Gotlieb - Senator Jerry & Carole Grafstein - Henrietta Kostman - Carol & Morton Rapp - Edith & Kurt Rothschild - Sheila & Melvyn Rubinoff - Senator Nancy Ruth - Gloria Shulman - Harriet & Jules Solomon - Fran & Ed Sonshine - The Henry and Bernice Kaufmann Foundation - Shelley & Jerry Werger - Zuckerman Family Foundation
Donors: Tony Char Salon - Marc Anthony - Hugo Nicholson - Tiffany & Co. - K. Walsh & Associates Travel Services Inc. - Lilliana & Robin’s fine Jewellery - Glow - Davids - Joan Eiley - Marlowe - AT Design Group - Milli - Town Shoes
Special Thank you: Lyndsay Goldman – Photographer - EMI Music Canada for their generosity and the gift of the Jesse Cook CDs - DMS Video Darren Sager - Students of Seneca College – Special Events Design and Management and Visual Merchandising Arts - Students of George Brown College – Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Special Events Planning Program - Julie Ann Wolfe-May
Volunteers: Elijah Antflick - Lily Antflick - Marie Boros - Zoe Bundas - Mara Carson - Aviva Elman - Michelle Hart - Dani Lipkin - Kyra Liss - Maria Marquez - Gabriel Meranda - Shawna Meshwork - Matthew Myles - Ellie Richmond - Danny Richmond - Mary-Anne Talbot - Susie Shillow - Noah Sniderman
2010 ORT Hero Award - Edward L Greenspan QC LLD
Wed. Oct 27, 2010
Four Seasons Hotel
Wed. Oct 27, 2010
Four Seasons Hotel
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