Historic 'TEN' gala to benefit largest brain tumor centre in Canada
TORONTO, May 26 /CNW/ - With festive French-flair, the historic 'TEN' gala will bring together many of the city's famous personalities and socialites in support of Canada's largest brain tumor centre -- The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital. The fabulously French-inspired soirée marks ten years of fundraising activities to finance state-of-the-art treatment and research at the Centre. Presented by The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Trust, 'TEN' is expected to net more than $600,000 CDN because of tremendous corporate and private support. Cumulative net earnings prior to this year are in excess of $5 million CDN.
Ten Years of Bringing Hope
The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Trust carries out a range of exciting fundraising events to support ongoing research and patient care at The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre. Each year, the annual Spring Gala offers one of the hottest nights on Toronto's party circuit while raising much needed funds to support state-of-the-art treatment and research.
"It is hard to believe that we are celebrating ten fundraising events. An historic achievement made possible because of the strong support of the community, as well as the outstanding commitment of our dedicated sponsors," said Nancy Pencer, President of The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Trust. "Now, my hope is that within the next ten years we can celebrate a cure!"
"The Pencer Centre conducts research that has been pivotal in defining a new standard of care for patients, like Gerry, who are diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme -- the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The Centre researchers are now taking this breakthrough one step further and testing this treatment in related brain tumors where the standard of care remains controversial. This is the first advancement in treatment protocol in more than three decades! Staff remains committed to taking a leading role in this research and continue to expand the limits further and further until our ultimate goal can be realized... a cure. None of this work would have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors," said Nancy Pencer.
Guests will be welcomed by super-chic master of ceremonies, Abby Tobias from Sole Power. All night dancing entertainment will be provided by outstanding entertainers including Sole Power Band and Blushing Brides. Corporate Chef Michael Ewing from Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex has designed a fabulous menu that includes delicious food stations throughout the venue. Guests can enter a Lucky Bracelet draw to win a diamond and gold bangle by Isabella Briatico Fine Jewellery (Value - $19,800); raffle to win $10,000 cash; and bid on an array of spectacular auction items including an original painting by exciting Canadian artist Zarum (Value - $35,000).
Organizers are grateful to all donors including: Evening Sponsor - Red Rain by Cott Corporation; Décor Sponsor - The William and Ida Pencer Foundation; Furniture and Accessories Sponsor - LOUNGE Rentals Inc.; Entertainment Sponsor - David & Stacey Cynamon Family Foundation; Magazine Sponsor - TD Securities; Silent Auction Sponsor - GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.; Silent Auction Booklet Sponsor - Richard and Nathalie Wachsberg; Lucky Bracelet Sponsor - Isabella Briatico Fine Jewellery Design and Craftsmanship; Tequila Sponsor - Henri & Lily Cynamon; Wine and Prosecco Sponsor - Halpern Enterprises; Evening Memento Sponsor - Liquid Keratin, Sheldon & Venus Miller and Family, MAC, Red Rain, Laurel & Danny Fleisher and Family.
Making A Difference
On May 23, 1997, Gerry Pencer was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumor. For the active and effervescent CEO of the world's largest private label soft drink maker, this was the most frightening and lonely time of his life. During the course of his illness, Gerry sought information, answers and treatment options, and support systems for both himself and his family. When he discovered the lack of readily available resources for brain tumor patients, Gerry Pencer set out to change all that. And like everything else he did, he was determined to do it big. Gerry transformed his devastating diagnosis into The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Trust, a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to make a difference in the quality of life of people living with brain tumors. And is the primary source of funding for The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre
Gerry Pencer would be very proud of the legacy he created and that his family continues to grow and support. Since opening in November 1998, The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre has provided information, treatment and support for brain tumor patients and their families. Today, it is the largest brain tumor centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world in terms of patient visits.
The creation of an all-in-one 'Centre of Excellence' is reflective of Gerry's personal philosophy, which he explained in his personal memoir, The Ride of My Life: "I don't like half measures. My career has been built around being an innovator, never giving up, making things happen, being a catalyst for change, a change maker. I want to bring that to the foundation."
The Centre has attracted and retained an outstanding team of healthcare professionals in a variety of disciplines, and, in the words of their esteemed Medical Director, Dr. Warren Mason, "Having experts from a wide variety of disciplines working together in one location creates a patient-centred clinic that is unique in Canada, as well as an extremely dynamic research environment."
For further information: For complimentary media passes or to schedule interviews contact: Lorraine Doherty, (416) 939-9409, [email protected]
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